Doubtless it was his own fault to a large extent that he allowed himself to get into this dull, dissatisfied condition.

If he had had a healthy mind like you, friend, it would not have happened.
But instead of utterly scouting him as an idiot, rather thank God you have been spared all his weaknesses and all his temptations.
Was Tom never to learn that there was a way--"The Way, the Truth, and the Life"-- better than any he had yet tried, which would lead him straight through the tangled mazes of his London life?
Was he never to discover that Friend, truer than all earthly friends, at Whose side he might brave each trial and overcome each temptation?
Poor Tom! he walked in a way of his own?
and trusted in no one better than himself; and that was why he fell.
As I have said, he did not fall without an effort.

I have known him one day buy a bad, trashy book, and the same evening, in a fit of repentance--for God's Spirit wonderfully strives with men--take and burn it to ashes in his grate.

But I have also known him to buy the same book again the next day.

I have known him to walk a mile out of his way to avoid a place of temptation; and yet, before his walk was done, find himself, after all, under the glare of its lamps.