Olney Hymns · Chapter
Death and War. 1778 explained
This poem reflects on the passage of time, the sorrows of the past year, and the devastation of war, attributing these calamities to human sin.
What happens
This poem reflects on the passage of time, the sorrows of the past year, and the devastation of war, attributing these calamities to human sin. It contrasts the security of those who know God's love with the peril of the unrepentant, and prays for the youth to be taught saving truth and granted refuge.
Themes in this chapter
Human Sinfulness and Depravity
The poem attributes the year's sorrows and war to the 'fruitful seeds of sin,' highlighting human depravity as the cause of divine judgment.
Suffering and Affliction
The poem describes 'crops of sorrow' and the devastating effects of war, including death and desolation, as afflictions experienced by the land.
Divine Providence and Guidance
War is said to march 'at the Lord's command,' and God is seen as directing events, providing refuge for the faithful, and being implored to teach the youth.
Prayer and Dependence on God
The poem concludes with a prayer for the youth, asking the Lord to teach them saving truth and be their refuge, demonstrating dependence on God.
Characters to notice
- The Lord
The Lord is portrayed as the commander of war and the protector of the faithful, who will fulfill his promises and provide refuge.
- Death
Death is personified as an unsparing reaper who mows down the gay and blithe without warning.
- Sin
Sin is identified as the fruitful seed producing great sorrow and provoking divine judgment.
- The Narrator
The narrator speaks from a perspective of concern and trembling for the youth, while acknowledging safety for those who know God's love.
Key passages
“Hark! how Time’s wide-sounding bell Strikes on each attentive ear! Tolling loud the solemn knell Of the late departed year”
Listen! The loud bell of Time rings in everyone's ears, announcing the death of the past year.
The poem opens with the imagery of a funeral bell marking the end of the year.
“Sad experience may relate What a year the last has been: Crops of sorrow have been great From the fruitful seeds of sin”
Our sad experiences can tell what the past year was like: it produced a great harvest of sorrow because of the abundant seeds of sin.
The narrator reflects on the past year's suffering as a consequence of sin.
“See how War, with dreadful stride, Marches at the Lord’s command, Spreading desolation wide Through a once much-favour’d land”
See how War strides fearfully, moving according to God's command, destroying a land that was once greatly favored.
War is depicted as an instrument of divine judgment.
“You are safe who know his love; He will all his truth perform; To your souls a refuge prove From the rage of every storm”
Those who know God's love are safe; He will fulfill all his promises and be a refuge for your souls from every storm.
The poem offers assurance to believers, contrasting their safety with the danger faced by the unrepentant.