# XLVIII: The Course of Truth explained — Verses on Various Occasions

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

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the resurrection of Christ and the dissemination of divine truth. It emphasizes that truth was not revealed to the masses but to a chosen few of humble origin, who then passed it on to the pure-hearted. The 'brute many' remain ignorant of its mysteries. The poem concludes by asserting that truth's power still resides in a select few, who bear its flame on lonely heights, while the world marvels and seeks in vain to extinguish it.

## Themes in this chapter

### Truth Revealed to a Few Chosen

The chapter centers on the idea that divine truth is not broadcast to all but entrusted to a select, humble few who then pass it on.

## Character check-ins

### Christ

Raised from the dead and revealed to chosen witnesses.

### Truth

Personified as royal truth that rose triumphant and is imparted to a few.

### The Saints

Described as those who bear the watch-flame of truth on lone heights.

## Key lines

> When royal Truth, released from mortal throes, Burst His brief slumber, and triumphant rose

When the majestic Truth, freed from the pains of death, broke from His short sleep and rose in victory.

_Describes Christ's resurrection as the triumph of truth._

> He told His secret to a few of meanest mould; They in their turn imparted The gift of men pure-hearted

He revealed His mystery to a few lowly individuals; they then passed on the gift to those with pure hearts.

_Highlights the chain of transmission from Christ to the humble and then to the pure-hearted._

> Still is the might of Truth, as it has been: Lodged in the few, obey'd, and yet unseen.

The power of Truth remains the same as always: residing in a few, obeyed, yet invisible.

_Emphasizes the enduring nature of truth's hidden influence through a select group._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xlviii-the-course-of-truth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters