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202

(1897) [MARC] Author: Jonas Jonsson Stadling Translator: Will Reason With: Gerda Tirén, Johan Tirén - Tema: Russia
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hunger, cold, and misery of all kinds, and continually exposed
to new developments of evil fortune, these miserable folk are
subject to an unceasing strain, that naturally causes epidemics
of hysteria, especially in the northern and eastern districts; in
these ecstatic fits they see visions, receive revelations, and leap
and dance under the uncontrollable impulses that agitate them.
Their very songs, as well as their doctrines, are written in
pessimistic strains. Here are two examples:—

Evil years have fallen upon us; bitter times have come;
Perished is the faith that’s true; Christ’s faith has disappeared;
Unjust judges rule the land; the Church’s pastors are
Rough drunkards. Crushed the people lie beneath oppression’s yoke.


Again:

I cannot keep myself from tears!
Religion pines away and dies.
Now godlessness blooms over all.
Uprooted is the Spirit’s law.
The priestly place is girt with silver chains:
We’re ruled by lawless might instead of law.
They who take bribes hold sway in all our towns.
Corrupt officials rage in every place.
The Spirit of Antichrist now lords it over us.
I cannot keep myself from tears.


In their conduct towards each other, and, indeed, towards all
men, these sectaries are gentle and meek, and under the
severest persecution, which frequently overtakes them, they
display a fortitude that is almost superhuman. In fact, one
might almost conclude from their demeanour under the most
terrible punishment, which they endure without a single sound
of complaint, that they find a certain satisfaction in suffering.
Take an instance. Nearly twenty years ago, in the
government of Volodga, a serf named Samarin entered a church
during the hour of worship. Holding alighted candle he rushed
up to the priest, snatched the chalice from his hand, emptied
the contents on the floor, and crushed the sacred vessel underfoot,
exclaiming, “I trample upon Satan’s work.” Of course he was
instantly seized and brought to trial before the authorities.
Questioned as to his object, he replied with the utmost calmness

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