house, or to join in the prayer with which school was daily opened.
Hence they were more than once publicly prayed for by the fanatical
Presbyterian minister, the Rev. Mr. Gulmore, at whose church the Prying
family attended. There was a sufficiency of prayers now "put up," in Mr.
Gulmore's opinion, to begin the work of more practical conversion.
Accordingly, a "big dinner" was prepared, a turkey cooked, and Friday
fixed upon--the appetite being chosen, after a very ancient pattern in
paradise, as the channel through which to "open the eyes" of these blind
young Papists! Some neighboring ministers were of opinion that it was
too soon to begin; but they were but Methodist, Universalist, and other
preachers, who were jealous of the influence and of the salary of Mr.
Gulmore, and who, besides, did not think it exactly fair that all the
children should be converted to Presbyterianism, while there were a
dozen as good denominations around, "and better too." But the
good-salaried disciple of John Calvin had no respect for such opinion;
so "forthwith the good work must begin," as he authoritatively said. He
should not be trifled with any longer, or have it said that, after all
the prayers "put up," and pains taken, "they should still be left
wallowing in the mire of Popery."

"It should not be! It could not be! The power of the Lord must be made
manifest. He could not any longer allow the light to remain under a
bushel. It should shine, and he should then and there convert those
obstinate young things to vital religion."

"Some turkey, Paul, my dear?" said Gulmore, after having first served
the ladies and senior members of the family.

"Not any, sir, thank you," said Paul.