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 That confession was undoubtedly a great blow to his pride.

Andrew was troubled. For a while he hesitated, watched the harper, but seeing deep earnestness in his face he gave his thoughts free expression.

“You do not suspect and perhaps will not believe,” he said, “that what I have just told you is a part of the teachings of those hated heretics who were persecuted and burned for their pernicious religion. Their religion, first of all, taught that by continual upward progress they got nearer to God. And one of their foremost principles was toleration of other religions. They were not allowed to censure people of different faith; but all that others believed was to be conscientiously examined, and if some parts of it were found useful, these were adopted by the whole community.”

“A more just and prudent rule was never made,” exclaimed the harper, his eyes beaming with enthusiasm. “Why should man be gifted with reason if not that he might use it?