What is the effect of Tristram's frequent addresses to his audience?

Tristram speaks to his readers as if they're a group of people he's like to get to know.... he seems to desire friendship. The way he addresses his audience tests the waters. He's formal and familiar; he speaks to status and gender; he speaks to winning approval and allies, and his intent is to engage the reader. He doesn't just want us to read, he wants us to think.... he wants us to question.