The Centrality Of Membership
I wondered what the meaning was
Of membership – I asked because
I thought, “That’s very nice of them
To help the boys” – I’ll ask again.For Arthur Davis and his dad
(’twas leprosy that both men had)
Got help, support, when they were down,
From Baptist folks who were around.They pulled some strings – at least I hunch –
So these young men (one in a crunch),
Could squeeze from time each precious drop
Of life, despite that leprous spot.Those were the days before a cure,
(Except that oil – that not for sure);
Ten years or twelve – half good – half bad;
Was all that Arthur likely had.They put up cash, to start them up
In Homestead life; though it was rough,
It was what Arthur wished to do –
Clear land so folks could grow some food.They gave five years of wholesome life;
Then walked him through five more of strife –
So he could live – a mission child
With leprosy – full-blown, not mild.I’d been a member here before,
Then shifted back to be once more
With my sweet wife whom I adore,
But power-trips showed me the door.Six months it’s been since I inquired
’Bout membership – what they desired
Of me, (to check their process out);
Then wondered, “What’s this all about?”But long I’ve known there’s always cause
For each effect – just wait, because
It will come out if you’ll just wait;
And there it was – served on a plate:“A vote has come – approaching fast;
We’ll check you out (we’ve come at last),
So you can vote and play your part;
We’ll sign you in – let’s process start.”So membership? “Central” at base,
A local thing in any case;
Ah, yes! “Each church autonomous –
That’s how it is, if you’re with us.“Not ‘Help’, or ‘Faith’, or ‘Right and wrong’;
(You may be tall, or weak, or strong);
Within this world, through history,
We've died to have democracy.“We choose the leaders of this clan;
We have our say within this land;
We may be wrong, we may be right –
'The local vote' has been our fight.”navigation