Olney Hymns · Chapter
The Tolling Bell explained
The poem reflects on the solemn tolling of a bell, which signals the departure of a soul, prompting self-examination about one's readiness for death.
What happens
The poem reflects on the solemn tolling of a bell, which signals the departure of a soul, prompting self-examination about one's readiness for death. It contemplates the fleeting nature of life, the inevitability of judgment before God, and the terror of being condemned. The speaker pleads with Jesus for help to flee sin, find hope in Him, and receive His Spirit, so that when death comes, there is no fear but rather a joyful anticipation of heaven.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Trust in Christ
The speaker seeks hope and refuge in Jesus, relying on His blood and Spirit for salvation and deliverance from fear of judgment.
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
The poem contrasts the terror of hell with the secure hope of heaven, rejoicing in the prospect of being with Christ after death.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
The speaker calls upon Jesus for help, seeking refuge and hope in Him, and desires His blood and Spirit to subdue sin.
- The Judge
God is depicted as the Judge who pronounces the eternal fate of every soul at the tribunal.
- Satan
Mentioned as the one with whom the accursed will dwell in the lowest hell if condemned.
- Death
Personified as the 'jaws of death' and the event that leads to the unknown world and judgment.
Key passages
“Oft as the bell, with solemn toll, Speaks the departure of a soul, Let each one ask himself—“Am I Prepared, should I be call’d to die?””
Whenever the bell tolls solemnly to announce someone's death, each person should ask themselves if they are ready to die when called.
The opening stanza sets the theme of self-examination in light of mortality.
“Only this frail and fleeting breath Preserves me from the jaws of death; Soon as it fails at once I’m gone, And plunged into a world unknown.”
My life is held by nothing more than a fragile, temporary breath; as soon as it stops, I am immediately gone and cast into an unknown afterlife.
The speaker reflects on the precariousness of life and the sudden transition to eternity.
“Lord Jesus! help me now to flee, And seek my hope alone in thee; Apply thy blood, thy Spirit give, Subdue my sin and let me live.”
Lord Jesus, help me to escape sin and place all my hope in you; apply your atoning blood, give me your Spirit, conquer my sin, and grant me life.
A prayer for salvation and sanctification, emphasizing reliance on Christ's work.
“Then when the solemn bell I hear, If saved from guilt I need not fear; Nor would the thought distressing be— Perhaps it next may toll for me.”
When I hear the solemn bell, if I am saved from guilt, I have no reason to fear; even the thought that it might toll for me next is not distressing.
The assurance of salvation removes the fear of death.
“Rather my spirit would rejoice, And long and wish to hear thy voice; Glad when it bids me earth resign, Secure of heaven if thou art mine.”
Instead, my soul would rejoice and eagerly desire to hear your voice; I would be glad when it calls me to leave the earth, for I am certain of heaven if you are mine.
The believer's hope and longing for heaven, grounded in union with Christ.