Johnny Appleseed
The congregation, preacher long chastised.
“Unsaved though, as an infant, were baptized.
You must eschew your clear extravagance.
Your calico and fine imported tea.
“The man for whom I search throughout this land.
A man who like the Christians, primitive.
Coarse raiment worn, his feet remain unshod
upon the path to heaven that he trods.”
John Chapman from the congregation rose.
With confidence, to flummoxed preacher, strode.
Upon the stump that served as pulpit perch.
His barefoot square, fulfilling preacher’s search.
“Sometimes I preach unto the natives here,
not wanting to disturb their peace of mind.
Believing that I, by the Spirit, touched,
the hostile tribes don’t bother me too much.
“I never will, with woman, intersect.
In heaven where a better goal attain.
Attachments. Definition – purity:
Attention undivided, deity.
“With Jesus seek to serve my brothers’ good.
Like miracle at Canaan wedding feast.
The apples not for eating as you think.
Ingredient for cider that we drink.”
T.H. Chalm 