FAITH
When Mark Twain married Olivia Langdon, she was a very religious and optimistic person. Her faith stood firmly in God. But Mark Twain had no faith. He scoffed at her beliefs and made light of her devotions. Soon Olivia’s optimism began to diminish. There was a noticeable decline in her prayer life. What had been a fervent faith, cooled. She did not seem to care any more. Eventually, she forsook her religion altogether. A deep sorrow came over Olivia’s life. Mark Twain loved her, and never meant to hurt her — but he discovered he had broken her spirit. He said, “Livy, if it comforts you to lean on your faith, do so.” She replied sadly, “I cannot. I do not have any faith left.” This haunted Mark Twain as long as he lived.
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