# The Saints — Olney Hymns character guide > The Saints in Olney Hymns by John Newton. **Role:** minor **Also known as:** saints **First appearance:** 0000-olney-hymns ## Who they are The collective body of believers, often addressed or described in the hymns. ## In the story ### [Olney Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/olney-hymns) Believers who share in communion and look forward to glory, exemplifying faithful living. ### [The Bitter Waters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/13-the-bitter-waters) Believers who have found the blessed effect of applying the cross by faith. ### [Manna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/15-manna) Represented by Israel, who are fed by God and must live by faith and hope. ### [The True Aaron](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/19-the-true-aaron) Those whose names are engraved on Christ's heart and for whom He intercedes. ### [Hannah; or the Throne of Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/25-hannah-or-the-throne-of-grace) The saints from age to age are safe from the power of men and devils by waiting at the throne of grace. ### [The Milch Kine Drawing the Ark: Faith’s Surrender of All](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/27-the-milch-kine-drawing-the-ark-faith-s-surrender-of-all) The saints are called to stand prepared and run in duty's path, not counting trials hard so that God's will be done. ### [More with Us Than with Them](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/40-more-with-us-than-with-them) They espouse the believer's cause by prayer, joining in spiritual support. ### [The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/42-the-joy-of-the-lord-is-your-strength) Believers are addressed as those who are the Lord's, encouraged to resign earthly joys. ### [The Believer’s Safety](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/47-the-believer-s-safety) Believers who dwell in repose, are guarded by angels, and are secure in their Savior's unchanging nature. ### [Dwelling in Mesech](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/51-dwelling-in-mesech) Believers who will rest in heaven, free from sorrow and sin. ### [O Lord, I Will Praise Thee](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/58-o-lord-i-will-praise-thee) Called to praise God's name and publish his fame. ### [The Refuge, River, and Rock of the Church](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/59-the-refuge-river-and-rock-of-the-church) Admire His ways, glory in His love, and find in Him a hiding-place and shield. ### [Zion; or the City of God.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/60-zion-or-the-city-of-god) The blessed inhabitants of Zion, washed in the Redeemer's blood and raised to reign as kings and priests. ### [The Contrite Heart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/64-the-contrite-heart) Mentioned as those who are comforted and love the house of prayer, contrasting with the speaker's lack of comfort. ### [The Future Peace and Glory of the Church](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/65-the-future-peace-and-glory-of-the-church) The people of God, described as faint, few, comfortless, afflicted, and broken, who receive the promises of future glory. ### [Jehovah-Shammah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/72-jehovah-shammah) Once foes to God, now dwelling in Jerusalem as His own. ### [Prayer for the Lord’s Promised Presence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/76-prayer-for-the-lord-s-promised-presence) The people of God who long for the Lord's presence and pray for His return. ### [On One Stone Shall Be Seven Eyes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/78-on-one-stone-shall-be-seven-eyes) The blood-bought flock who behold their Saviour with desire and admiration, though their warmest love and praises are too cold. ### [They Shall Be Mine, Saith the Lord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/80-they-shall-be-mine-saith-the-lord) The faithful few who meet to seek God's face, suffer unnoticed, and will be collected as jewels. ### [The Barren Fig-Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/103-the-barren-fig-tree) Believers who stand like ornamental trees, fruitful by God's Spirit. ### [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/119-another) The speaker mentions joy in meeting the saints as evidence of possible love for the Lord. ### [Peter Released from Prison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/122-peter-released-from-prison) The faithful who pray fervently and perseveringly, trusting in God's power to deliver. ### [Salvation Drawing Nearer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/127-salvation-drawing-nearer) The people of God who are encouraged to take courage and bear suffering patiently, awaiting their reward. ### [The Word Quick and Powerful](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/133-the-word-quick-and-powerful) His people whose fears, cries, sighs, and tears are noted, and whose feeble good is regarded. ### [Love Tokens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/135-love-tokens) Addressed as children of God who experience affliction as a token of His love. ### [Smyrna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/137-smyrna) The faithful believers in Smyrna, addressed as the Saviour's flock and chosen bride, who endure sorrow and poverty for Christ. ### [Sardis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/138-sardis) The faithful few in Sardis who are upright and will walk with Christ in white. ### [Philadelphia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/139-philadelphia) The beloved faithful few who are addressed and promised a place as a pillar in God's temple. ### [I: Seasons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/i-seasons) Believers