Mr. Walton wakes up to a stormy Sunday morning. He does not feel able to preach or to lead the worship this Sunday because he is troubled in his own spirit. The sermon he had prepared Saturday morning seems disconnected with all that happened Saturday night with the death of Catherine and his helplessness in the crisis with Ethelwyn and the captain.
So he preaches a sermon to himself from the book of Isaiah. The sermon is about the strength and attention of God, who is ready to help us and knows all about our difficulties. As he preaches this sermon, he finds strength and peace.
After the sermon he sees Mr. Stoddart and invites him to join him in visiting the sick and the poor people of the church. Mr. Stoddart grudgingly agrees to go with him, and they go to visit Mrs. Tompkins, who is dying.
The storm outside has made a stream of water that runs through Mrs. Tompkins' house! She doesn't notice though, as she is close to death. Mr. Walton sends Mr. Stoddart to the other peoples' houses alone, to let everyone know why he won't be able to visit them. This is the beginning of a sort of partnership between Mr. Walton and Mr. Stoddart in visiting the poor.
