In "Middlemarch" by George Eliot, the quote reflects a critical view on religious beliefs, suggesting that rituals and simplistic faith can be ineffective or even harmful. By comparing faith to incantations mixed with arsenic, the speaker emphasizes the importance of concrete actions over mere words or rituals. The statement suggests a desire for practical solutions rather than reliance on hollow doctrines.

The speaker is looking for a person who can provide tangible results, represented by arsenic, while disregarding the superficiality of religious practices. This perspective highlights a broader theme in the novel: the tension between idealism and pragmatism in societal progress and personal belief systems.