Fenton Johnson, "The Minister" (1919)
I mastered pastoral theology, the Greek of the
Apostles, and all the difficult subjects in a minister's curriculum.
I was as learned as any in this country when the
Bishop ordained me.
And I went to preside over Mount Moriah, largest
flock in the Conference.
I preached the Word as I felt it, I visited the
sick and dying and comforted the afflicted in spirit.
I loved my work because I loved my God.
But I lost my charge to Sam Jenkins, who has not
been to school four years in his life.
I lost my charge because I could not make my
congregation shout.
And my dollar money was small, very small.
Sam Jenkins can tear a Bible to tatters and his
congregation destroys the pews with their shouting
and stamping.
Sam Jenkins leads in the gift of raising dollar
money.
Such is religion.
Published in Others, 1919
This page has paths:
- Fenton Johnson: Poems and Author Profile Amardeep Singh