Olney Hymns · Chapter
Confession and Prayer. Dec. 13, 1776 explained
A hymn of national confession and intercession, acknowledging God's judgments upon the land due to widespread sin and ingratitude, while pleading for mercy and restoration.
What happens
A hymn of national confession and intercession, acknowledging God's judgments upon the land due to widespread sin and ingratitude, while pleading for mercy and restoration.
Themes in this chapter
Prayer and Dependence on God
The entire hymn is a prayer for mercy and forgiveness, acknowledging dependence on God's grace.
Human Sinfulness and Depravity
The hymn vividly describes the nation's rebellion, ingratitude, and the blackest crimes, highlighting human depravity.
Divine Providence and Guidance
The hymn acknowledges God's providential care over the land and his righteous judgments.
Characters to notice
- God
The Lord whose judgments shake the land and whose care has been bestowed on an ungrateful nation.
- The Lord
The one who has raised his rod in displeasure and to whom the people cry for mercy.
- The Narrator
The speaker who leads the congregation in confession and prayer.
- The Saints
The faithful few who tremble for the ark of God and know what Israel ought to do.
Key passages
“Oh may the pow’r which melts the rock Be felt by all assembled here!”
May the same divine power that can soften the hardest heart be experienced by everyone gathered in this place.
The opening plea for God's convicting power to be felt by the congregation.
“Lord, while thy judgments shake the land, Thy people’s eyes are fix’d on thee!”
As you bring calamities upon our nation, your faithful people are looking to you in hope and dependence.
Acknowledging that national trials turn the faithful toward God.
“But ah! both heaven and earth have heard Our vile requital of his love!”
Our shameful repayment of God's love is known to all of heaven and earth.
Confession of the nation's ingratitude and rebellion against God's goodness.
“Lord, hear thy people everywhere, Who meet to mourn, confess, and pray; The nation and thy churches spare, And let thy wrath be turn’d away!”
Listen to the prayers of your people who are gathering in repentance; spare our country and your churches, and turn away your anger.
The concluding plea for mercy and national deliverance.