"I have plenty of the traditions of the fathers, and of
councils of the church," he answered, "but what need I more certain than
the word of the Pope, who sits in the infallible chair?" Then the
doorkeeper opened a huge Bible--a load in itself; "This," said he, "is
our only statute book--prove your right from this or go." And he
straightway departed.
Then came a flock of Quakers, who wished to enter with their hats on, but
were turned away for being so ill-mannered. After them some of the barn-
folk, who had been there only a short while, began to speak: "We have
the same statute book as ye have," they averred, "and therefore show us
our privileged place." "Stay," said the bright porter, steadfastly
gazing on their foreheads, "I will show you something: see yon mark of
the rent ye made in the church when leaving it without cause or reason?
And would ye now have a place therein? Get ye back to the narrow gate,
and wash thoroughly in the well of repentance, to see if ye will reach
some of the royal blood ye erstwhile drank {36a} and bring some of the
water of that well to moisten the clay, so as to make up yonder rent and
then ye are welcome.
Pages:
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84