When most people hear the name “John Newton,” they automatically associate it with the hymn Amazing Grace.

While I dearly love that hymn (and what Christian doesn’t?), I was reminded today of another hymn he wrote.

John Newton lived an incredibly rough life in his younger years.
Although it takes the same amount of grace to save a religious child as it does someone who lived a life of wickedness, I believe sometimes those of us who were saved young can lose the awe and wonderment, and we can forget exactly where Christ brought us from.

To Mr. Newton, it certainly was amazing that the grace of God would reach down to where he was and rescue him!
He didn’t forget how precious it was for God the Father to take notice of him, God the Holy Ghost to convict him of sin, and God the Son to purchase his redemption.
Jesus’ name was certainly sweet to his ears and heart!

As I was reminded of this old hymn, may we all be reminded of the truth found within it.
May the name of Jesus truly be sweet to our hearts!

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

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 treasury, 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,
O 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!