The Parson's Experiment
The Parson's Experiment is a novel by Sylvanus Cobb Jr. set in the early 1800s. It follows the story of a young minister, Reverend John Parson, who is determined to prove that the Bible is true and that God exists. He sets out on a journey to prove his theory, and along the way he meets a variety of characters who challenge his beliefs and force him to confront his own faith. He eventually discovers that faith is not something that can be proven, but something that must be experienced. The novel is a thought-provoking exploration of faith and the power of belief.
By Sylvanus Cobb Jr. · First published 1890 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance · 1,504 words
First lines
The small parish at Fallowdale had been for some time without a pastor. The members were nearly all farmers, and they had not much money to bestow upon the support of a clergyman; yet they were willing to pay for anything that could promise them any due return of good. In course of time it happened that the Rev. Abraham Surely visited Fallowdale, and as a Sabbath passed during his sojourn, he held a meeting in a small church. The people were pleased with his preaching, and some of them proposed inviting him to remain with them and take charge of their spiritual welfare.
What this Textopian page supports
The Parson's Experiment is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sylvanus Cobb Jr., dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sylvanus Cobb Jr.
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Romance, Adventure
- Length: 1,504 words
- Structure: 1 section, 55 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Parson's Experiment by Sylvanus Cobb Jr.
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Parson's Experiment?
- How does this short story by Sylvanus Cobb Jr. fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Covenant by Charles Kingsley
- Pabo The Priest It Must Be Maintained by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Head Of A Priest by Gertrude Atherton
- Elias B Hopkins The Parson Of Jackmans Gulch by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Reciprocity by George Macdonald
- The Honour Of His House by Harold Bindloss
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The Parson's Experiment is set in the 19th century and follows the story of a parson's attempt to reform a small town.
- Religious Fiction — The book focuses on the parson's religious beliefs and his attempts to bring about spiritual reform in the town.
- Romance — The book includes a romantic subplot between two of the characters.
- Adventure — The book follows the parson's journey as he attempts to bring about reform in the town, which includes some exciting and adventurous moments.
Tags
experiment · parson · rural · community · faith · morality · social issues · family · relationships · struggle · redemption · values