who fear the Lord, are happy, and look forward to being with Christ; they are the ones who will meet again in glory. ### [New Year's Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/new-year-s-hymns) Those who fear the Lord and are happy, looking forward to being with Him after death. ### [Time How Swift](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/1-time-how-swift) Those who have died and are now in an eternal state. ### [Uncertainty of Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/3-uncertainty-of-life) Mentioned as those who receive new mercies and look forward to the last year leading them home. ### [Prayer for a Blessing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/7-prayer-for-a-blessing) Those who already love God and are prayed to love Him more. ### [Waiting at Wisdom's Gates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/23-waiting-at-wisdom-s-gates) Assembled believers who rejoice at the speaker's decision. ### [Asking the Way to Zion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/24-asking-the-way-to-zion) Implied as the inhabitants of Zion who see the Savior's face and enjoy the fruits of glory. ### [Paul's Farewell Charge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/28-paul-s-farewell-charge) The friends and fellow believers who share in the hope of reunion and worship. ### [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/33-another) Those in heaven who experience perpetual spring, free from the changes and fears of earthly life. ### [Summer Storms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/34-summer-storms) Tried believers who testify to the sudden storms that destroy peace and joy even in a single day. ### [Man Honoured Above Angels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/39-man-honoured-above-angels) Redeemed sinners who can sing songs angels cannot sing, and who will praise God more than angels can. ### [Saturday Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/40-saturday-evening) Mentioned as those who are to be comforted by the gospel's joyful sound. ### [On Opening a Place for Social Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/43-on-opening-a-place-for-social-prayer) The worshippers are referred to as 'thy people' and are the recipients of the blessings and graces requested. ### [The Lord’s Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/45-the-lord-s-day) The saints are the primary subjects, finding rest and joy in the Lord's Day. ### [Gospel Privileges](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/46-gospel-privileges) Ancient believers who trusted in God's name and were helped by Him, serving as examples of faithfulness. ### [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/47-another) The adopted children of God who are called to His mercy-seat, united in prayer, and sustained by faith. ### [Prayer for the Continuance of the Gospel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/48-prayer-for-the-continuance-of-the-gospel) The saints are those who trembled for the ark and unite in praise for answered prayer. ### [A Famine of the Word](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/49-a-famine-of-the-word) The 'believing parents' and 'praying few' who value the gospel and serve as a bulwark against sin. ### [Prayer for Ministers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/50-prayer-for-ministers) The sheep whom Jesus loves, cared for by under-shepherds. ### [Prayer for a Revival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/51-prayer-for-a-revival) Referenced as 'old professors' and 'younger plants' who have declined or been blighted, needing revival. ### [Hoping for a Revival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/52-hoping-for-a-revival) The speaker calls on the saints to join him in singing, as they share in the hope of revival. ### [Sacramental Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/sacramental-hymns) Those in glory who sing praises to the Lamb, and the believers on earth who join in the same song. ### [Communion with the Saints in Glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/59-communion-with-the-saints-in-glory) Saints in glory who sing praises to the Lamb and have conquered through Him. ### [On the Commencement of Hostilities in America](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/64-on-the-commencement-of-hostilities-in-america) The saints are called to unite in prayer and repentance, seeking mercy and protection. ### [Fast Day Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/fast-day-hymns) The faithful few who mourn, pray, and are spared in times of judgment. ### [Confession and Prayer. Dec. 13, 1776](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/65-confession-and-prayer-dec-13-1776) The faithful few who tremble for the ark of God and know what Israel ought to do. ### [67: The Hiding-Place. Feb. 10, 1779](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/67-the-hiding-place-feb-10-1779) Those who love his name and hide in his chambers, safe from the storm. ### [On the Fire at Olney. Sept. 22, 1777](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/69-on-the-fire-at-olney-sept-22-1777) The few who loved the Saviour's name and whose prayers prevailed to save the town. ### [A Welcome to Christian Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/70-a-welcome-to-christian-friends) The 'Christian friends' who are welcomed and share in the joys of salvation. ### [At Parting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/71-at-parting) Those who love the Lord, move at duty's call, and are called to part for a season. ### [On the Death of a Believer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/72-on-the-death-of-a-believer) The departed believers who are described as completely blessed, having finished with sin and care, and