# Lord — Verses on Various Occasions character guide > Lord in Verses on Various Occasions by John Henry Newman. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Thy, their, Thou, Thee **First appearance:** 0000-epigraph ## Snapshot The God addressed, questioned, and obeyed throughout these verses—sometimes a sword that severs, sometimes the still voice that steadies a wavering heart. ## Who they are This Lord is not a distant abstraction but a living interlocutor: the speaker bows at Jesu's name, trembles at the thought of the woe that purchased release, and yet dares to argue with the age that has made Truth homeless. The central tension is between reverence and intimacy—how to approach a God whose grace is dreadful as well as sweet, whose Word refines the rude and tames the multitude. These poems of petition and protest establish the book's governing relationship, one in which doubt, zeal, and love are all addressed to the same listening ear. ## Relationships ### [Angel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/characters/angel) _professional_ Angel serves Lord as a celestial attendant or messenger in a divine court. ### [Angel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/characters/angel) _professional_ Angel serves Lord as a celestial attendant or messenger in a divine court. ### [Angel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/characters/angel) _professional_ Angel serves Lord as a celestial attendant or messenger in a divine court. ## In the story ### [I: Solitude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/i-solitude) Addressed in prayer for a constant soul, control over passions, and guidance; also referenced as the one who aids and comforts. ### [II: My Birthday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/ii-my-birthday) Addressed as 'Great Lord' in prayer for a constant soul and control over passions. ### [III: Paraphrase of Isaiah 64](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/iii-paraphrase-of-isaiah-64) Addressed as the one whose presence is veiled and whose return is earnestly desired. ### [To F. W. N.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/iv-to-f-w-n) The divine caller who summons the brothers as champions and whose grace is like gentle rain. ### [V: Nature and Art](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/v-nature-and-art) The divine disposer who assigns each person their part and whose will the speaker seeks to follow. ### [XI: My Lady Nature and Her Daughters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xi-my-lady-nature-and-her-daughters) Implied as the Father whose praise is traced in Nature's beauty and order. ### [XV: Thanksgiving](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xv-thanksgiving) Addressed as the sovereign voice who quickens love and provides blessings and chastisement. ### [XXXVI: The Watchman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-watchman) Implied as the source of Heaven's might, the Infinite One who chooses the few. ### [XXXIX: Memory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xxxix-memory) The Judge addressed in the final plea for remembrance. ### [XLI: A Word in Season](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xli-a-word-in-season) The Lord who instructs the speaker to hush, seek, and wait for seasons to speak. ### [XLIII: England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xliii-england) Implored to spare England for the sake of the righteous, as He spared Sodom. ### [XLVI: Jeremiah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xlvi-jeremiah) God is referenced as the one who denied repose to Jeremiah and who pledges heavenly rest to believers. ### [Sleeplessness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/l-sleeplessness) Addressed as the unwearied God whose watchfulness contrasts with human frailty. ### [LI: Abraham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/li-abraham) Implied as the object of Abraham's choice and communion; the one with whom Abraham communes rather than with earth. ### [LIV: The Death of Moses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/liv-the-death-of-moses) The Lord restrains the speaker's steps, chastening whom He loves. ### [LV: Melchizedek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lv-melchizedek) The divine presence sought by the lonely heart, who alone can bless. ### [Behind the Veil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lviii-behind-the-veil) The speaker prays to the Lord for grace. ### [LIX: Judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lix-judgment) Addressed as the one who wields the rod and from whom the speaker seeks mercy. ### [Humiliation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxii-humiliation) Addressed in prayer to cleanse the speaker's hidden choice. ### [LXIII: The Call of David](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxiii-the-call-of-david) God who commands the anointing of David. ### [LXXIV: Temptation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxiv-temptation) Addressed as 'holy Lord' who walked with the three children in the flame. ### [Our Future](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxv-our-future) Addressed as 'dear Lord,' who spares the speaker from seeing the full future. ### [Heathenism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxvi-heathenism) Implied as the one who summoned dreams and vouchsafed to dwell with prayers untrue. ### [Relics of Saints](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxix-relics-of-saints) Referenced as the God of the living, not the dead. ### [LXXXIV: Declension](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/lxxxiv-declension) The Lord who bade His Church arise in the dark ancient time and wills that she should shine. ### [XC: The Pillar of the Cloud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xc-the-pillar-of-the-cloud) The divine guide addressed as 'Kindly Light' who is asked to lead the speaker through darkness. ### [XCII: Jonah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xcii-jonah) The divine voice that calls Jonah and ultimately shows mercy, making Jonah's threat void by grace. ### [XCIII: Faith Against Sight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xciii-faith-against-sight) Referenced as 'the Son of Man' in the opening quote. ### [Zeal and Patience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/xcv-zeal-and-patience) Addressed in prayer as the one who