The Uncalled · Chapter
XI explained
Fred Brent is compelled to preach his first sermon at the Dexter church, facing the congregation that has known him since childhood.
What happens
Fred Brent is compelled to preach his first sermon at the Dexter church, facing the congregation that has known him since childhood. Despite his dread, he delivers a powerful sermon on judgment and hypocrisy, confronting the community's prejudices and his own painful past.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Religion
Fred's sermon directly condemns the congregation's self-righteousness and judgmental attitudes, highlighting religious hypocrisy.
Social Class and Judgment
Fred is acutely aware of being seen as 'old Tom Brent's boy' and faces the community's class-based scrutiny.
Repression and Authenticity
Fred struggles to suppress his anger and past trauma while trying to deliver an authentic sermon.
Characters to notice
- Fred Brent
Preaches his first sermon, struggling with the weight of his past and the community's judgment.
- Eliphalet Hodges
Offers Fred sympathy and encouragement before the sermon, understanding his anxiety.
- Mrs. Hester Hodges
Lectures Fred on his duty and later questions her husband's advice.
- Elizabeth Simpson
Attends the sermon and feels proud that such a man loves her.
- Mr. Simpson
Indisposed, his pulpit is filled by Fred; he leads the service and calls on Daniel Hastings to pray.
- Daniel Hastings
Leads a lengthy prayer, venting his spleen and offering a clumsy blessing on the preacher.
Key passages
“It was not until early in Brent's second year at the Bible Seminary that he was compelled to go through the ordeal he so much dreaded, that of filling a city pulpit.”
Fred had to preach in a city church for the first time during his second year at seminary, which he had been dreading.
Sets up the central conflict of the chapter.
“Only he himself could perceive it in all the trying horror of its details. Only he himself knew fully or could know what the event involved—that when he arose to preach, to nine-tenths of the congregation he would not be Frederick Brent, student, but 'old Tom Brent's boy.'”
Fred felt that no one else understood the full horror of the situation: most of the congregation would see him as his father's son, not as a student.
Highlights Fred's internal struggle with his family legacy.
“I know jest how you feel, Freddie. It seems that I oughtn't to call you that now; but I 'low you'll allus be 'Freddie' to me.”
Eliphalet said he understood Fred's feelings and would always call him Freddie, even though he was now a man.
Shows Eliphalet's enduring affection and understanding.
“When Sunday comes—I don't know as I'd ought to say it this way, but I mean it all in a Christian sperrit—when Sunday comes, Freddie, my boy, you jest go in an' give 'em fits.”
Eliphalet advised Fred to preach boldly and powerfully, even if his language was not conventionally pious.
Eliphalet's encouragement contrasts with Mrs. Hodges' more formal advice.
“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged, and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”
Fred began his sermon with the biblical warning against judging others, as the measure you use will be used on you.
The text of Fred's sermon, directly challenging the congregation.
“You have forgotten that the lash you so love to wield over your brother's back shall be laid upon your own by Him who whipped the money-changers from His temple.”
Fred warned that the judgment they inflict on others will be turned back on them by God, who drove the money-changers from the temple.
Climactic moment of the sermon, emphasizing divine retribution.