resting with their Savior. ### [The Day of Judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/77-the-day-of-judgment) Those who have confessed, loved, and served the Lord below, and who will be invited to come near and receive the kingdom. ### [The Great Tribunal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/79-the-great-tribunal) The faithful few who are owned and saved at the right hand of the Judge. ### [The Book of Creation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/81-the-book-of-creation) The saints, though accounted fools by men, receive divine knowledge and read nature's book as a testimony to their Saviour. ### [The Rainbow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/82-the-rainbow) Believers who experience God's sustaining power and whose graces shine doubly in times of trouble. ### [The Spider and Bee](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/91-the-spider-and-bee) Believers who, like bees, feed on the flowers of God's Word and bring home honey to the hive. ### [Book III: On the Rise, Progress, Changes, and Comforts of the Spiritual Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/book-iii-on-the-rise-progress-changes-and-comforts-of-the-spiritual-life) Believers who suffer but are assured of eternal joy and victory through grace. ### [Light Shining Out of Darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/15-light-shining-out-of-darkness) Addressed as 'fearful saints' who are encouraged to take fresh courage and trust in God's mercy. ### [Afflictions Sanctified by the Word](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/17-afflictions-sanctified-by-the-word) Mentioned as those who rest forever in God's presence. ### [Mourning and Longing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/24-mourning-and-longing) Those who know God's glory and pant for his presence, serving as a contrast to the speaker's current state. ### [The Prisoner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/34-the-prisoner) Those with whom the speaker formerly triumphed and joined in songs of praise, and who will admire the mercies of the Lord. ### [The Pilgrim's Song](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/42-the-pilgrim-s-song) Those who suffer in the wilderness but look forward to eternal joy. ### [The Hidden Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/47-the-hidden-life) All saints receive the same honour of intimate communion with Christ, as the narrator affirms. ### [True Pleasure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/49-true-pleasure) Those who love God and are clothed in sanctity and grace, pleasant to observe. ### [The Christian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/50-the-christian) The Christian is depicted as a saintly figure, adorned with glory and destined for a throne above. ### [Peace Restored](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/53-peace-restored) Called to join with angels in proclaiming the grace that healed the breach. ### [The Power of Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/60-the-power-of-grace) They rejoice at the restoration of a sinner and marvel at the change grace has wrought. ### [Abuse of the Gospel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/72-abuse-of-the-gospel) The chosen few who imbibe grace from Christ and are fed with heavenly fare. ### [The Narrow Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/73-the-narrow-way) The chosen tribes of God who alone seek the narrow way. ### [VII: Praise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/vii-praise) Those who trust in Christ and join the chorus of praise, both on earth and in glory. ### [Praise for Redeeming Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/82-praise-for-redeeming-love) Those enthroned on high who join in the chorus of praise. ### [Man by Nature, Grace, and Glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/88-man-by-nature-grace-and-glory) Ransomed humanity, exalted in glory, nearest the throne and first in song. ### [Short Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/viii-short-hymns) Described as Emmanuel's portion, redeemed and guarded by God. ### [Psalm 106:4–5](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/93-psalm-106-4-5) Those who love God's name and whose joy the speaker desires to share. ### [Chapter 95](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/95) Referred to as 'Thy thirsty people' who gather for public worship and have faced persecution. ### [After Sermon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/after-sermon) The people of God, described as Emmanuel's portion, redeemed and guarded by Him. ### [Deuteronomy 32:9–10](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/99-deuteronomy-32-9-10) Emmanuel's portion, redeemed and reclaimed by power, owned and guarded by God. ### [2 Corinthians 13:14](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/101-2-corinthians-13-14) The recipients of the blessing, abiding in union and communion. ### [Chapter 102](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/102) The 'every soul assembled here' who are the recipients of the blessing. ### [Gloria Patri](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/gloria-patri) Called to ascribe glory and honour to the triune God, joining the heavenly host. ### [Hymn 105: To the Trinity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/105) The people whose song shall be God's glory forever ### [Chapter 106](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/106) Humanity, represented by the saints, will sing God's praise for eternity. ### [Chapter 107](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/107) Called to join the heavenly host in praising God. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_saints - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters