Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

DAGER IN THE DARK. 117
between them and Protestants; was the apologist of
papal intolerance, and zealously defended the claims,
extravagant pretensions, and arrogance of the Hier-
archy; eulogized Romish institutions; boasted of J es-
uit schools, and lauded the clergy as the most learned,
wise and holy men upon earth! Dupin he held up
as an immaculate saint and pattern of piety, and de-
nounced as persecutors all who dared to express a dif-
ferent opinion. When accused of double dealing,
or playing the part of a sycophant, he would th n
very speciously plead liberality, and lay claim to an
eminent degree of Christian charity; sternly deny,
of course, being in favor of Romanism, or at all
tinctured with the doctrines of papists, or the princi-
ples held by the order of Jesuits; but charity, Chris-
tian charity, led him to respect the faith of Catholics
as he respected that of Protestants. Marvelously con-
venient is the mantle of charity when moral deformity
needs a covering.; when villains would shield villainy
they have but to say, charity! charity! and the repro-
bate is canonized a saint!
Peter Twist, being a candidate for office, one day
in making an electioneering round, concluded to try
his skill on Squire Delmont, whom he had learned
intended to vote against him on account of his pander-
ing to popery; so, entering his office in a bland and
familiar manner, he thus addressed the magistrate:
" Well, Squire, I 'm snrprised to hear that you've
become a violent religious partisan !"
" Ah, indeed! that is news to me also."