10 The Brothers Karamazov
it would seem to be the same with us, but the difference is
that besides the established law courts we have the Church
too, which always keeps up relations with the criminal as a
dear and still precious son. And besides that, there is still
preserved, though only in thought, the judgment of the
Church, which though no longer existing in practice is still
living as a dream for the future, and is, no doubt, instinc-
tively recognised by the criminal in his soul. What was said
here just now is true too, that is, that if the jurisdiction of
the Church were introduced in practice in its full force, that
is, if the whole of the society were changed into the Church,
not only the judgment of the Church would have influence
on the reformation of the criminal such as it never has now,
but possibly also the crimes themselves would be incred-
ibly diminished. And there can be no doubt that the Church
would look upon the criminal and the crime of the future
in many cases quite differently and would succeed in restor-
ing the excluded, in restraining those who plan evil, and in
regenerating the fallen. It is true,’ said Father Zossima, with
a smile, ‘the Christian society now is not ready and is only
resting on some seven righteous men, but as they are never
lacking, it will continue still unshaken in expectation of its
complete transformation from a society almost heathen in
character into a single universal and all-powerful Church.
So be it, so be it! Even though at the end of the ages, for it is
ordained to come to pass! And there is no need to be trou-
bled about times and seasons, for the secret of the times and
seasons is in the wisdom of God, in His foresight, and His
love. And what in human reckoning seems still afar off, may