ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA [contemptuously] And what are the many things that

Nicholas Ivánovich maintains that are quite true? Is it true that the

Sermon on the Mount bids us give our property away to strangers and let

our own families go begging?

PRIEST. The Church, in fact, sanctions the family, and the Holy Fathers

of the Church, in fact, blessed the family; but the highest perfection

really demands the renunciation of worldly advantages.

ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Of course the Anchorites acted so, but ordinary

mortals, I should imagine, should act in an ordinary way, as befits all

good Christians.

PRIEST. No one can tell unto what he may be called.

ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. And, of course, you are married?

PRIEST. Oh yes.

ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. And have you any children?

PRIEST. Two.

ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Then why don't you renounce worldly advantages, and

not go about smoking a cigarette?

The Light Shines in Darkness