Thus with regard to aliens this peculiar theory has led to very extensive religious toleration.
With regard to the Russians themselves the theory has had a very different effect.

If in the nature of things the Tartar is a Mahometan, the Pole a Roman Catholic, and the German a Protestant, it is equally in the nature of things that the Russian should be a member of the Orthodox Church.

On this point the written law and public opinion are in perfect accord.

If an Orthodox Russian becomes a Roman Catholic or a Protestant, he is amenable to the criminal law, and is at the same time condemned by public opinion as an apostate and renegade--almost as a traitor.
As to the future of these heretical sects it is impossible to speak with confidence.

The more gross and fantastic will probably disappear as primary education spreads among the people; but the Protestant sects seem to possess much more vitality.