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kneel in prayer twice each day even if they had to do it by the roadside or
in a wagon while driving along, should eat together, sleep in the same room,
and on the street keep so close together that a dog couldn't run between them.
No one was to buy for himself or receive as a gift any article that was
superfluous or unnecessary. Common members were not to use writing desks.
The brethren and sisters were kept as far apart from each other as
the business of community life permitted. They could not pass each other
on the stairs, visit or write, or in any way communicate with each other
except under supervision. When they did meet, as in the union meetings
described, the men had to stay at least five feet from the women, who were
not allowed to whisper, wink, or cross their legs. Shakers hardly ever broke
these rules, but they often confessed to evil intentions or to "weaknesses of
the flesh."
"A Manual of Good Manners" of 1844 (previously quoted) listed these
rules for "Behavior Toward Equals and General Behavior":
TAlways be willing to take your share of disagreeable chores.1
"Never play mean, dirty tricks upon any one; it shows mean-
ness of heart and an ugly disposition.1
'Never give a joke, unless you can bear one as keen.1
r Jests and jokes are edge tools, and very dangerous to use,
as they wound the tender feelings of our friends/
'Never hang round in company where you are not wanted.1
'Never stand on the sides of your feet; it runs down your shoes.'
'Picking pockets, knocking off hats, throwing snowballs, clubs,
stones or sticks in the street or at each other, is extremely
rude and vulgar,1