TAKE THE NAME OF JESUS WITH YOU

So many of the great hymns were written by folks who lived with serious physical challenges.  Lydia Baxter (1809 - 1874) was a bedridden invalid for much of her life, but that didn't keep her from leading a life full of service and encouragement.  It is said that she and her sister were once responsible for establishing a Baptist Church in Petersburg, New York.  After her marriage, she and her husband moved to New York City where her home became known as a gathering place for preachers, evangelists, and Christian workers who would come to her for inspiration and advice.  It is said that a visit to her sickroom was not so much to comfort her as to receive encouragement for their own lives and spirits.  Whenever she was questioned about her cheery disposition, despite her physical limitations, she would reply, "I have a very special armor.  I have the name of Jesus. When the tempter tries to make be blue or despondent, I mention the name of Jesus, and he can't get through to me anymore."  This week's hymn is said to have been written by her on her sickbed, four years before her death in 1874. William H. Doane composed the music for this text shortly after Mrs. Baxter wrote it, and the hymn was first published in the hymnal, Pure Gold, edited by Doane and Robert Lowry, in 1871. This hymn was widely used during the Moody-Sankey evangelistic campaigns, in the latter quarter of the nineteenth century.  Although she wrote a number of other gospel hymns, this is the only one that remains in common use today. It is has often been used in church services as a closing hymn since it provides an important reminder to go forth each day, taking His name with us, while sharing with others what He has done in our lives. In one sense the hymn is really the personal testimony of Lydia Baxter's experiences with the name of Jesus throughout her life.   His name is indeed precious and sweet and the only real hope of earth and joy of heaven.  May we fall prostate before the King of Kings and claim victory through His precious name!

(1)    Take the name of Jesus with you,

Child of sorrow and of woe;

It will joy and comfort give you,

Take it then where'er you go.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

(2)   Take the name of Jesus ever,

As a shield from every snare.

If temptations round you gather,

Breathe that holy name in prayer.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

(3)   Oh, the precious name of Jesus,

How it thrills our souls with joy;

When His loving arms receive us,

And His songs our tongues employ.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

(4)    At the name of Jesus bowing,

Falling prostrate at His feet,

King of kings in heaven we'll crown Him,

When our journey is complete.

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heav'n;

Precious name! Oh, how sweet!

Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

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