Olney Hymns · Chapter
Abuse of the Gospel explained
This poem by Cowper warns against the abuse of God's grace by those who claim to see God's face yet turn away from Him.
What happens
This poem by Cowper warns against the abuse of God's grace by those who claim to see God's face yet turn away from Him. It contrasts true believers, who are fed with heavenly fare, with those who presume upon pardon without the Spirit's seal, chewing on 'wretched husks.' The poem clarifies that true liberty is not license to sin but patient waiting at Wisdom's door until Mercy calls.
Themes in this chapter
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The poem contrasts the abuse of grace by those who presume upon it without true repentance with the genuine grace received by the chosen few.
Human Sinfulness and Depravity
Highlights the licentiousness of those who claim to see God's face yet turn away, showing the depravity that persists even in the light of the gospel.
Characters to notice
- The Lord
Addressed directly as the one whose grace is abused and whose book displays a gracious light.
- Jesus Christ
Referred to as the 'dear Redeemer' who bled for sinners, and as the 'living head' of the saints.
- The Holy Spirit
Implied as the 'Spirit's seal' that marks true pardon, in contrast to those who steal pardon without it.
- The Saints
The chosen few who imbibe grace from Christ and are fed with heavenly fare.
- Wisdom
Personified as the door at which believers wait for mercy.
Key passages
“Too many, Lord, abuse thy grace, In this licentious day; And while they boast they see thy face, They turn their own away.”
Many people in this morally loose age misuse your grace, Lord. They claim to have seen your face, but in reality they are turning away from you.
The opening stanza sets the theme of the abuse of grace by those who falsely claim divine vision.
“The pardon such presume upon, They do not beg but steal; And when they plead it at thy throne, Oh! where’s the Spirit’s seal?”
The forgiveness they take for granted is not humbly requested but stolen. When they present it before your throne, it lacks the Holy Spirit's authenticating mark.
Emphasizes the difference between true pardon received through prayer and the counterfeit presumption of the unregenerate.
“The liberty our hearts implore, Is not to live in sin; But still to wait at Wisdom’s door, ‘Till Mercy calls us in.”
The freedom we truly desire is not permission to sin, but rather to remain patiently at the entrance of Wisdom until Mercy invites us inside.
Clarifies the proper understanding of Christian liberty as freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.