Christian Martyrdom in Russia/Chapter III
III
THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES OF THE SPIRIT-WRESTLERS TO-DAY
We have seen what the belief and practice of the Spirit-Wrestlers were a hundred years ago. The vitality and validity of their belief and life are shown by the fact that both survive to this day. The following extract from a letter from one of them speaks for itself as to the spirit in which they live and endure persecution:—
"The concern of most importance to me when thinking of my fellows is, that they might as far as possible try to become humble and meek, which is indispensable for entering the kingdom of God.
"I think that when they have begun to be worried, and their material state to be ruined, they must be very careful not to be tempted. I hold that anxiety for material well-being constitutes already a great stumbling-block and injury to the soul.. . .I ask that you will advise all who know me not to be angry, not to grumble at the Government because it oppresses them. But let them bear, with God's help, any trial which befalls them. Let them only remember what Christ, and afterwards the apostles, had to suffer for Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/48 Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/49 Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/50 Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/51 Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/52 Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/53 Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/54 Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/55 Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/56 Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/57 Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/58 Page:Chertkov - Christian Martyrdom.djvu/59 they alluded to some law or other, and said that this law did not allow it. I told them, 'I am dying from cold and you are talking to me about a law; give me first a blanket, and tomorrow we will discuss the law.' But they shut the door and went away. Oh, hard-hearted men! may God forgive them!"