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NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. It is not pride. I am only asking you what should I
do according to Christ's law, when I have become conscious of the sin of
robbing the people and enslaving them by means of the land. How am I to
act? Continue to own land and to profit by the labour of starving men:
putting them to this kind of work [points to Servant who is bringing in
the lunch and some wine], or am I to return the land to those from whom
my ancestors stole it?
FATHER GERÁSIM. You must act as behoves a son of the Church. You have a
family and children, and you must keep and educate them in a way
suitable to their position.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Why?
FATHER GERÁSIM. Because God has placed you in that position. If you wish
to be charitable, be charitable by giving away part of your property and
by visiting the poor.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. But how is it that the rich young man was told that
the rich cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
FATHER GERÁSIM. It is said, "If thou wouldest be perfect."
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. But I do wish to be perfect. The Gospels say, "Be
ye perfect as your Father in Heaven ..."
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