Olney Hymns · Chapter
Questions to Unbelief explained
The speaker, having fled to Jesus in prayer, questions why he should give in to grief or care.
What happens
The speaker, having fled to Jesus in prayer, questions why he should give in to grief or care. He affirms God's providence over all events, His care for even the smallest creatures, and His past faithfulness in saving him while he was still a sinner. The speaker reasons that if God provided for him when he was an enemy, and if He has now given His Spirit and even His own Son's blood, He will not withhold any good thing. The chapter concludes with a defiant rejection of Satan's devices, resting assured in the redemption price secured by Christ.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Trust in Christ
The entire chapter is an exercise in trusting Christ despite feelings, using reasoned arguments from God's promises and providence.
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The speaker reflects on being spared and reconciled while an enemy, highlighting the unmerited favor of God.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
The object of the soul's flight for relief; His promise and providence are trusted; His precious blood is the ultimate assurance.
- Satan
Addressed as the one whose devices are vain; the speaker's hope is assured against his accusations.
- The Holy Spirit
Mentioned as the guide of the believer, a further evidence of God's commitment.
- God
His providence, care, and mercy are central; He is the one who watches over, spares, and supplies.
Key passages
“If to Jesus for relief My soul has fled by pray’r, Why should I give way to grief, Or heart-consuming care?”
Since I have already turned to Jesus in prayer for help, why should I allow sorrow or worry to overwhelm me?
The opening question challenges the logic of despair after having committed the soul to Christ.
“While I know his providence Disposes each event, Shall I judge by feeble sense, And yield to discontent?”
Since I believe that God's providence controls every circumstance, should I rely on my weak human perception and become dissatisfied?
The speaker contrasts divine sovereignty with human frailty.
“If he worms and sparrows feed, Clothe the grass in rich array, Can he see a child in need, And turn his eye away?”
If God cares for the smallest creatures and adorns the grass, how could He ignore the needs of His own child?
An argument from lesser to greater, echoing Jesus' teaching on God's care.
“When his name was quite unknown, And sin my life employ’d, Then he watch’d me as his own, Or I had been destroy’d!”
Even when I did not know God and lived in sin, He protected me as if I were His own, otherwise I would have been ruined.
The speaker recalls God's providential care before conversion.
“If he shed his precious blood To bring me to his fold, Can I think that meaner good He ever will withhold?”
If Christ gave His life to save me, how could I imagine He would withhold any lesser blessing?
The ultimate sacrifice is the guarantee of all other provisions.
“Satan, vain is thy device! Here my hope rests assured, In that great redemption price I see the whole secured.”
Satan, your schemes are futile! My hope is firmly anchored, because in the price of redemption I see everything guaranteed.
The final declaration of victory over doubt and accusation.