“I wish to know first its rules and conditions of entrance.”
The minister opened his Guide Book and, duly adjusting his spectacles, read in a pleasing manner: “Anyone wishing to unite with this church must comply with the following rules and regulations:
“RULE I.—He must reach a reasonable degree of respectability, or endeavor to do so.
“RULE II.—He must not wear clothing so plain as to attract undue attention.
“RULE III.—He must not tolerate or countenance the common nuisances so prevalent in the churches of the King’s Highway.
“RULE IV.—He must ever manifest a liberal spirit so as to keep in touch with the progress of the world.
“RULE V.—He may engage in any practice that will give enlightenment on either the dark or the bright side of life. Members of this church ought to have a well-rounded education.
“RULE VI.—He must never take advantage in buying or selling, except in such cases like Jacob’s, where he can bring good to himself or profit to the church.
“RULE VII.—He must never give way to his temper, except in such cases where his personal liberty or his church is attacked.
“RULE VIII.—He is to cultivate grace and etiquette through whatever channel possible.