To The Name That Speaks Salvation

This hymn was used in some regional breviaries for the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. According to Hymns Ancient and Modern the source was the Liège Breviary, but according to the Thesaurus Hymnologicus and The Latin Hymn Writers and Their Hymns it comes from the Meissen Breviary.

This is the original text of this hymn as it appears in Church Hymns (1871) where it is listed under General Hymns:

To the Name that speaks salvation
Praise and honour let us pay,
Which before the world’s creation
In the Father’s Bosom lay,
But to every tongue and nation
By the Church is known to-day.

Name belovèd, Name of Jesus!
Name beyond what words can tell;
Name that comforts, Name that pleases
Every heart which knows it well;
Name that man from guilt releases,
Name that breaks the bonds of hell!

Name for lowly adoration,
Name for high triumphant lays;
Name for constant meditation
Through the world’s perplexing ways;
Name which yonder ransomed nation
Worthily alone can praise!

Name of which the true proclaiming
To the ear like music cleaves;
Name of which the very naming
On the lips its sweetness leaves;
Name on which her musings framing
Light and joy the soul receives.

Name in worthiest honour planted
Over every name on high;
Name whereby our foe is daunted,
Satan’s hosts in terror fly;
Name to man in mercy granted,
Timely succour to supply.

Thus with reverent awe we greet Thee,
Name most blessèd to our sight!
Holy JESU, we entreat Thee
In our hearts Thy Name to write,
Till that face to face we meet Thee,
Gathered to Thy saints in light! Amen.

Words: Anonymous, 15th C.; John Ellerton, 1871.
Tune (Church Hymns): “St. Lawrence” Charles H. Steggall, 1826-1905.
Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7

The original Latin text of this hymn may be found here.