# The Waiting Soul — Olney Hymns character guide

> The Waiting Soul in Olney Hymns by John Newton.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Soul, The Waiting Soul By Cowper

**First appearance:** 0002-book-i-on-select-texts-of-scripture

## Who they are

A personified representation of the believer longing for God's presence.

## Relationships

### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jesus_christ)

_friendship_

Jesus is the object of the waiting soul's hope and the source of its eventual comfort and salvation.

### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jesus_christ)

_friendship_

Jesus is the object of the waiting soul's hope and the source of its eventual comfort and salvation.

### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jesus_christ)

_friendship_

Jesus is the object of the waiting soul's hope and the source of its eventual comfort and salvation.

## In the story

### [Jehovah-Rophi—I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/14-jehovah-rophi-i-am-the-lord-that-healeth-thee)

Represents the collective 'we' who are deep-wounded and waiting for Christ's touch.

### [The Importunate Widow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/106-the-importunate-widow)

The widow, a poor and friendless figure, who persistently beset the unjust judge's door and gained her end.

### [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 congregation is described as having 'languid souls' and 'waiting heart', seeking inspiration and warmth.

### [The World](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/99-the-world)

Represents the rash and unsuspecting youth who is tempted by the world's painted cheat.

### [II: Seeking, Pleading, and Hoping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/ii-seeking-pleading-and-hoping)

The speaker in 'The Waiting Soul' who patiently hopes and waits at mercy's door for the Lord's deliverance.

### [The Waiting Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/10-the-waiting-soul)

The speaker of the poem, expressing deep longing and spiritual fatigue, yet resolved to wait in hope and prayer.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/the_waiting_soul
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters