Willy Burke, or, The Irish orphan in America - Digital Repository ...

214 WILLY BURKE; OR,
testimony against Rome. Only let-us prevail upon that
silly fellow to appear on the platform as one who has abjured
the errors of Popery, and, my life for it ! your collection
will be a first-rate one. The lad is good-looking,
Irish and all as he is ;
and as a convert from the Romish
Church, he will become the great lion of the day. The
reason why your collections do not turn out well latterly
is, the great dearth of novelty ; and if you can parade this
young fellow as one who has just broken the chains of
Rome, etc., etc., under your spiritual guidance, you will
find your account in it, I assure you".
u Yes", replied a voice that Peter knew to be that of
Mortimer ;
" but I much fear that I cannot persuade the
lad to appear. I know the effect would be beneficial to
our interests ;
but these Irish Papists are so obstinately
attached to the Church of Rome, that they are scarcely
to be tempted to come forth from her ; they hug their
chains, dear Mrs. Watkins, and laugh at our boasted
liberty. This boy, though he appears to us wavering, may
be, at heart, as much a Catholic as ever. But if you will
try your powers of persuasion, dear, and lovely, and bewitching
as you are, he cannot, he will not refuse. Do,
sweet friend !" and the minister's voice assumed a softer
tone, " do, and you will bind Frederick Mortimer by yet
another chain ; for it much imports me to have this Bible
meeting crowned with success"*
" I will try what I can do", said Mrs. Watkins in reply,
" since you think my persuasive power so great sir ; they
shall be all put forth in your service, and I think I may
venture to promise that this hopeful youth will grace your
platform as a convert. Oh ! how the priests will gnash
their teeth ; and how all good, pious Methodists will