# CLVIII: Ethelwald explained — Verses on Various Occasions

> Chapter companion for Verses on Various Occasions by John Henry Newman.

## What happens

The chapter recounts the story of Ethelwald, a prudent and humble saint who concealed his spiritual gifts and triumphs over evil. A memorable incident reveals that he could hear angelic voices only when he shut his ears to earthly sounds, and he begged that this secret be kept until his death.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Role of the Saint

Ethelwald exemplifies the saint who humbly conceals his spiritual victories and graces, revealing them only in unguarded moments.

### Suffering and Humility

The saint's fear and trembling after letting slip his secret highlight the humility and suffering inherent in hiding one's divine gifts.

## Character check-ins

### Ethelwald

The prudent saint who hid his graces and triumphs, and who heard angelic voices after silencing earthly sounds.

### Angel

The angel whose tones Ethelwald heard, and who stood near to proclaim his gifts.

### Some lonely Saint

Ethelwald is described as a saint who hid his celestial gifts in fear.

## Key lines

> Oh, why so many a pause, Thwarting thy words' full stream, Till her dark line Oblivion draws Across the broken theme?

Why do you pause so often, interrupting your speech, as if forgetfulness is cutting off your thought?

_A brother asks Ethelwald why he hesitates in speaking._

> Till thou seal To sounds of earth thine ear, Sweet friend, be sure thou ne'er shalt feel Angelic voices near.

Until you close your ears to earthly sounds, dear friend, you will never perceive angelic voices nearby.

_Ethelwald explains that one must shut out worldly noise to hear angels._

> Oh, by the Name Most High, What I have now let fall, Hush, till I lay me down to die, And go the way of all!

By the name of God Most High, keep secret what I have just revealed until I die and pass away like everyone.

_Ethelwald urgently asks that his disclosure be kept hidden until his death._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clviii-ethelwald
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters