How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Then came the moment of the final blessing, when the forever sublime words, "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding," seemed to blend with the calm afternoon sunshine that fell on the bowed heads of the congregation; and then the quiet rising, the mothers tying on the bonnets of the little maidens who had slept through the sermon, the fathers collecting the prayer-books, until all streamed out through the old archway into the green churchyard and began their neighbourly talk, their simple civilities, and their invitations to tea; for on a Sunday every one was ready to receive a guest—it was the day when all must be in their best clothes and their best humour. (18.66)
This passage describes Mr. Irwine's congregation—who have absorbed Irwine's own gentle yet generous spirit. The people of Hayslope are not martyrs or heroes. A lot of them wouldn't even cut it as sitcom extras. But they do display the kind of everyday kindness that is Mr. Irwine's specialty.
Quote #8
Dinah began to doubt whether Hetty was conscious who it was that sat beside her. She thought suffering and fear might have driven the poor sinner out of her mind. But it was borne in upon her, as she afterwards said, that she must not hurry God's work: we are overhasty to speak—as if God did not manifest himself by our silent feeling, and make his love felt through ours. She did not know how long they sat in that way, but it got darker and darker, till there was only a pale patch of light on the opposite wall: all the rest was darkness. But she felt the Divine presence more and more—nay, as if she herself were a part of it, and it was the Divine pity that was beating in her heart and was willing the rescue of this helpless one. At last she was prompted to speak and find out how far Hetty was conscious of the present. (45.32)
Although Dinah and Hetty are in Hetty's prison cell, transcendent experiences are still possible in this dingy setting. Amazing, yet true. Dinah loses her sense of time, and perhaps even of place. She is immersed in God's will and seeks to extend her communion with God to Hetty. Yup—even in a dank prison cell.
Quote #9
"You can't be happy, then, to make the Hall Farm your home, Dinah?" Adam said, with the quiet interest of a brother, who has no anxiety for himself in the matter. "It's a pity, seeing they're so fond of you."
"You know, Adam, my heart is as their heart, so far as love for them and care for their welfare goes, but they are in no present need. Their sorrows are healed, and I feel that I am called back to my old work, in which I found a blessing that I have missed of late in the midst of too abundant worldly good. I know it is a vain thought to flee from the work that God appoints us, for the sake of finding a greater blessing to our own souls, as if we could choose for ourselves where we shall find the fullness of the Divine Presence, instead of seeking it where alone it is to be found, in loving obedience. But now, I believe, I have a clear showing that my work lies elsewhere—at least for a time. In the years to come, if my aunt's health should fail, or she should otherwise need me, I shall return." (50.2-3)
There are a whole bunch of ways to be too good to be true. And Dinah practices a couple of them. Dinah's religiosity involves a surrender of personal desires to God's will. But instead of portraying herself as entirely passive, Dinah actively renounces worldly goods and actively yearns to help the needy.