Emmerdale Farm (TV Series)

Episode #1.35 (1973)

George Little: Rev. Edward Ruskin

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Quotes 

• Rev. Edward Ruskin : I suppose you know what I want to talk to you about?

  Jack Sugden : Yes, I do - and I'd rather you didn't.

  Rev. Edward Ruskin : Oh, you think it's none of my business?

  Jack Sugden : I don't want to hurt your feelings.

  Rev. Edward Ruskin : Oh, I wouldn't worry about that, Jack, they're quite used to being battered about a bit. Now, I suppose people would say it's none of my business, that I'm poking my nose into an affair that doesn't concern me - but I don't quite see it in that light.

  Jack Sugden : It's how the two people concerned see it that matter, surely?

  Rev. Edward Ruskin : Oh come on, Jack. You see a child about to burn his fingers or put himself into some danger then isn't it your duty to stop him?

  Jack Sugden : Children are different propositions.

  Rev. Edward Ruskin : Oh, we're all children, Jack. Children of God.

  Jack Sugden : That's an assertion I don't agree with.

  Rev. Edward Ruskin : No, I know you don't. But we're discussing why I'm interfering and so it's my beliefs that count, isn't it?

  Jack Sugden : Look Vicar, I don't want to row with you, I don't...

  Rev. Edward Ruskin : Why shouldn't you row with me? Frightened I'll hit you? I'm not your modern parson you know; I've strong beliefs and they make demands. The modern way's easier of course, compromise always is. And it's very nice to be popular. But popularity carries a price that I'm not prepared to pay. The parson who doesn't speak out about the wrongs he witnesses is unworthy of his calling.

  Jack Sugden : Right and wrong is a matter of opinion - particularly when it's a case of personal morality.

  Rev. Edward Ruskin : Oh, come on, Jack, I saw you in the arms of another man's wife!

  Jack Sugden : Who's a wife in name only; they're going to be divorced.

  Rev. Edward Ruskin : Yes, but while they're not there's a chance of saving their marriage.

  Jack Sugden : Laura doesn't want it saved.

  Rev. Edward Ruskin : No, but her husband does; he loves his wife. He's willing to make any sacrifice to preserve that marriage. Now what justification have you got for making it difficult for him?. Do you want to marry Laura yourself?

  [Jack can't respond]