Olney Hymns · Chapter
Fast Day Hymns explained
This chapter contains a series of hymns by Newton and Cowper for fast days and special occasions, including confession and prayer, the battle against Amalek, the hiding-place of God, an earthquake, a fire at Olney, and welcomes and partings
What happens
This chapter contains a series of hymns by Newton and Cowper for fast days and special occasions, including confession and prayer, the battle against Amalek, the hiding-place of God, an earthquake, a fire at Olney, and welcomes and partings among Christian friends. The hymns emphasize national sin, divine judgment, the need for prayer, God's mercy, and the security of believers in Christ.
Themes in this chapter
Prayer and Dependence on God
The hymns emphasize the necessity of prayer for national deliverance and personal safety, as seen in Moses' intercession and the call to 'weep and mourn and pray.'
Divine Providence and Guidance
God's sovereign control over events, from earthquakes to fires, and His care for His people, is a central theme.
Human Sinfulness and Depravity
The hymns confess national and personal sins, including profaneness, riot, lust, and pride, as reasons for divine judgment.
Grace and Unmerited Favor
Despite sin, God's mercy spares and warns, offering a hiding-place and salvation to those who repent.
Characters to notice
- God
Addressed as the sovereign judge who sends calamities and hears the prayers of His people.
- Jesus Christ
The Shepherd and Lord who shelters believers and is the focus of Christian fellowship.
- Moses
Held up as an example of intercessory prayer, whose lifted hands prevailed in battle.
- The Lord
The ever-present Friend and protector who is near to those who love His name.
- The Saints
The faithful few who mourn, pray, and are spared in times of judgment.
- Lot
Referenced as a righteous presence whose absence would leave Olney like Sodom.
- The Holy Spirit
Invoked to make Christian fellowship sweet and to cause hearts to burn with love.
- The Narrator
The voice of the hymns, confessing sin, pleading for mercy, and expressing trust in God.
Key passages
“Oh may the pow’r which melts the rock Be felt by all assembled here!”
May the divine power that softens hard hearts be experienced by everyone gathered.
Opening of 'Confession and Prayer,' expressing the need for spiritual transformation.
“But men like Moses most we want, To save the state by pray’r.”
What we need most are intercessors like Moses to save the nation through prayer.
From 'Moses and Amalek,' highlighting the power of prayer over military might.
“Come and in my chambers hide, To my saints of old well known; There you safely may abide Till the storm be overblown.”
God invites His people to take refuge in His presence until judgment passes.
From 'The Hiding-Place,' offering assurance of safety in God.
“But happy they who love the Lord, And his salvation know; The hope that’s founded on his word, No change can overthrow.”
Those who love the Lord and know His salvation have a hope that cannot be shaken.
From 'On the Earthquake,' contrasting the security of believers with the fear of sinners.
“Were Olney left without a Lot, Ruin like Sodom’s would ensue.”
If there were no righteous people in Olney, it would be destroyed like Sodom.
From 'On the Fire at Olney,' acknowledging the preserving influence of the faithful.
