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Constrained by their LORD to embark The disciples at sea See also Book 2, Hymn 87
John Newton printed it in 1779 in Olney Hymns, Book I, no. 114, under John 6:16–21.
WRITTEN BY
John Newton 1725–1807
PRINTED
1779 Olney Hymns · no. 114
METRE
8.8.8.8a 5 stanzas
WRITTEN ON
John 6:16–21 the verse printed above it
The hymn, and the Scripture in it
All 5 stanzas as Newton printed them, with the verses their lines echo beside them. Point at a line to join it to its verse; click to read the passage.
SHARED WORDSthe verse shares the line's wording ECHOproposed by an AI model, confirmed by a separate check Not the author's own notes
AMONG THE SCRIPTURES
The stanzas at the centre; around them, every book its heading and its echoes come from, Old Testament on the left and New on the right. Choose a stanza or a book.
a line echoes this verse its heading or an echo comes from here
STANZA I
Constrained by their LORD to embark
Constrained by their LORD to embark,
And venture, without him, to sea;
The season tempestuous and dark,
How grieved the disciples must be!
But though he remained on the shore,
He spent the night for them in prayer;
They still were as safe as before,
And equally under his care.
Where Newton found it
Newton printed the hymn under John 6:16–21. The line that comes closest to it is marked.
16When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them. 18A strong wind was blowing, and the sea grew agitated. 19When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified. 20But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and at once the boat reached the shore where they were heading. JOHN 6:16–21 · BEREAN STANDARD BIBLE READ JOHN 6
Yet, Lord, we are ready to shrink. Unless we thy presence perceive; O save us (we cry) or we sink, We would, but we cannot believe The night has been long and severe, The winds and the seas are still high; Dear Savior, this moment appear, And say to our souls, “It is I!” See also Book 3, Hymn 18 STANZA V
Its place in the book
Book I of Olney Hymns walks through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, one hymn per passage: 141 hymns. This is number 114. Point at a tick to see the hymn; click it to open that hymn.
NO. 114 · JOHN NEWTON · THIS HYMN Constrained by their LORD to embark
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