CHRISTIAN LIFE >> HOPE & COMFORT
SDAH 474
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.
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: Take the Name of Jesus With You
Written in 1870 by Lydia Baxter, a faithful Baptist believer who endured years of invalidism, this hymn reflects her own source of comfort—speaking the name of Jesus as a shield against discouragement. Her New York City home became a hub for Christian workers, radiating hope despite her suffering. The tune PRECIOUS NAME, composed by William Howard Doane for these very words, pairs tender melody with heartfelt devotion, urging believers to carry the name of Jesus into every circumstance until they receive “joy and comfort” in His presence forever.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Lillian Baxter was born on September 8, 1809, in Petersburg, New York. She was converted by a Baptist missionary. With her sister she formed a Baptist church in her hometown but married and moved to New York City. Unfortunately she was a bedridden invalid for many years, but she took great comfort, as expressed in this hymn, in the glorious hope held out to those who trust in Jesus. Her own home was made a strong center of Christian influence and a rendezvous for Christian workers. She died on June 22, 1874, in New York City.
Baxter wrote a book of devotional poems and other gospel songs besides this one that she wrote in 1870. In it she describes her own personal experience, for in order to strengthen herself in her struggle against the pain and agony of her invalidism, she uttered the name of Jesus her Saviour as a defense against discouragement.
The tune, sometimes called PRECIOUS NAME, was composed especially for the words and appeared in Pure Gold, edited in 1871 by William Howard Doane and Robert Lowry.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
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.
Refrain
Precious Name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n.
Precious Name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of Heav’n.
2
Take the Name of Jesus ever,
As a shield from every snare;
If temptations round you gather,
Breathe that holy Name in prayer.
3
O the precious Name of Jesus!
How it thrills our souls with joy,
When His loving arms receive us,
And His songs our tongues employ!
4
At the Name of Jesus bowing,
Falling prostrate at His feet,
King of kings in heav’n we’ll crown Him,
When our journey is complete.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Ps 72:19 (d) Rev 17:14
Author
Lillian Baxter (1809-1874)
Year Published
1870
Metrical Number
8.7.8.7.Ref.
Composer
William H. Doane (1832-1915)
Year Composed
1871
