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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When John was a boy, a farmer was murdered with what weapon?
(a) A bowie knife.
(b) A shotgun.
(c) A lead pipe.
(d) A Confederate pistol.

2. How did John's father die?
(a) Of tuberculosis.
(b) Of the mumps.
(c) Of pneumonia.
(d) Of the Spanish flu.

3. John's grandfather walked out of his father's church during a sermon. Where did the grandfather go?
(a) To his home.
(b) The Presbyterian church.
(c) To the Negro church.
(d) Downtown to walk the streets.

4. What does John say "you never quite get used to"?
(a) The scrutiny of other people.
(b) Questions about eternity.
(c) Growing old.
(d) The world at night.

5. What two biblical characters does John's father compare the two of them to on their journey to Kansas?
(a) Jacob and Esau.
(b) Cain and Abel.
(c) Abraham and Isaac.
(d) Adam and Eve.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did John get a great reputation for wisdom?

2. John tells a story about a building project in a little abolitionist settlement. What was built?

3. What did John's father give him every time he learned five scripture verses and could repeat them without a mistake?

4. What does John's father offer him in the ruins of the burned-down church?

5. What popular book does Lila "melt into"?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to John, what are some of the strangest things about being in the ministry?

2. Briefly recount the story John's grandfather and his friends used to tell about the citizens of a little abolitionist town.

3. What is the significance behind the story of the farmer who was murdered with a bowie knife, and what does that have to do with John's grandfather?

4. What are some of John's comments on water?

5. What was the nature of the meeting John had with the church trustees regarding the church building?

6. Describe the moment of communion John experiences in the ruins of the burned-out church.

7. Describe John's brother, Edward.

8. What are some of the key aspects of John's life that he recounts to his son?

9. How does John explain death to people who ask what it is like?

10. What are John's thoughts on the Lord's Supper? How does his son figure into this account?

(see the answer keys)

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