[31] He knows that the priest is Father Gerásim, but wishes to address him not as a priest, but by his Christian name and patronymic, as one gentleman would usually address another. FATHER GERÁSIM. Do you not wish to receive my blessing? NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. No, I don't. FATHER GERÁSIM. My name is Gerásim Sédorovitch. Very pleased to meet you. Men-servants bring lunch and wine. FATHER GERÁSIM. Pleasant weather, and good for the harvest. NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I suppose you came, at Alexándra Ivánovna's invitation, to divert me from my errors and direct me in the path of truth. If that is so, don't let us beat about the bush, but let us get to business at once. I do not deny that I disagree with the teaching of the Church. I used to agree with it, and then left off doing so. But with my whole heart I wish to be in the truth and will at once accept it if you show it to me. FATHER GERÁSIM. How is it you say you don't believe the teaching of the Church? What is there to believe in, if not the Church? NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. God and His law, given to us in the Gospels. FATHER GERÁSIM. The Church teaches that very law. NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. If it did so, I should believe in the Church, but unfortunately it teaches the contrary. FATHER GERÁSIM. The Church cannot teach the contrary, because it was established by the Lord himself. It is written, "I give you power," and, "Upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That was not said in this connection at all, and proves nothing. But even if we were to admit that Christ established the Church, how do I know that it was _your_ Church? FATHER GERÁSIM. Because it is said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That, too, was not said in this connection, and proves nothing. FATHER GERÁSIM. How _can_ one deny the Church? It alone provides salvation. NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I did not deny the Church until I found it supported everything that is contrary to Christianity. FATHER GERÁSIM. It can make no mistakes, for it alone has the truth. Those who leave it go astray, but the Church is sacred. NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I have already told you that I do not accept that. I do not accept it because, as is said in the Gospels, "By their deeds shall ye know them, by their fruit shall ye know them." I have found out that the Church blesses oaths, murders and executions. FATHER GERÁSIM. The Church acknowledges and sanctifies the Powers ordained by God. During the conversation, Styópa, Lyúba, Lisa and Tónya at different times enter the room and sit or stand listening. NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I know that the Gospels say, not only "Do not kill," but "Do not be angry," yet the Church blesses the army. The Gospel says, "Swear not at all," yet the Church administers oaths. The Gospel says ...