Olney Hymns · Chapter
The Close of the Year explained
This chapter contains two hymns by Newton reflecting on the close of the year, praising God for His mercies and faithfulness throughout the past year, acknowledging human sinfulness and unworthiness, and expressing dependence on God for the
What happens
This chapter contains two hymns by Newton reflecting on the close of the year, praising God for His mercies and faithfulness throughout the past year, acknowledging human sinfulness and unworthiness, and expressing dependence on God for the future. The first hymn, 'Ebenezer,' draws from 1 Samuel 7:12, raising a stone of help in gratitude for God's guidance and answered prayers. The second hymn, 'Another,' traces God's care from birth through the present, urging trust in Him for the unknown future.
Themes in this chapter
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The hymns emphasize God's continued mercies despite human unworthiness and sin.
Prayer and Dependence on God
The lyrics express reliance on God for help, answered prayers, and casting future cares upon Him.
Characters to notice
- The Lord
Addressed as the guide, strength, and provider of mercies throughout the year.
- Jesus Christ
Referred to as the Saviour and the one who sits on the throne, deserving praise.
- The Holy Spirit
Mentioned as grieved by the people's sins.
- The Narrator
The collective voice of the congregation, giving thanks and confessing sin.
Key passages
“The Lord, our salvation and light, The guide and the strength of our days, Has brought us together to-night, A new Ebenezer to raise.”
God, who saves and guides us, has gathered us to give thanks and set up a new memorial of His help.
Opening stanza of the first hymn, invoking the Ebenezer tradition.
“His ear he inclined to our prayers, His hand open'd wide to our wants, We never besought him in vain; When burden'd with sorrow or sin, He help'd us again and again, Or where before now had we been?”
God listened to our prayers and provided for our needs; He always answered, helping us repeatedly in times of trouble, otherwise we would have been lost.
Acknowledging God's faithfulness in answering prayers throughout the year.
“His Spirit we often have grieved, And evil for good have repaid.”
We have often saddened the Holy Spirit and returned evil for the good God has done.
Confession of sin and ingratitude.
“Now through another year, Supported by his care, We raise our Ebenezer here, 'The Lord has help'd thus far.'”
As we complete another year, upheld by God's care, we set up our memorial, acknowledging that the Lord has helped us up to this point.
Second hymn's refrain, echoing the Ebenezer theme.
“Our lot in future years Unable to foresee, He kindly, to prevent our fears, Says, 'Leave it all to me.'”
We cannot predict the future, but God lovingly tells us not to worry, but to trust Him with what lies ahead.
Encouragement to trust God for the future.