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ISAIAH Chapter 32:2 The Refuge, River, and Rock of the Church [Jesus - the King, Refuge, River and Rock of his church] He who on earth as man was known, And bore our sins and pains; Now, seated on the eternal throne, The God of glory reigns. His hands the wheels of nature guide, With an unerring skill; And countless worlds, extended wide, Obey his sovereign will. While harps unnumbered sound his praise, In yonder world above; His saints on earth admire his ways, And glory in his love. His righteousness to faith revealed, Wrought out for guilty worms, Affords a hiding-place and shield From enemies and storms. This land, through which his pilgrims go, Is desolate and dry; But streams of grace from him o'erflow, Their thirst to satisfy. When troubles, like a burning sun, Beat heavy on their head, To this almighty Rock they run, And find a pleasing shade. How glorious he! how happy they In such a glorious friend! Whose love secures them all the way, And crowns them at the end.

from John Newton's Diary, relevant to this hymn: Wednesday 5 February 1755 The opinions and foreboding of many, and many good people, are, that troublesome times are appearing – whether it may be so or no I know not. When I think of our national abuse of mercies, I fear greatly, but I know that the Lord is gracious and merciful, and he has not left himself without a remnant amongst us, and if he puts it into their hearts to pray for our peace, I trust he will incline his ear to answer. For my own part I desire and by his grace resolve to offer my mite, and to mourn daily for the evils I am not able to prevent. One thing I know, that happen what will, it shall be well with them that fear the Lord. His glorious name is a strong tower in the day of trouble and he knoweth them that put their trust in him. Lord have mercy upon me and [my Dear]; give us a timely knowledge of our saving interest in the Redeemer’s covenant that he may be unto us as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, and as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Isaiah 32:2 [And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.] Tuesday 21 February 1775 My spiritual life is still faint and feeble, evils easily besetting, continually returning, and but half opposed, rob me of that strength and spirit, which I need to make my walk cheerful and successful. Sunday 26 February 1775 Hymn in the Evening from Isaiah 32:1,2. [see also series of 4 sermons preached on Isaiah 32:2 in September 1776] Romans 8:26 John 20:1-3 Hymn No. 197 [On this date Newton preached from the above texts at his church, St Peter & St Paul, Olney, during the morning and afternoon services, and from this hymn at the informal evening service]

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Hymn: MS Eng 1317, Houghton Library, Harvard University
Diary: John Newton Collection, CO199, Princeton University