How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

John Newton · 1779

Catalog grade guidance: 3–5 — Classic Olney hymn; Christian school memory staple.

33 content lines · 176 words · Est. recitation about 2 min 11 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (Olney Hymns, 1779).Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

Hymn 57

John Newton

8,6,8,6

The name of Jesus.
SS 1:3

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

In a believer's ear?

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,

And drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole,

And calms the troubled breast;

'Tis Manna to the hungry soul,

And to the weary rest.

Dear name! the rock on which I build,

My shield and hiding place;

My never-failing treas'ry filled

With boundless stores of grace.

By thee my prayers acceptance gain,

Although with sin defiled,

Satan accuses me in vain,

And I am owned a child.

Jesus! my Shepherd, Husband, Friend,

My Prophet, Priest, and King;

My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,

Accept the praise I bring.

Weak is the effort of my heart,

And cold my warmest thought;

But when I see thee as thou art,

I'll praise thee as I ought.

'Till then I would thy love proclaim

With every fleeting breath,

And may the music of thy name

Refresh my soul in death.