Page:Leo Tolstoy - The Russian Revolution (1907).djvu/94

 Rh You, country labourers as well as town workers, may at first have to suffer at the hands of the old as well as of the new Governments for your disobedience, and also from disagreements arising among yourselves; but all the ills that may come from these causes are as nothing compared to the ills and sufferings you now endure and will yet have to endure from the Government, if (obeying one or other Government) you are drawn into participation in the murders, executions, and civil strife that are now being committed, and that will yet long continue to be committed by the contending Governments, unless you stop them by refusing to participate in them.

Only yield to what is demanded of you by this or that Government: only, for the support of the old Government, enter on a struggle with the Revolutionaries ; serving in the army, or police, or joining the "Black-gang" mobs; or, for the support of the Revolutionists, take part in strikes, the destruction of property, armed risings, or any unions, elections, or Dumas—and besides burdening your souls with many sins, and encountering much suffering, you will not have time to look round before one Government or other (even though you may have promoted its triumph) will fasten the deadly noose of slavery in which you have lived, and are still living, once more upon you.

Only do not submit to, and do not obey, either the one or the other, and you will rid yourselves of your miseries, and will be free.

From the present difficult circumstances you, Russian working people, have but one way of escape; and that is by refusing to obey any force-using authority—humbly and meekly enduring violence, and refusing to participate in it.

This way of escape is simple and easy, and undoubtedly leads to welfare. But to act in this way you must submit to the government of God and to His law. "He that endureth to the end will be saved," and your salvation is in your own hands.