# Matins—Thursday explained — Verses on Various Occasions

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

## What happens

A prayerful hymn for Thursday Matins, contrasting the darkness of night with the inward light of divine grace, and pleading for cleansing from sin and the courage to stand in God's pure gaze.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sin and Redemption

The hymn confesses guilt and sin, and pleads for atonement and cleansing through divine grace.

### Faith and Doubt

The soul gropes in darkness for God, expressing a tension between seeking and not finding, yet trusting in the Redeemer's light.

## Character check-ins

### Lord

Addressed as the source of light and grace, who atones for sins and is implored to shine upon the speaker.

### Sinner

The speaker confesses guilt and sin, seeking washing and robing in grace.

## Key lines

> All tender lights, all hues divine The night has swept away; Shine on us, Lord, and we shall shine Bright in an inward day.

The night has removed all gentle and sacred colors; but if you illuminate us, Lord, we will glow with an inner brightness.

_Contrasts external darkness with the possibility of internal spiritual light._

> The sluggard soul, that bears their mark, Shrinks in its silent lair, Or gropes amid its chambers dark For Thee, who art not there.

The lazy soul, stained by sin, hides in silence or searches in dark rooms for you, but you are not found there.

_Depicts the soul's futile attempt to find God while remaining in sin._

> Redeemer! send Thy piercing rays, That we may bear to be Set in the light of Thy pure gaze, And yet rejoice in Thee.

Savior, send your penetrating light so that we can endure being seen by your pure eyes and still find joy in you.

_A plea for the strength to withstand divine scrutiny and still rejoice._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxviii-matins-thursday
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters