“RULE IX.--He is to be faithful in attending the services of his own church, except in cases of sickness or disinclination. “RULE X.--It must be his constant aim to reach Heaven by traveling diligently on a way wide enough to hold the attention and respect of an enlightened age. “These are our general rules. We have several thousand regulations covering every phase or avenue of life.” “What I have just now heard are certainly not as iron-clad as the rules of my church. Nothing is said of conversion, or spirituality, or of the Holy Spirit, or of the other Persons of the Trinity,” commented Miss Church-Member. “No, not of anything that is antiquated or, in other words, ‘out of date.’ The main church on earth must deal with practical things.” “What do you call ‘conversion’ in your church, or do you not believe in it?” “Beyond any doubt we believe in conversion. Just as soon as a person confesses his faith in our general rules he is converted, and is at once a good Christian. The Bible says that if one will only believe he is safe: or ‘saved already’ as the true Greek rendering has it.” “Then you hold to the Bible strictly?” “We are the only church that does really and truly hold to the Bible. We believe and teach it as it is preserved for the ages in the original Hebrew and Greek.” “But I notice that many of your rules seem to be at variance with certain parts of the Bible,” she boldly declared. “True enough, but those certain parts of the Bible do not belong to the genuine Scriptures. Whatever you find in the Bible contrary to our rules and regulations you can safely conclude is an interpolation and does not form a part of the inspired Word. Let me assure you, Miss Church-Member, that our discipline was written with great care by eminent scholars of the Hebrew and Greek; therefore how could there have been any error in it?” Miss Church-Member was slightly confused, and evidenced by her manner that she was ready to depart. “May I ask before you go,” continued the minister, “whether you are willing to join our church?” “I have been thinking,” she replied, “that I could do more good in my own church, not by fighting it, but by using _my_ influence quietly in trying to get some of its members to be more like I am. I have always had a missionary spirit. In that way I might satisfy my earlier ambitions and lead some one out of the mist into a better light.” “A very bright idea,” testified Mr. World, advancing with Miss Church-Member toward the door. “And may you succeed in your plans,” added the minister as they were stepping from the room. “There are millions who belong to my church in spirit, but who hold visible connection with some radical church of the King’s Highway. They are doing great service in eradicating old-time methods and planting the banners of a new liberty such as we three enjoy.” CHAPTER XXI. FROM THE VALLEY OF CONVICTION TO THE DEVIL’S AUCTION. 1. Depression of Miss Church-Member 2. The Merry Village.