waits a thousand years to work His plan; asked to grant a patient heart. ### [CV: Hora Novissima](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cv-hora-novissima) The divine addressee to whom the prayer is directed, asked to grant a Christian death and absolution. ### [Consolation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cvii-consolation) Addressed as the source of cheer and healing. ### [CVIII: Uzzah and Obed-Edom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cviii-uzzah-and-obed-edom) The Ark of God represents the Lord's presence and hidden strength. ### [CIX: The Gift of Tongues](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cix-the-gift-of-tongues) Addressed in the speaker's question about the gift of tongues. ### [Semita Justorum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxi-semita-justorum) Referred to as the Providential Hand that reveals, uncloaks sin, and commands stricter rule. ### [CXII: The Elements](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxii-the-elements) The one Hand that has sway over the elements, holding the keys of earth and the world to come. ### [CXIV: Judaism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxiv-judaism) Addressed as 'O Holiest Lord!' who cannot take stain of blood or taint of sin. ### [The Priestly Office](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxvi-the-priestly-office) Addressed as the source of love and light, the Lord is implored for pity and assistance in the priestly task. ### [Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxvii-morning) Addressed as the one to whom the speaker prays for guidance. ### [CXVIII: Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxviii-evening) The one addressed in the plea for help to overcome darkness. ### [CXXI: Intercession of the Saints](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxi-intercession-of-the-saints) The Lord is implied as the source of the visions and the one whose rising flame Moses seeks to stay through intercession. ### [CXXV: Matins—Monday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxv-matins-monday) Addressed as the Father who looks upon suppliants and cleanses the soul. ### [CXXVI: Matins—Tuesday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxvi-matins-tuesday) Addressed as the divine source of light and day, invoked to dispel darkness and grant forgiveness. ### [Matins—Wednesday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxvii-matins-wednesday) Addressed as the creator and controller of all, who is asked to cast out slumber and wash away sins. ### [Matins—Thursday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxviii-matins-thursday) Addressed as the source of light and grace, who atones for sins and is implored to shine upon the speaker. ### [Lauds—Friday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxxvii-lauds-friday) Addressed as the source of raising and glorifying the faithful. ### [Lauds—Saturday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxxviii-lauds-saturday) Implied as the one before whom sins are confessed and from whom light comes. ### [CXXXIX: Prime](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxxxix-prime) The one to whom daily toil is offered and from whom blessing is sought. ### [Sext](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxli-sext) Addressed as the unchanging, powerful God who guides the hours and is asked to quench strife and grant peace. ### [CXLII: None](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxlii-none) Addressed as the unchangeable and true God, dispenser of light and life. ### [CXLIII: Vespers—Sunday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxliii-vespers-sunday) Implied as the 'Father of Lights' and the one who hears the plaint. ### [CXLIV: Vespers—Monday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxliv-vespers-monday) Addressed as the creator who chained the waters and established order. ### [CXLV: Vespers—Tuesday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxlv-vespers-tuesday) Addressed as the all-bountiful Creator who molded the world. ### [CXLVI: Vespers—Wednesday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxlvi-vespers-wednesday) Addressed as the creator of light and heavenly bodies, and the one who can cleanse the heart from sin. ### [CXLVII: Vespers—Thursday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxlvii-vespers-thursday) Addressed as the creator of sea and sky, and the one who saves His servants. ### [CXLVIII: Vespers—Friday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cxlviii-vespers-friday) Addressed as the Creator and source of all life, to whom all obedience is due. ### [Compline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/cl-compline) Addressed as Maker of the world, asked to watch over the bed and keep the sleeper pure. ### [CLII: Advent—Matins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clii-advent-matins) Implored to enlighten and set on fire the spirits of the faithful. ### [For a Martyr](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clvi-for-a-martyr) Addressed as 'O God' and 'Thy', the divine recipient of the hymn and giver of the prize. ### [A Martyr Convert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxx-a-martyr-convert) Addressed as the one who will descend to complete the harvest and solve the mystery of life. ### [CLXXI: St. Philip in His School](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxxi-st-philip-in-his-school) God, throned in high heaven, toward whom St. Philip conducts souls. ### [For the Dead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxxiii-for-the-dead) Addressed as the creator and redeemer of the souls in purgatory. ### [The Two Worlds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxxv-the-two-worlds) Addressed as the source of glory and grace, whose face outshines the gaudy world. ### [St. Michael](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxxvi-st-michael) Referenced as the Omniscient Judge who will summon all at the Last Judgment. ### [§ 2](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/2) Addressed in the Angel's song as the one who gave the charge and whose ways are wonderful. ### [§ 7](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/7) Addressed as the eternal refuge and God, who is entreated for mercy and guidance. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/characters/lord - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/characters