Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/159

 152 man from Troitzy, once visited Martin. He had been a pilgrim for eight years. While talking with him Martin complained bitterly of the misfortune which had overtaken him, remarking sadly: "I have no longer any desire to live, and I pray that God will soon take me to himself. I am now a man without hope, and life for me is not worth the living."

After listening for some time to Martin's complaint, the old pilgrim said:

"My friend, you should not speak in that way. It is not for us to judge of our Creator's acts. On the contrary, we should submit to the sublime wisdom of God, which is often beyond our comprehension. It is plainly God's will that your son should be taken and that you should be left. It must have been for the best, or it would not have happened. You are in despair because your chief desire in life has been only to seek your own happiness."

"But what have I now to live for?" asked Martin.