# VII: Praise explained — Olney Hymns > Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton. ## What happens This chapter is a collection of hymns and poems centered on praise to God and the Redeemer. The verses celebrate God's grace, providence, and the salvation wrought through Jesus Christ. Themes include the gift of faith, the sustaining power of divine providence, the joy of redemption, the assurance of perseverance, and the ultimate hope of glory. The poems call believers to praise God at all times and in all seasons, recognizing His sovereign grace and the completed work of Christ. ## Themes in this chapter ### Grace and Unmerited Favor The chapter repeatedly celebrates God's grace as the source of salvation, faith, and perseverance, highlighting that all good gifts come from God's unmerited favor. ### Redemption and Salvation The hymns focus on the redeeming work of Christ, who paid the debt of sin, washed believers with his blood, and brought them near to God. ### Praise and Worship The entire chapter is an exhortation to praise God and the Redeemer, acknowledging his mighty acts and glorious grace. ## Character check-ins ### Jesus Christ Central figure of praise; Redeemer whose blood washes away sin and brings believers near to God. ### God Almighty King, Giver of all good gifts, whose providence supplies food and comfort, and whose grace is boundless. ### The Holy Spirit Sent to move stubborn souls, to make enemies into friends, and to apply the teaching power of God. ### Satan Mentioned as an adversary whose malice is shielded against or overruled by God's providence. ### The Saints Those who trust in Christ and join the chorus of praise, both on earth and in glory. ### Angels Join in solemn chorus with the redeemed, praising the grace of God. ## Key lines > Of all the gifts thine hand bestows, Thou Giver of all good! Not heaven itself a richer knows, Than my Redeemer’s blood. Among all the gifts you give, the most precious is the blood of my Redeemer. _Highlights the supreme value of Christ's atoning sacrifice._ > Almighty King! whose wondrous hand Supports the weight of sea and land, Whose grace is such a boundless store No heart shall break that sighs for more, God, who holds the entire world in his hand, offers grace so abundant that no one who longs for it will be disappointed. _Emphasizes God's sovereignty and the inexhaustible nature of his grace._ > Let us love and sing and wonder, Let us praise the Saviour’s name! He has hush’d the Law’s loud thunder, He has quench’d mount Sinai’s flame: We should love, sing, and marvel, praising Jesus, who silenced the demands of the law and extinguished the fire of judgment. _Celebrates Christ's fulfillment of the law and his quenching of divine wrath._ > Winter has a joy for me While the Saviour’s charms I read, Lowly, meek, from blemish free, In the snow-drop’s pensive head. Even winter brings joy when I see the Saviour's humility and purity reflected in the snowdrop flower. _Finds spiritual meaning in the natural world, seeing Christ in all seasons._ > Rejoice, believer, in the Lord, Who makes your cause his own; The hope that’s built upon his word Can ne’er be overthrown. Believers should rejoice because God champions their cause, and the hope founded on his promise is unshakable. _Encourages confidence in God's faithfulness._ > Salvation! what a glorious plan! How suited to our need! The grace that raises fallen man Is wonderful indeed! Salvation is a magnificent plan perfectly designed for our condition, and the grace that lifts fallen humanity is truly amazing. _Marvels at the wisdom and grace of God's plan of redemption._ > Grace reigns, to pardon crimson sins, To melt the hardest hearts; And from the work it once begins It never more departs: Grace rules to forgive the worst sins and soften the most stubborn hearts, and once it begins its work, it never abandons it. _Affirms the sovereignty and perseverance of grace._ > Prepare a thankful song To the Redeemer’s name! His praises should employ each tongue, And every heart inflame! Let us prepare a song of thanks to the Redeemer; everyone should praise him with their voices and hearts. _Calls for universal praise to Christ._ > Lord, what is man? extremes how wide In this mysterious nature join! The flesh to worms and dust allied, The soul immortal and divine! Lord, what is man? A mysterious union of opposites: the body is mortal and returns to dust, but the soul is immortal and divine. _Reflects on the dual nature of humanity._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/vii-praise - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters