The chapter opens with Henry Maxwell thinking about what to say at the service at First Church. He writes down a list of things Jesus might do if he were in Raymond. At the same time, the hero receives an offer to preach the next night and agrees to it. The performance does not begin well because of the crowd’s noise. However, Maxwell goes on to feel compassion for the group, juxtaposing it with Christ’s emotions during his time on earth. After the service, the hero discovers a pronounced problem of alcoholism in those present and “takes it upon himself to speak out against the liquor trade, which is ruining so many lives” (Sheldon 39). In the course of the chapter in question, Maxwell tries to think deeply about many thoughts in his head, not without questions about a life of service to Jesus.
However, unlike most people who find themselves in difficult circumstances, his thoughts are superficial. No one but the hero would have agreed to hold a sermon with intent conditions. The crowd noise and lack of order would have offended anyone, but Mr. Maxwell did what he promised, ignoring the mess. The author, through third-person narration, increase the scale of mysticism and, at the same time, the realism of his fictional idea of merging with Christ. The effect of omitting and delaying actual events and reflections creates the necessary tannic backdrop for readers.
Maxwell’s lifestyle and Christian reflections on life show that he cared about the purpose of his existence on earth. His ability to soothe a crowd of people seems like a great catalyst for more significant tasks than reading the proverbial tent. Henry decides to devote his life to fighting against alcoholism, depriving people, and preaching moral values to them. The casual reading of the newspaper causes Mr. Maxwell to have negative feelings; he believes that the news “sows drama and chaos among the people” (Sheldon 43). The chapter’s primary focus is Henry Maxwell’s attempts to become a great Christian. The part in question is one of the critical parts of the book because its main focus is the development of the character’s personality and the setting around him.
Work Cited
Sheldon, Charles M. “The Moral Side of Political Questions.” In His Steps, edited by Charles M. Sheldon, Repro Books, 2021, pp. 38-44.