Olney Hymns · Chapter
I Will Praise the Lord at All Times explained
The poem celebrates the presence and grace of the Savior throughout the changing seasons of the year, finding in each season a reflection of Christ's character and work—from the humility of winter to the life-giving warmth of summer, and fr
What happens
The poem celebrates the presence and grace of the Savior throughout the changing seasons of the year, finding in each season a reflection of Christ's character and work—from the humility of winter to the life-giving warmth of summer, and from the promise of dawn to the rest of evening.
Themes in this chapter
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The poem highlights the Savior's grace as seen in the seasons, particularly in the autumn's milder beams and the evening's emblem of eternal rest.
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
Evening points to an eternal rest, suggesting the hope of heaven beyond this life.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
The Savior whose charms, grace, and sacrifice are seen in every season.
- The Lord
The object of praise, whose attributes are reflected in nature.
Key passages
“I Winter has a joy for me While the Saviour’s charms I read, Lowly, meek, from blemish free, In the snow-drop’s pensive head.”
Even in winter, I find joy as I see the Savior's humble and sinless character reflected in the drooping snowdrop flower.
The poet sees Christ's humility and purity in the winter flower.
“III Summer has a thousand charms, All expressive of his worth; ’Tis his sun that lights and warms, His the air that cools the earth.”
Summer's many beauties all speak of Christ's value; the sun that gives light and warmth and the cooling air are all his.
The poet attributes the blessings of summer to Christ's provision.
“VI Evening, with a silent pace, Slowly moving in the west, Shows an emblem of his grace, Points to an eternal rest.”
The evening, moving quietly in the west, is a symbol of his grace and directs our thoughts to the eternal rest that awaits.
The evening is seen as a type of Christ's grace and a pointer to heavenly rest.