“No,” said Mr. Clement; “I look upon such exhibitions as manifestations of fanaticism, or bigotry, and generally of both.  They are, in fact, productive of no earthly good, but of much lamentable evil; for instead of inculcating brotherly love, kindness, and charity—­they inflame the worst passions of adverse creeds—­engender hatred, ill-will, and fill the public mind with those narrow principles which disturb social harmony, and poison our moral feelings in the very fountain of the heart.  I believe there is no instance on record of a sincere convert being made by such discussions.”

“But is there not an extensive system of conversion proceeding, called the New Reformation?” asked Easel.  “It appears to me by the papers, that the Roman Catholic population are embracing Protestantism by hundreds.”

“How little are the true causes of great events known,” said Hickman, laughing; “who, for instance, would suppose that the great spiritual principle by which this important movement has been sustained is the failure of the potato crop in the country, where this gracious work is proceeding.  One would think, if everything said were true, that there are epidemics in religion as well as in disease; but the truth is, that the knavery or distress of two or three Catholics who were relieved, when in a state of famine, by a benevolent and kind-hearted nobleman, who certainly would encourage neither dishonesty nor imposture, first set this Reformation agoing.  The persons I speak of, fearing that his Lordship’s benevolence might cease to continue, embraced Protestantism pro forma and pro tempore.  This went abroad, and almost immediately all who were in circumstances of similar destitution adopted the same course, and never did man pay more dearly for evangelical truth than did his Lordship.  In the forthcoming battle the parsons are to prove to the world that all who belong to Popery must be damned, whilst the priests, on the other hand, broil the parsons until they blaze in their own fat.  But, my God, when will charity and common sense prevail over bigotry and brimstone!”

At this moment a servant entered to say that Poll Doolin—­for she was well known—­wished to see Mr. Harman on very particular business.

“I can scarcely bear to look on the wretch,” said Harman, “but as I Strongly suspect, that she may in some shape be useful to us, I desired her to come here.  She called three times upon me, but I could not bring myself to see or speak to’ her; she shall be the bearer of no messages to me,” he said bitterly, “let her carry them elsewhere; d—­n her.”

He betrayed deep and powerful emotion as he spoke, but, as his allusions were understood, there was—­from a respect for his feelings, on the part of his audience—­no reply made to his observations.