how does tom try to avoid fulfilling his end of the bargain

Tom tries to avoid his end of the bargain by finding religion..... he begins going to church, praying aloud, and carrying a Bible.

He became, therefore, all of a sudden, a violent church goer. He prayed loudly and strenuously as if heaven were to be taken by force of lungs. Indeed, one might always tell when he had sinned most during the week, by the clamour of his Sunday devotion.