Gladness was Spread through Isr'El's Host
The work reflects on the human tendency to initially cherish a divine provision—a nourishing, miraculous gift—but later become indifferent to it when its availability becomes ordinary. It draws an allegorical parallel between the early, enthusiastic reception of divine sustenance and the gradual decline in its perceived value once it is routinely experienced. Initially, the people delight in what is offered from heaven, comparing the experience to the first taste of manna that fills them with gladness. However, over time, continual exposure leads to a diminished sense of wonder and even disdain toward what was once treasured. The text warns that this loss of appreciation can have dire spiritual consequences. When the gospel—or the divine word that nourishes the soul—is taken for granted, its absence becomes acutely felt, leaving a void that no material wealth can fill. It emphasizes the crucial role of regular, communal worship and the sharing of spiritual truths as a means of safeguarding against moral decay. The work contends that without the weekly rituals and the steady transmission of divine wisdom, society becomes vulnerable to sin, with individuals, especially the young, falling prey to dangerous, moral pitfalls. A further caution is raised about the potential removal of those safeguards—such as the preaching of the gospel and communal prayer—which have historically served as a bulwark against pervasive sin. Should these be withdrawn, unchecked transgressions would prevail, hastening the arrival of divine judgment. The text ultimately serves as an urgent plea to preserve continuous reverence and commitment to spiritual truths, highlighting that the temporary pleasure of divine grace, if taken for granted, can lead to long-term spiritual famine and societal torment. In essence, the work calls for a vigilant and grateful response to divine gifts, urging that the precious spiritual nourishment must be continually esteemed to prevent the onset of complacency and the resultant moral and social decline.
By John Newton · First published 1779 · Genre: Religious Hymn, Christian Poetry, Didactic Poetry · 343 words
First lines
I: Gladness was spread through Isr'el's host / When first they manna view'd; / They labour'd who should gather most, / And thought it pleasant food.
II: But when they had it long enjoy'd, / From day to day the same, / Their hearts were by the plenty cloy'd, / Although from heav'n it came.
Genres
- Religious Hymn — The work is a hymn that praises biblical truths and is intended for worship and liturgical use.
- Christian Poetry — It centers on themes of divine providence and spiritual nourishment, reflecting Christian doctrinal insights.
- Didactic Poetry — The poem instructs believers on the nature of divine blessings and the dangers of becoming complacent in faith.
- Moral Poetry — It offers ethical admonitions and reflections on the appropriate response to God’s mercy.
Tags
hymn · Christian · religious · worship · spiritual · grace · redemption · salvation · faith · praise · theological · biblical
What this Textopian page supports
Gladness was Spread through Isr'El's Host is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Newton, dated 1779 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Newton
- Date: 1779 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Hymn, Christian Poetry, Didactic Poetry, Moral Poetry
- Length: 343 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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