# Will Ye Also Go Away? explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

The poem reflects on the temptation to abandon the Christian faith, acknowledging human weakness and the necessity of divine grace to persevere. The speaker affirms that only Christ has the words of eternal life and resolves to remain faithful, relying on His power and promise.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Trust in Christ

The speaker expresses unwavering trust in Christ as the only source of salvation and eternal life.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The speaker acknowledges that only boundless grace can provide relief and satisfaction.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

The Saviour who asks the question and is recognized as the Christ of God with eternal life.

### The Narrator

The speaker who wrestles with the temptation to turn away and ultimately answers 'No.'

## Key lines

> When any turn from Zion’s way— Alas! what numbers do!— Methinks I hear my Saviour say, “Wilt thou forsake me too?”

Many people abandon the Christian faith, and the speaker imagines Jesus asking if he will also leave.

_The opening stanza sets the theme of apostasy and personal challenge._

> Ah, Lord! with such a heart as mine, Unless thou hold me fast, I feel I must, I shall decline, And prove like them at last.

The speaker admits that without God's sustaining power, he would inevitably fall away like those who have left.

_Acknowledges human frailty and dependence on divine grace._

> Yet thou alone hast power, I know, To save a wretch like me; To whom, or whither, could I go, If I should turn from thee?

Only Christ has the power to save someone as sinful as the speaker; there is no other place to turn.

_Echoes Peter's confession in John 6:68._

> Beyond a doubt I rest assured Thou art the Christ of God, Who hast eternal life secured By promise and by blood.

The speaker is certain that Jesus is the Messiah and that eternal life is guaranteed through His promises and sacrificial death.

_Affirms the deity of Christ and the assurance of salvation._

> No voice but thine can give me rest, And bid my fears depart; No love but thine can make me bless’d. And satisfy my heart.

Only Jesus can bring peace and remove fear; only His love can bring true happiness and contentment.

_Expresses the sufficiency of Christ for all needs._

> What anguish has that question stirr’d, If I will also go? Yet, Lord, relying on thy word, I humbly answer—No.

The question causes deep distress, but trusting in God's promise, the speaker humbly refuses to leave.

_The final resolution of the poem: a firm commitment to remain faithful._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/115-will-ye-also-go-away
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters