But of godliness in its true sense--of belief that any Being above cared for him, and was helping him in the daily business of life--that it was worth while asking that Being's advice, or that any advice would be given if asked for; of any practical notion of a Heavenly Father, or a Divine education--Tom was as ignorant as thousands of respectable people who go to church every Sunday, and read good books, and believe firmly that the Pope is Antichrist.

He ought to have learnt it, no doubt; for his father was a religious man: but he had not learnt it--any more than thousands learn it, who have likewise religious parents.

He had been taught, of course, the common doctrines and duties of religion; but early remembrances had been rubbed out, as off a schoolboy's slate, by the mere current of new thoughts and objects, in his continual wanderings.

Disappointments he had had, and dangers in plenty; but only such as rouse a brave and cheerful spirit to bolder self-reliance and invention; not those deep sorrows of the heart which leave a man helpless in the lowest pit, crying for help from without, for there is none within.

He had seen men of all creeds, and had found in all alike (so he held) the many rogues, and the few honest men.