# After Sermon explained — Olney Hymns > Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton. ## What happens This chapter consists of hymns and prayers of praise and blessing, emphasizing God's protection, the believer's security in Christ, and the hope of eternal rest. It includes benedictions invoking the grace of Christ, the Father's love, and the Holy Spirit's favor, and concludes with a prayer for unity and the Lord's coming. ## Themes in this chapter ### Divine Providence and Guidance God is portrayed as a shield, refuge, and guide who upholds His people with everlasting arms and leads them safely through trials. ### Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life The believer seeks a rest beyond the skies, with the assurance that Jesus guards the way through floods and flames. ### Grace and Unmerited Favor The benediction invokes the grace of Christ, the love of the Father, and the favor of the Spirit, highlighting God's unmerited blessings. ## Character check-ins ### Jesus Christ Referred to as the Shepherd of the sheep, our King and Head, and the Redeemer; the source of grace and the one who guards the way. ### God Described as Israel's God, the Lord of Hosts, and the Father whose boundless love is invoked in benediction. ### The Holy Spirit Mentioned as the Comforter and the Spirit whose favor is sought in the closing blessings. ### The Saints The people of God, described as Emmanuel's portion, redeemed and guarded by Him. ## Key lines > With Isr’el’s God who can compare? Or who like Isr’el happy are? O people saved by the Lord, He is thy shield and great reward! No one can compare to the God of Israel, and no people are as blessed as Israel, for they are saved by the Lord, who is their shield and great reward. _Paraphrase of Deuteronomy 33:26, 29._ > Jesus is mine! I’m now prepared To meet with what I thought most hard! Yes, let the winds of trouble blow, And comforts melt away like snow; No blasted trees or failing crops Can hinder my eternal hopes: Though creatures change, the Lord’s the same; Then let me triumph in his name. I am confident that Jesus belongs to me, and I am ready to face even the hardest trials. Though troubles come and comforts disappear, and though earthly provisions fail, my eternal hope is secure because the Lord never changes; therefore I will rejoice in Him. _Paraphrase of Habakkuk 3:17-18._ > We seek a rest beyond the skies, In everlasting day; Through floods and flames the passage lies, But Jesus guards the way: The swelling flood and raging flame Hear and obey his word; Then let us triumph in his name, Our Saviour is the Lord. We are looking for an eternal rest in heaven, and although the journey is through dangers and trials, Jesus protects us. Even the floods and flames obey His command, so we can rejoice in Him, for He is our Lord and Savior. _A hymn about the believer's journey to heaven._ > The saints Emmanuel’s portion are, Redeem’d by price, reclaim’d by power; His special choice, and tender care, Owns them and guards them every hour. The saints belong to God as His special possession, redeemed by the blood of Christ and reclaimed by His power. He chooses them and cares for them tenderly, guarding them at all times. _Paraphrase of Deuteronomy 32:9-10._ > Now may He who from the dead Brought the Shepherd of the sheep, Jesus Christ, our King and Head, All our souls in safety keep! May God, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead, our Shepherd and King, keep our souls safe. _Paraphrase of Hebrews 13:20._ > May the grace of Christ our Saviour, And the Father’s boundless love, With the Holy Spirit’s favour, Rest upon us from above! May the grace of Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us from heaven. _Paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 13:14._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/after-sermon - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters