Frank looked at the patched clothes of the old man, his coarse shoes, his stockingless feet, and meagre body, and felt compassion for him.
"For us poor people the earth bears but thistles and thorns." After a pause, the old man continued, "We have to undergo many tribulations and difficulties, and sometimes we even suffer from hunger. But thus it is in the world. The good God will reward us in the next world for our sufferings in this."
These words sounded strangely to Richard. Raised as he was in the midst of wealth, and without contact with poverty, he had never found occasion to consider the lot of the poor; and now the resignation of the old man, and his hope in the future, seemed strange to him. He was astonished that religion could have such power--so great and strong--to comfort the poor in the miseries of a hopeless, comfortless life.
"But what if your hope in another world deceive you?"
The old man looked at him with astonishment.
"How can I be deceived? God is faithful. He keeps his promises."
"And what has he promised you?"
"Eternal happiness if I persevere, patient and just, to the end."
"I wonder at your strong faith!"
"It is my sole possession on earth. What would support us poor people, what would keep us from despair, if religion did not?"