is counted very insulting to Catholics to offer them meat on Fridays, as
if they were apostates who would sell their souls for a 'mess of
pottage;' and I thought you were aware that we are Catholics, and that
our religion forbids us to eat flesh on Friday."

"I know, sir, the Romish faith forbids her votaries the use of meat;
but, Paul, I thought you were now thoroughly weaned from such notions,
from what you have seen since you came to this free and Protestant
country."

"All I have seen since I was unfortunately compelled to come to these
parts, only confirms me in my attachment to the religion of our
ancestors," said Paul.

"My child, I love you," said the parson, seeing he had been committed by
his temper, and now changing his air of haughtiness into that of
affected kindness; "I love you in my soul, and that is why I want to
teach you to know Jesus, and to cause you to give up the fooleries of
Popery. What can be more foolish than to abstain from what God has given
for man's use?"

"I hope I appreciate that _love_, sir," said Paul; "but if you wish not
to insult me, and if you do not want to cause me to doubt the sincerity
of your love, you won't call any prescription of the church of Christ
foolish. The Scriptures tell us that we may lawfully and meritoriously
abstain from many good and useful gifts of God--as Samson abstained
from wine; St. John the Baptist from flesh and the luxury of apparel;
St. Paul fasted and chastised his body; the Jews were commanded to
abstain from the use of pork and other meats. Finally, our Savior
promises to reward those publicly who will fast or abstain from food."