# A Martyr Convert explained — Verses on Various Occasions

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

## What happens

A hymn calling for the completion of God's elect and the final separation of good from evil, then celebrating a convert who rose from heathenism to martyrdom, now enthroned with Christ.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sin and Redemption

The convert is formed from 'sinful dust,' rises from defilement to childlike faith, and wins the martyr's crown.

### The Church and Tradition

The martyr's journey from heathenism to Christian faith and the imagery of the fold and sheep-cote evoke the Church's role.

## Character check-ins

### Lord

Addressed as the one who will descend to complete the harvest and solve the mystery of life.

### Christ

Referred to as 'Jesu' at whose feet the martyr sits.

### Father, Son, and Paraclete

Praised in the concluding doxology.

### Unknown

The speaker who prays for the Lord's descent and recounts the martyr's story.

## Key lines

> The number of Thine own complete, Sum up and make an end; Sift clean the chaff, and house the wheat; And then, O Lord, descend.

Finish gathering your chosen people, separate the worthless from the worthy, and then come down, Lord.

_Opening plea for the final judgment and harvest._

> For rivers twain are gushing still, And pour a mingled flood; Good in the very depths of ill, Ill in the heart of good.

Two streams flow together, mixing good and evil so deeply that each contains the other.

_Describes the intertwined nature of good and evil in the world._

> Forth from the heathen ranks she stept, The forfeit crown to claim Of Christian souls who had not kept Their birthright and their name.

She left the pagan world to take the martyr's crown that nominal Christians had lost by neglecting their faith.

_Highlights the convert's boldness and the failure of those born into Christianity._

> Grace form'd her out of sinful dust; She knelt a soul defiled, She rose in all the faith, and trust, And sweetness of a child.

God's grace shaped her from sinful humanity; she knelt impure and stood up innocent, faithful, and trusting like a child.

_Describes her conversion and spiritual rebirth._

> And running, in a little hour, Of life the course complete, She reach'd the Throne of endless power; And sits at Jesu's feet.

She finished her life's race quickly, attained God's eternal throne, and now rests at Jesus' feet.

_Summarizes her swift journey from conversion to heavenly reward._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxx-a-martyr-convert
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters