An old-fashioned preacher in Salton

Delivered his threat of God's ire

"Your sins will be counted throughout life

If too many there be - then hell's fire.

"Your money, big house, your 'position'

Are nought but the tools of the devil.

When it comes to the last day of judgement,

Did you use them for good or for evil?

"We're all sinners," he preached, "each one of us

Facing God's punishing hand.

If anyone here is without sin

Let he with that clear conscience stand."

A small man arose from the rear pew

Stood up so the parson could see

"A man without sin," mocked the preacher.

"Hold on, just a minute," said me.

"You see, I'm my wife's second husband,

"Full of sin she insists, to the brim.

"I speak on behalf of her first one

And claim exemption for him."

Submitted by Mick Snowden,

Amotherby

Updated: 10:33 Wednesday, October 09, 2002