# XXX: The Scars of Sin explained — Verses on Various Occasions

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

## What happens

The speaker reflects on the hidden scars of sin that remain visible to unseen eyes, despite an outward appearance of holiness and calm. The good Angel, once pained by the speaker's sinful thoughts and ways, now barely dares to look upon the speaker, who remains scarred and crippled.

## Themes in this chapter

### Sin and Redemption

The poem explores the lasting scars of sin and the joy of the lost being found, suggesting a redemptive hope despite visible damage.

### Suffering and Humility

The speaker's hidden suffering and humility are evident as they acknowledge being 'scar-seam'd and crippled still' before the Angel's gaze.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker, who outwardly appears holy but inwardly bears the scars of sin.

### Angel

The good Angel who once shrank from the speaker's ill thoughts and now scarcely dares to gaze upon the speaker's scars.

## Key lines

> My smile is bright, my glance is free, My voice is calm and clear; Dear friend, I seem a type to thee Of holy love and fear.

I appear cheerful and composed, so you might think I embody holy love and reverence.

_The speaker contrasts outward appearance with inner reality._

> But I am scann’d by eyes unseen, And these no saint surround; They mete what is by what has been, And joy the lost is found.

Yet I am examined by invisible eyes that are not saintly; they judge my present state by my past sins, and rejoice that what was lost is now found.

_The unseen eyes perceive the speaker's true condition, finding joy in redemption._

> Erst my good Angel shrank to see My thoughts and ways of ill; And now he scarce dare gaze on me, Scar-seam’d and crippled still.

Previously, my guardian Angel recoiled from my evil thoughts and actions; now he barely dares to look at me, as I remain scarred and disabled.

_The Angel's reaction underscores the lasting damage of sin._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxx-the-scars-of-sin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters