# Earthly Prospects Deceitful explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This chapter warns against the deceptive nature of earthly prospects and the folly of youthful confidence in a long and pleasant life. It describes how disappointment and death often shatter these dreams, and how sin has poisoned all earthly things. The only cure is grace, which sweetens life and calls sinners to repentance. The chapter urges the reader to heed the Savior's voice now, before the day of grace passes and it is too late.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Vanity of Worldly Things

The chapter emphasizes that earthly prospects are deceitful and that all human plans and joys are fleeting, like dreams that leave no trace.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

Grace is presented as the only remedy for sin's curse, inviting sinners to repent and be saved.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

The narrator observes the vanity of earthly prospects and the certainty of disappointment, speaking from experience and warning the young.

### Jesus Christ

The Savior's voice calls sinners to repentance, offering grace and salvation.

### Grace

Grace is presented as the only cure for human ills, able to sweeten life and save from snares.

### Death

Death is depicted as a strong hand that can cut life short at noon, ending all earthly schemes.

## Key lines

> Oft in vain the voice of truth Solemnly and loudly warns; Thoughtless, inexperienced youth, Though it hears, the warning scorns

The voice of truth often warns in vain, because inexperienced youth scorns the warning despite hearing it.

_The poet laments the folly of youth who ignore wise counsel._

> Awful disappointment soon Overclouds the prospect gay; Some their sun goes down at noon, Torn by death’s strong hand away

Soon, terrible disappointment darkens the cheerful outlook; some people die young, taken by death's powerful hand.

_The suddenness of death and the collapse of youthful hopes are described._

> Sin has spread a curse around, Poison’d all things here below; On this base polluted ground Peace and joy can never grow

Sin has spread a curse and poisoned everything on earth; on this corrupt ground, peace and joy cannot flourish.

_The universal effect of sin is seen as the root of all earthly misery._

> Grace alone can cure our ills, Sweeten life with all its cares, Regulate our stubborn wills, Save us from surrounding snares

Only grace can heal our troubles, make life sweet despite its cares, control our stubborn wills, and save us from the traps around us.

_Grace is the only remedy for the human condition._

> Call’d again, at length beware, Hear the Saviour’s voice and live; Lest he in his wrath should swear, He no more will warning give

You have been called again; now be careful, listen to the Savior's voice and live, lest in his anger he swears he will warn you no more.

_The urgency of responding to God's call before it is too late is emphasized._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/6-earthly-prospects-deceitful
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters