At close of war called civil,
Between the North and South,
When brave men carried muskets,
And faced the cannon's mouth:

They had in old Missouri
A law so very bad,
They gave it name or title
As the old "Iron Clad."

Men could not sit on juries,
Or teach a school -- in troth,
They could not preach the gospel,
Unless they took the oath.

Three preachers were arrested,
(According to report,)
For this law's violation,
And brought before the court.

The first, a valiant Methodist,
Of aspect strong and bold:
He preached John Wesley's doctrine,
And rounded up the fold.

The second was a Christian,
Or, (whether wrong or right,)
What some good folks entitled
Or nicknamed Campbellite.

The third one was a Baptist,
And stiff, you may opine,
For close-communion doctrine
As any in the line.

The judge, too was a Baptist,
Without a fleck or flaw,
And wished to save the preachers,
If he could dodge the law.

The preachers all plead guilty,
As brave and honest men:
They said they'd preached the gospel,
And would do so again.

The judge said to the Methodist:
"I think you may go free,
The law's not violated,
So far as I can see.

You teach John Wesley's errors,
Which I pronounce a sin,
You sprinkle on the water,
And take the babies in!

There's not a scrap of Scripture,
Beneath God's shining sun,
And not a bit of gospel
In anything you've done!"

The Campbellite proclaimer
Next stood before the court,
To hear the law's decision,
With brave and manly port.

Quoth judge: "This charge is foolish
Upon its very face:
You preach of works and water,
And not of saving grace!

There's not a bit of gospel
In Campbell's water way,
The law's not violated,
Go hence without delay!"

Next came the Baptist brother,
In firm but humble awe,
To take his proper portion
Of violated law.

Quoth judge: "I am unable
To frame for you excuse,
Or find a single reason
That I may turn you loose.

You are a Baptist preacher,
And it is plain to all
That you have preached the gospel,
If you have preached at all.

The law applies the verdict,
(It is no fault of mine,)
You'll have to go to prison,
Or pay a heavy fine!"

Up sprang a sprightly lawyer,
Alarm upon his face:
"I wish to bring a witness
To aid you in this case."

The judge said to the witness:
You know defendant well,
If he has preached the gospel,
Please to the court now tell."

The witness hesitated,
His face somewhat awry:
"I would not call it preachin',
But I have heard him try!"

"Stop," called the judge, "Not guilty,
The point I plainly see,
He has not preached the gospel,
And I will set him free.

Go forth my brother, boldly,
But with the law comply;
You must not preach the gospel,
But it's no sin to try!"

Back to T.R. Burnett Page