Words for this hymn by John Newton verses can be found below.
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The hymn was published in 1779 in "Olney Hymns", the joint work of Newton and the poet William Cowper. In that volume it appears under the title “The Name of Jesus,” based on verse 3 of Chapter 1 of the Song of Solomon: "thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee.”
The tune was written by Alexander R. Reinagle (1799-1877) and first published in "Psalm Tunes for Voice and Piano Forte" (c. 1830). It was given the name ST. PETER, after the church where Reinagle was organist, St. Peter-in-the-East, Oxford.
1. How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer's ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
2. It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary rest.
3. Dear name! the rock on which I build,
My shield and hiding-place,
My never-failing treasury filled
With boundless stores of grace.
4. Jesus! my Shepherd, Brother, Friend,
My Prophet, Priest, and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise I bring.
5. 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.
6. Till then I would thy love proclaim
With every fleeting breath;
And may the music of thy name
Refresh my soul in death.