He staggered and strode along the plashy pavement, muttering to himself at intervals,-- 'Rest for the soul?
peace of mind?
I have been promising them all my life to others--have I found them myself?
And here is this poor boy saying that he has gained them--in the very barbarian superstition which I have been anathematising to him! What is true, at this rate?
What is false?
Is anything right or wrong?
except in as far as men feel it to be right or wrong.

Else whence does this poor fellow's peace come, or the peace of many a convert more?
They have all, one by one, told me the same story.

And is not a religion to be known by its fruits?
Are they not right in going where they can get peace of mind ?' Certainly, vicar.

If peace of mind be the summum bonum, and religion is merely the science of self-satisfaction, they are right; and your wisest plan will be to follow them at once, or failing that, to apply to the next best substitute that can be discovered-- alcohol and opium.
As he went on, talking wildly to himself, he passed the Union Workhouse.

Opposite the gate, under the lee of a wall, some twenty men, women, and children, were huddled together on the bare ground.