A SEQUEL TO THE PREACHER'S COFFEE

Just then in stepped a gospel preacher who wears a Bible name

The simple name of Christian, of Apostolic fame

God put into the Bible no human name to wear

And hence he was contented the inspired mark to bear.

Then Mrs. Brown he questioned if really she'd admit

That "into" had the meaning that she had given it.

She said she would most surely, and who would dare say not

No coffee's in the vessel till put into the pot.

Then guilty spoke the preacher, "Don't censure parson Jones

You've spoken condemnation to self in strongest tones

No need to hold tradition, such never has sufficed

The Bible says baptism puts people "into" Christ."

"No, no replied the Mrs. such teaching is a sin

Our preacher gives baptism to those already in."

"Well, well", then spoke the preacher, "it surely gives me fun,

To see this Baptist woman throw down her Baptist gun."

If "into" has the meaning you've given it at last

Your shot at circuit rider has gone "into" a blast.

Then Philip and the Eunuch went not into the creek,

For they were in already and had been for a week.

When Christians are invited "into" that Heavenly clime,

They'll really not go "into"...were in it all the time

And when the Lord will banish the wicked "into" hell

They'll merely stay in pleasure on earth they loved so well.

You thought you put the coffee "into" the coffee pot,

But it was in already, already boiling hot.

Now Mrs. Brown, please promise that you'll not have the gall.

To hit folks with the Bible, unless you'll take it all.

The Bible says plainly, to which you referred,

"They went down into water", I trust it's every word.

It tells us that the righteous go "into" mansions fair

It tells us that the wicked go down "into" despair.

It tells us just as surely, not only once but twice,=20

That which is called Baptism puts people into Christ

Now take it all dear woman, false preachers you can rout,

Or else just raise your window and throw the Bible out.

Porter <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Nelta

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2000

Answers

Nelta,

Kudos! Thank you for bringing these literary vehicles to the forefront! I oft not agree with you but you've outdone yourself!

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2000

Now, Nate, what could you possibly disagree with me about?:-)

BTW the two posts on the Preacher's Coffee are old. I thought they were meaningful and might be good for *Church* bulletins (?).

Nelta

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2000

One problem with this poem is that, in real life, the Baptist might come at this from a different perspective. He might say that 'baptism into Christ' is not the same thing as water baptism.

If you posted this on a Baptist forum, I wonder if you'd get a poem back about a discussion of Romans 10:9-10.

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2000

Hello Link,

No doubt they would look at this differently. Do you think they might consider the belief in Romans 10:9-10 to include more than simply acknowleding that God is? Perhaps a working belief (faith)?

Nelta

-- Anonymous, September 07, 2000