Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned

By Samuel Stennett

Lyrics

1. Majestic sweetness sits enthroned
upon the Savior's brow;
His head with radiant glories crowned,
His lips with grace o'erflow,
His lips with grace o'erflow.

2. No mortal can with Him compare,
among the sons of men;
fairer is He than all the fair
who fill the heav'nly train,
who fill the heav'nly train.

3. He saw me plunged in deep distress,
and flew to my relief;
for me He bore the shameful cross,
and carried all my grief,
and carried all my grief.

4. To Him I owe my life and breath,
and all the joys I have;
He makes me triumph over death,
and saves me from the grave,
and saves me from the grave.

Bible Reference

Song of Solomon 5:10-16

About This Hymn

The hymn was written by Samuel Stennett (1727–1795), a respected Baptist pastor and hymnwriter, and set to music by Thomas Hastings (1784–1872), a prominent American composer. The tune, "Ortonville," is written in Common Meter (CM, 86.86) and has become a cherished pairing with Stennett’s text.

The lyrics draw inspiration from Song of Solomon 5:10-16, where the beloved is described in exalted terms, foreshadowing Christ’s beauty and majesty. The hymn also reflects the truth of Hebrews 2:9, which speaks of Jesus being "crowned with glory and honor" after suffering death for humanity.

Originally published with nine stanzas, the hymn was titled "The Chief Among Ten Thousand" or "The Excellencies of Christ." It stands as one of the finest communion hymns in evangelical hymnals, focusing on the adoration of Christ’s person and redemptive work.

Samuel Stennett was born in Exeter, England, in 1727, the son of Dr. Joseph Stennett, a well-known Baptist pastor. In 1748, Samuel became his father’s assistant at the Little Wild Street Church in London and succeeded him as pastor ten years later. He served there for 37 years, gaining renown as a powerful evangelical preacher and earning the respect of influential figures, including King George III. In 1763, he received a Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of Aberdeen in recognition of his contributions.

Stennett wrote 39 hymns, many of which appeared in John Rippon’s famous 1787 collection, A Selection of Hymns from the Best Authors. His most enduring hymns include "Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned" and "On Jordan’s Stormy Banks."

The hymn’s enduring appeal was further strengthened by Thomas Hastings’ 1837 composition. Despite suffering from poor eyesight, Hastings became one of the most influential church musicians of the 19th century, composing over 1,000 hymn tunes and 600 texts. His other notable works include "From Every Stormy Wind That Blows," "Rock of Ages," and "Come, Ye Disconsolate."

Together, Stennett’s profound words and Hastings’ moving melody create a hymn that continues to inspire worship and devotion, celebrating Christ as the supreme object of adoration.