Inherit the Wind

Later that night, the townspeople gather for Reverend Brown’s prayer meeting. Brady speaks to a news reporter from England who asks him his personal opinion of Drummond. Brady bears no animosity toward Drummond, but he must oppose someone who is challenging “the faith of millions” (83). The Mayor, the Reverend, and Mrs. Brady arrive, and Reverend Brown begins the prayer meeting. He leads the townspeople in a prayer about believing the word of God. Brown recounts how God created the world in seven days and how he came to create humans in his image. The crowd praises God, and Brown reminds them that they have a duty to cast sinners out of their midst. He calls on the wrath of God to strike Bert down. 

Rachel interrupts and begs her father not to pray for Bert’s destruction. Reverend Brown swears to call down the same destruction on her, even though she is his daughter. Brady warns Brown not to be overzealous and reminds him of a passage from the Bible: “He that troubleth his own house…shall inherit the wind” (91). He highlights the importance of forgiveness and urges the townspeople to return to their homes. Brady sees Drummond and asks him what happened to their friendship.