Page:About people (IA aboutpeople00well).pdf/108

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ABOUT PEOPLE.

agnostic may be as loyal as the Christian. The arrogance of an exclusive sectarianism demands omniscience, but patience and humility constantly say, "Not yet;" and refuse acceptance of any dogma until convinced. It is hard to persuade zealots that loyalty can call for negation without a corresponding assertion. Their little science teaches them that a vacuum must be filled, and, when their opponent expresses his dissent from their views, they imperiously demand what is believed; and cannot comprehend why some idea has not rushed into the mind to take the place of what, in their opinion, should have occupied it. Unknown to the thinker, as to them, crystals of thought may be forming, although his habit of self-restraint forbids their taking definite shape, until they have absorbed all they need from the surrounding elements. It is hard for ultra-minded people to believe that liberality does not belong to any one sect or party. They leave conversative, expedient

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