Olney Hymns · Chapter
The Christian explained
This poem celebrates the exalted state of the Christian, who is honored and happy, bearing a kingly character and a priestly office.
What happens
This poem celebrates the exalted state of the Christian, who is honored and happy, bearing a kingly character and a priestly office. The Christian is adorned with glory from on high, disdains earthly honors, and is sustained by the King of kings. The poem culminates in a vision of the Christian rising to heaven, welcomed by angels, and receiving the kingdom of eternal love.
Themes in this chapter
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
The poem vividly portrays the Christian's ultimate ascent to heaven, where angels welcome him and he receives an unfading crown and eternal joys.
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The Christian's exalted state is described as a gift from God, who 'gives him all he can bestow'—a kingdom of eternal love, highlighting divine grace.
Characters to notice
- The Saints
The Christian is depicted as a saintly figure, adorned with glory and destined for a throne above.
- Jesus Christ
Referred to as the King of kings who maintains the Christian's heavenly birth and bestows the kingdom of eternal love.
- Angels
Angels congratulate the Christian's lot and shout him welcome to the skies.
Key passages
“I Honour and happiness unite To make the Christian’s name a praise;”
Honor and happiness come together to make the Christian's name praiseworthy.
The opening lines establish the Christian's blessed state.
“A kingly character he bears, No change his priestly office knows;”
He possesses a royal nature, and his priestly role is unchanging.
Highlights the Christian's dual role as king and priest.
“The King of kings himself maintains Th expenses of his heavenly birth.”
The King of kings himself supports the costs of his heavenly origin.
Emphasizes divine provision for the Christian's spiritual life.
“God gives him all he can bestow His kingdom of eternal love!”
God grants him everything He can give, which is His kingdom of eternal love.
The climax of the poem, portraying God's ultimate gift.
“My soul is ravish’d at the thought! Methinks from earth I see him rise!”
My soul is overwhelmed with joy at the thought! I imagine I see him rising from the earth!
The narrator's emotional response to the vision of the Christian's ascension.