Olney Hymns · Chapter
IV: Creation explained
This chapter reflects on the power of God in creation and the new creation of the soul, emphasizing the need for divine grace to transform the heart.
What happens
This chapter reflects on the power of God in creation and the new creation of the soul, emphasizing the need for divine grace to transform the heart. It uses natural phenomena—such as rain, thaw, loadstone, spider and bee, rainbow, thunder, and lightning—as metaphors for spiritual truths, warning against worldly vanity and urging trust in God alone.
Themes in this chapter
Divine Providence and Guidance
God's control over creation and creatures, guiding them for his purposes and caring for his servants.
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The softening warmth of grace melts the hard heart, and God's power creates anew.
The Vanity of Worldly Things
The world is a painted cheat, and worldly pleasures are like a shipwreck; only trust in Jesus saves.
Characters to notice
- God
Creator of the world, whose word brings light and life; also the one who melts the heart of stone and guides all creatures.
- Jesus Christ
The refuge and hope for sinners, the stone of Zion, and the one who draws sinners upward.
- The Holy Spirit
Imparts knowledge of the Saviour's love and warms the frozen heart.
- Moses
Prayed and water burst from the rock for Israel.
- Daniel
Lions lay harmless at his feet.
- Elijah
Ravens brought him flesh and bread.
Key passages
“That was a wonder-working word Which could the vast creation raise!”
God's powerful word created the entire universe.
Highlights the creative power of God's command.
“But man, the lord and crown of all, By sin his honour soon defaced, His heart (how alter'd since the fall!) Is dark, deform'd, and void and waste.”
Humanity, originally the pinnacle of creation, fell into sin, leaving the heart corrupt and empty.
Reflects on the fall and its effect on human nature.
“The new creation of the soul Does now no less his power display, Than when he form'd the mighty whole, And kindled darkness into day.”
God's power in regenerating the soul is as great as his power in the original creation.
Emphasizes the miracle of spiritual rebirth.
“Thus creatures only can fulfill Their great Creator's holy will; And when his servants need their aid, His purposes must be obey'd.”
All creatures obey God's will and serve his servants as he directs.
Shows God's sovereignty over nature.
“So, if his blessing he refuse, Their pow'r to help they quickly lose; Sure as on creatures we depend, Our hopes in disappointment end.”
If God withholds his blessing, creatures cannot help; trusting in them leads to disappointment.
Warns against relying on creatures instead of God.
“Then let us trust the Lord alone, And creature-confidence disown: Nor if they threaten need we fear, They cannot hurt if he be near.”
We should trust only in the Lord and not fear creatures, for they cannot harm us if God is with us.
Encourages faith in God's protection.
