# The Maiden Explains Grace and Innocence explained — The Pearl

> Chapter companion for The Pearl by Anonymous.

## What happens

The Pearl Maiden continues her discourse, explaining the distinction between the righteous and the innocent. She cites scripture and the example of Jesus blessing the children to show that the innocent are saved by grace, not by their own merit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Grace and Mercy

The maiden emphasizes that salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works, and that the innocent are saved through God's mercy.

### Innocence and Purity

The chapter contrasts the righteous, who must repent and suffer, with the innocent, who are saved without stain of sin.

## Character check-ins

### The Pearl Maiden

Explains the doctrine of salvation for the righteous and the innocent, citing scripture and the example of Jesus and the children.

### Jesus

Referenced as the one who welcomed children, demonstrating that the kingdom of God belongs to the innocent.

## Key lines

> Grace enow a man may get By penitence, though he sin again; But with long sorrow and regret, He must bear punishment and pain; But righteous reason will not let The innocent be hurt in vain; God never gave His judgment yet, That they should suffer who show no stain.

A person can receive grace through repentance, even if they sin again, but they must endure punishment and sorrow. However, it is not just for the innocent to suffer, for God never condemns those who are without sin.

_The maiden explains the difference between the penitent sinner and the innocent._

> But Jesus said: ‘Be ye not afraid; Suffer the children, nor prevent; God’s kingdom is for such arrayed.’ Surely saved are the innocent.

Jesus told his disciples not to stop the children from coming to him, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as them. Thus, the innocent are certainly saved.

_The maiden cites Jesus' blessing of the children as proof that innocence leads to salvation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pearl_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pearl_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pearl_se/chapters