# Casting the Gospel Net explained — Olney Hymns > Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton. ## What happens The chapter is a hymn by Newton that uses the metaphor of casting a gospel net, drawing from Peter's experience of fishing all night without success until Jesus appears. It prays for God's blessing on the new year, for the conversion of sinners, the restoration of backsliders, and the continued raising of a people to praise God. ## Themes in this chapter ### Prayer and Dependence on God The entire hymn is a prayer for God's help, presence, and power in the new year. ### Grace and Unmerited Favor The hymn emphasizes God's grace in saving sinners and restoring backsliders. ## Character check-ins ### Peter Referenced in the opening stanza as the one who cast his net in vain until the Lord appeared. ### Jesus Christ Appears to Peter and is the Lord who commands the gospel net to be cast again. ### Satan Mentioned as the one holding souls in bondage. ### The Lord Addressed throughout the prayer for blessing, presence, and power. ## Key lines > When Peter, through the tedious night, Had often cast his net in vain, Soon as the Lord appear’d in sight He gladly let it down again. After a night of fruitless fishing, Peter immediately obeyed when Jesus appeared, letting down his net again. _This references the gospel account of the miraculous catch of fish._ > We learn from disappointments past To rest our hope on thee alone. Past failures teach us to place our trust solely in God. _The hymn draws a lesson from Peter's experience._ > clothe thy word with sovereign power To break the rocks and raise the dead! May your word have the power to soften hard hearts and bring spiritual life to the dead. _This is a prayer for the powerful effect of the gospel._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/10-casting-the-gospel-net - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters