Verses on Various Occasions · Chapter
LX: Sensitiveness explained
The speaker reflects on a past tendency to shrink from righteousness due to fear of wrongdoing and the strength of the foe, but now casts aside that finer sense and shame, recognizing that such dread of sin was indolence and such aim at Hea
What happens
The speaker reflects on a past tendency to shrink from righteousness due to fear of wrongdoing and the strength of the foe, but now casts aside that finer sense and shame, recognizing that such dread of sin was indolence and such aim at Heaven was pride. Instead, the speaker rises when called by the Saviour, does their best calmly, and leaves the rest to Him, stepping and mounting where He has led, despite knowing their own haltings and self-dread, loving His precept more.
Themes in this chapter
Sin and Redemption
The speaker reinterprets past fear of sin as indolence and pride, and now responds to the Saviour's call with calm obedience.
Suffering and Humility
The speaker acknowledges personal failings and self-dread, yet humbly leaves the outcome to God.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Time was, I shrank from what was right From fear of what was wrong; I would not brave the sacred fight, Because the foe was strong.”
There was a time when I avoided doing what was right because I was afraid of doing wrong; I would not engage in the holy struggle because the enemy seemed too powerful.
The speaker describes past cowardice in moral matters.
“But now I cast that finer sense And sorer shame aside; Such dread of sin was indolence, Such aim at Heaven was pride.”
But now I set aside that delicate sensitivity and painful embarrassment; I realize that my fear of sin was actually laziness, and my striving for Heaven was really pride.
The speaker reinterprets past scruples as spiritual failings.
“So, when my Saviour calls, I rise, And calmly do my best; Leaving to Him, with silent eyes Of hope and fear, the rest.”
Therefore, when my Saviour calls me, I get up and calmly do my utmost; I leave the outcome to Him, looking silently with both hope and fear.
The speaker's new response to Christ's call is active trust.