The Autobiography of Mark Rutherford · Chapter
VI: Ellen and Mary explained
Rutherford, having resigned his ministry, visits Mardon and his daughter Mary for counsel.
What happens
Rutherford, having resigned his ministry, visits Mardon and his daughter Mary for counsel. Mardon challenges Rutherford's vague belief in God, arguing that mere affirmation is meaningless without defining God's character. Mary sings a song that deeply moves both Rutherford and Mardon, leading Rutherford to impulsively kiss Mary's hand. Returning home, Rutherford reflects on his diminishing faith, the contradictions of existence, and the inadequacy of a merely moral or negative gospel.
Themes in this chapter
Religious Doubt and Loss of Faith
Rutherford's crisis of faith is central: he questions the nature of God, the meaning of belief, and his own authority as a minister.
Love and Human Connection
The emotional power of Mary's song and Rutherford's impulsive kiss highlight the need for human intimacy amidst spiritual isolation.
Death and Mortality
Rutherford reflects on the inevitability of death and the contradictions of life, seeing good and evil as inseparable.
Characters to notice
- Mark Rutherford
Visits Mardon for advice after resigning; struggles with faith and purpose; deeply moved by Mary's song; impulsively kisses Mary's hand.
- Edward Gibbon Mardon
Receives Rutherford; argues that belief in God is meaningless without defining God's character; is visibly moved by Mary's song.
- Miss Mardon
Mary Mardon is at home; sings a song that deeply affects both Rutherford and her father; receives Rutherford's kiss on her hand.
- Miss Arbour
Mentioned as one of the two persons who had ever been of service to Rutherford, but he shrinks from her because her troubles were never his.
Key passages
“The perplexities of most persons arise, as yours probably arise, from not understanding exactly what you want to do.”
Mardon tells Rutherford that his confusion comes from not knowing his own goal.
Mardon's pragmatic advice contrasts with Rutherford's spiritual turmoil.
“I lifted her hand to my lips; without giving her time to withdraw it, I gave it one burning kiss, and passed out into the street.”
Rutherford impulsively kisses Mary's hand and leaves abruptly.
A moment of intense emotion breaking through Rutherford's usual restraint.
“Nakeder and nakeder had I become with the passage of every year, and I trembled to anticipate the complete emptiness to which before long I should be reduced.”
Rutherford feels his beliefs have been stripped away year by year, leaving him empty.
Reflects his deepening loss of faith and fear of total nihilism.