# II: Love Known explained — Barriers Burned Away

> Chapter companion for Barriers Burned Away by Edward Payson Roe.

## What happens

In the aftermath of a storm, Ethel Fleet experiences a vision of a glorious afterlife, but is called back to her dying husband's bedside. Through her prayers, Mr. Fleet undergoes a spiritual transformation, confessing his past failures and finding forgiveness in Christ. He dies peacefully, reconciled to God and his family, leaving his son Dennis with a final charge to care for his mother and sisters.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Doubt

Mr. Fleet's journey from doubt and bitterness to faith and forgiveness, catalyzed by his wife's prayers and his vision of Christ.

### Love and Sacrifice

Ethel's selfless prayer and devotion, sacrificing her own vision of paradise to intercede for her husband's soul.

### Redemption and Transformation

Mr. Fleet's deathbed conversion, where he acknowledges his sins and experiences a profound change of heart, leading to peace.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Fleet

Dies after a profound spiritual awakening, confessing his sins and finding forgiveness through his wife's prayers.

### Mrs. Fleet

Experiences a vision of heaven but is called back to pray for her husband's salvation; her faith and love are central to his conversion.

### Dennis Fleet

Witnesses his father's death and spiritual reconciliation, and is entrusted with the care of his mother and sisters.

### Ethel Fleet

The younger sister, brought to say goodbye to her father, though she does not fully understand the scene.

## Key lines

> This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

This statement is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came to save sinners.

_Dennis recites this verse at his father's request, leading to Mr. Fleet's confession and acceptance of forgiveness._

> I saw that I had been charging God unjustly with all my failures and misfortunes, when I had to thank myself for them.

I realized I had been blaming God for my problems, but they were actually my own fault.

_Mr. Fleet's moment of self-awareness and repentance during his spiritual awakening._

> God be merciful to me—a sinner.

God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

_Mr. Fleet's prayer of repentance, echoing the biblical tax collector's plea._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/ii-love-known
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters