# A Famine of the Word explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

The poem reflects on the danger of taking the gospel for granted, comparing it to the manna that the Israelites initially prized but later despised. It warns that if the Lord withholds the gospel, material wealth cannot compensate, and the community would suffer spiritual famine and moral decay. The poem concludes with a prayer for preservation from such a judgment.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Vanity of Worldly Things

The poem contrasts material wealth with spiritual nourishment, asserting that gold cannot compensate for the loss of the gospel.

### Prayer and Dependence on God

The poem concludes with a prayer for preservation from a famine of the word, showing dependence on God's mercy.

## Character check-ins

### The Lord

The one who sends and withholds the gospel bread, and to whom the prayer for preservation is addressed.

### The Narrator

Speaks for the community, expressing concern over the potential loss of the gospel and pleading for its continuation.

### The Saints

The 'believing parents' and 'praying few' who value the gospel and serve as a bulwark against sin.

## Key lines

> Thus gospel-bread at first is prized, / And makes a people glad; / But afterwards too much despised / When easy to be had.

In the same way, the gospel is initially valued and brings joy, but it is often scorned when it becomes readily available.

_The poem draws a parallel between the Israelites' reaction to manna and the tendency to undervalue the gospel._

> But should the Lord, displeased, withhold / The bread his mercy sends, / To have our houses fill’d with gold / Would make but poor amends.

If the Lord, in his displeasure, takes away the gospel, even great wealth would not compensate for the loss.

_The poem emphasizes the superiority of spiritual blessings over material riches._

> The gospel, and a praying few, / Our bulwark long have proved; / But Olney sure the day will rue / When these shall be removed.

The gospel and a small group of praying believers have been our defense for a long time, but Olney will certainly regret the day when they are taken away.

_The poem warns of the consequences of losing the gospel and the faithful._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/49-a-famine-of-the-word
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters