# Another explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

The poem is a prayerful meditation on approaching the throne of grace through Christ's atoning blood. It encourages boldness in prayer, trust in God's provision, and a desire for holiness and heavenly glory, while renouncing worldly vanities.

## Themes in this chapter

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The throne of grace and the promise of answered prayer highlight God's unmerited favor toward sinners.

### Prayer and Dependence on God

The entire poem is a prayer, urging boldness in approaching God and dependence on his provision.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Shows a smiling face at the throne of grace and waits to answer prayer; his atoning blood provides an all-prevailing plea.

### God

The Lord commands prayer and opens his bounteous hand to supply the praying soul.

### The Narrator

The speaker approaches the throne of grace, asks for blessings, and expresses willingness to leave worldly toys.

## Key lines

> I Behold the throne of grace! The promise calls me near; There Jesus shows a smiling face, And waits to answer pray’r.

I see the place where God's grace is dispensed; God's promise invites me to come close, where Jesus welcomes me and is ready to respond to my prayers.

_The opening stanza establishes the central image of approaching God's throne through Christ._

> My soul, ask what thou wilt⁠— Thou canst not be too bold; Since his own blood for thee he spilt, What else can he withhold?

My soul, you may ask for anything you desire; you cannot be too daring, because since Christ shed his blood for you, he will not withhold any good thing.

_Encourages boldness in prayer based on the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice._

> Cheerful the world’s poor toys I leave To them who know not thee.

I gladly abandon the trivial pleasures of this world to those who do not know God.

_Expresses the theme of the vanity of worldly things in contrast to knowing God._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/33-another
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters