Today’s hymn is written by William How (1823-1897) who studied at Wadham College, Oxford, and Durham University and was ordained in the Church of England in 1847. He served various congregations and became Suffragan Bishop in east London in 1879 and Bishop of Wakefield in 1888. Called both the “poor man’s bishop” and “the children’s bishop,” How was known for his work among the destitute in the London slums and among the factory workers in west Yorkshire. While rector in Whittington, How wrote some sixty hymns, including many for children1 . Enjoy this one!
Jesus! Name of wondrous love,
name all other names above,
unto which must ev’ry knee
bow in deep humility.
Jesus! Name decreed of old,
to the maiden mother told,
kneeling in her lowly cell,
by the angel Gabriel.
Jesus! Name of priceless worth
to the fallen here on earth
for the promise that it gave,
“Jesus shall his people save.”
Jesus! Name of mercy mild,
given to the Holy Child
when the cup of human woe
first he tasted here below.
Jesus! Only name that’s giv’n
under all the mighty heav’n
whereby those to sin enslaved
burst their fetters and are saved.
Jesus! Name of wondrous love,
human name of God above;
pleading only this, we flee
helpless, O our God, to thee.
1hymnary.org/person/How_William
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