# XCIII: Faith Against Sight explained — Verses on Various Occasions

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

## What happens

The poem reflects on the cyclical nature of history, drawing a parallel between the days of Lot and the present. It warns that the world repeats its patterns not through fate but through human sin, and encourages the faithful to remain steadfast despite scorn and trials, as these are signs of the times.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Doubt

The poem encourages faith in the face of scorn and apparent madness, urging believers to trust in divine purpose despite worldly opposition.

### Sin and Redemption

Explores how men's separate sins combine to repeat the same bad cycles, implying the need for redemption and steadfastness.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who observes the cycles of history and exhorts the faithful.

### Lord

Referenced as 'the Son of Man' in the opening quote.

## Key lines

> The world has cycles in its course, when all That once has been, is acted o’er again:⁠— Not by some fated law, which need appal Our faith, or binds our deeds as with a chain; But by men’s separate sins, which blended still The same bad round fulfil.

History repeats itself not because of an inescapable destiny, but because human sins collectively create the same patterns over and over.

_The poet argues against fatalism, placing responsibility on human actions._

> Then fear ye not, though Gallio’s scorn ye see, And soft-clad nobles count you mad, true hearts! These are the fig-tree’s signs;⁠—rough deeds must be, Trials and crimes: so learn ye well your parts.

Do not be afraid when you face ridicule from the powerful and wealthy; these hardships are like the signs of the fig tree, indicating that difficult times and moral tests are necessary.

_Encourages perseverance and understanding of one's role in times of trial._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xciii-faith-against-sight
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters