Explanation: Madam, I know not what your ladyship means by the terms master and service. I am in the service of a Master who will never discard me from doing my duty.

Answer: This is an extract from Joseph Andrews, a famous prose satire by Henry Fielding. Here the novelist seeks to depict the personality of a true Christian or a real clergyman by the presentation of his honesty, integrity, and devotion to the Almightily God.

Abraham Adams is the greatest creation of Fielding. His dignity and courage of conviction has been most clearly manifested in the last book of the story where he confronts Lady Booby who urges him not to perform the ceremony of marriage between Joseph and Fanny. Violating her command he answers simply and firmly as he only knows the Almighty God as his master and all the services he offers are for him and for no one else. This is why he refuses to let down Joseph or Fanny at this time because he would do nothing which is unlawful. Here, he is to be distinguished from lawyer Scout who readily falls in with Lady Booby’s wishes.

Therefore, Parson Adams is one of the supreme achievements in carrying out the orders of God as well as being his subordinate only. He not only represents Fielding’s conception of good nature and Christian charity but also has peculiar characteristics which present him as an individual.