# Book I: On Select Texts of Scripture explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This chapter presents a series of poetic reflections on various scriptural texts, exploring themes of trust in God versus worldly vanity, the believer's struggle with sin and grace, the assurance of salvation through Christ, and the hope of eternal rest. The poems contrast the fate of the wicked who trust in themselves with the blessedness of those who depend on the Lord, and they emphasize the believer's journey from sin and affliction to redemption and peace in Christ.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Trust in Christ

The poems contrast trust in worldly things with reliance on the Lord, emphasizing that true security is found only in Christ.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The believer's salvation and ongoing strength are attributed to God's grace, not human merit.

### The Vanity of Worldly Things

Worldly comforts and achievements are depicted as fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying, while the Lord is the eternal portion.

## Character check-ins

### The Lord

Central figure in the poems, portrayed as the source of righteousness, strength, and eternal light.

### Jesus Christ

Referred to as the Friend who died for sinners, the Saviour who provides righteousness and peace.

### The Narrator

The poetic voice expressing personal struggles with sin, doubt, and the experience of grace.

### Satan

Mentioned as the adversary whose rule is restrained by Christ's mighty word.

### Ephraim

Symbolic of the repentant sinner, remembered by God despite his faults.

## Key lines

> As parched in the barren sands, Beneath a burning sky, The worthless bramble with'ring stands, And only grows to die;

Like a withered bush in a dry desert, the person who trusts in the world will wither and perish.

_This imagery from Jeremiah 17 illustrates the fate of those who rely on human strength rather than God._

> The Lord shall be my righteousness, The Lord for ever mine.

Christ alone is my righteousness, and I belong to Him forever.

_This line from Cowper's poem on Jeremiah 23:6 expresses the doctrine of imputed righteousness._

> Yet turn me, and I shall be turn'd: Thou art the Lord my God.

Only God can bring about true repentance; I cannot turn myself, but He is my God.

_This reflects the believer's dependence on divine grace for conversion and sanctification._

> The Lord my portion is.

God Himself is my inheritance and satisfaction.

_From Newton's poem on Lamentations 3:24, this expresses contentment in God alone._

> But Jesus has his promise past, That grace shall overcome at last.

Christ has promised that His grace will ultimately triumph over sin in the believer's life.

_This line from Newton's poem on Hebrews 4:12-13 affirms the certainty of final victory through grace._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/book-i-on-select-texts-of-scripture
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters