Quotes from work
Olney Hymns

The Olney Hymns were first published in February 1779 and are the combined work of curate John Newton and his poet friend, William Cowper . The hymns were written for use in Newton's rural parish, which was made up of relatively poor and uneducated followers. The Olney Hymns are an illustration of the potent ideologies of the Evangelical movement, to which both men belonged, present in many communities in England at the time.

“Zeal is that pure and heavenly flame,
The fire of love supplies;
While that which often bears the name,
Is self in a disguise. True zeal is merciful and mild,
Can pity and forbear;
The false is headstrong, fierce and wild,
And breathes revenge and war.”

John Newton Olney Hymns

Hymn 70: True and False Zeal
Olney Hymns (1779)

“Thro' many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.”

John Newton Olney Hymns

Olney Hymns (1779), Amazing Grace

“The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be forever mine.”

John Newton Olney Hymns

Olney Hymns (1779), Amazing Grace

“Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!”

John Newton Olney Hymns

Olney Hymns (1779), Amazing Grace