SEEING that his audiences were becoming smaller every Sunday, a

　　Minister of the Gospel broke off in the midst of a sermon,

　　descended1 the pulpit stairs, and walked on his hands down the

　　central aisle2 of the church. He then remounted his feet, ascended3

　　to the pulpit, and resumed his discourse4, making no allusion5 to the

　　incident.

　　"Now," said he to himself, as he went home, "I shall have,

　　henceforth, a large attendance and no snoring."

　　But on the following Friday he was waited upon by the Pillars of

　　the Church, who informed him that in order to be in harmony with

　　the New Theology and get full advantage of modern methods of Gospel

　　interpretation7 they had deemed it advisable to make a change. They

　　had therefore sent a call to Brother Jowjeetum-Fallal, the World-

　　Renowned Hindoo Human Pin-Wheel, then holding forth6 in Hoopitup's

　　circus. They were happy to say that the reverend gentleman had

　　been moved by the Spirit to accept the call, and on the ensuing

　　Sabbath would break the bread of life for the brethren or break his

　　neck in the attempt.