Section 11 (pages 173-185) Summary

This section begins with John reflecting on how the present can't be judged by the past. This recollection leads to his recounting how Grandfather was invited to speak at a town picnic, how the entire family was nervous about what he might say, and how his sermon described in detail the vision that called him to God's service. John describes how Grandfather proclaimed that his vision is still valid; Iowa still needs to be touched by the flaming power of God, even though the people seemed to have turned away from Him. John also describes the general flippancy of those who heard the sermon, including that of John's grandfather, who comments that he doesn't think it did much good.

John then considers the sermon in the abstract context of how people react in general to passionate expressions of belief...