Jim Morgan, L.D.S.

By C. Byron Whitney

He didn’t have much schooling – no diplomas nor degrees;
Men used to say: “Jim Morgan, he don’t know his A.B.C.’s;
The one thing on Jim Morgan’s mind is his big cowboy hat.”
And then they’d laugh and laugh, as if they’d hit it plain and pat.

Jim said to me one day: “Old pal, what some folks claim to be
‘The higher ejjicashun’ don’t look high at all to me.
I kind a pity them that thinks religious folks are fools,
And says the boys are sissies, them that goes to Sunday schools.

“Some chaps that thinks they know a lot have missed the mark a mile;
For ’taint how much ye learn that counts, but what ye learn worth while.
Some men learn best attendin’ school, some plowin’ up the sod;’
But the most that any man can learn is, What’s the will of God?

“I reckon the One that gave us breath to breathe until we die
Meant us to git the knowledge that we’d need most by and by.
Money’s the biggest thing to some; but anyone that’s wise
Knows life means more than gittin’ rich, outsmartin’ other guys.

“A bank account – sure, that’s all right, and good for you and me;
But ’taint the price of happiness, in time nor ’ternity.
it won’t count much in worlds to come, when man with God shall dwell;
but how you’ve used it – that’ll count, and help make heaven or hell.”

Jim’s eyes were now a-blinkin’ like an owl’s – the wise old bird!
“Yes, this here ejjicashun is a mighty darn big word.
I’d like to be an L.L.D. or a B.A., I confess;
But I would rather be myself – Jim Morgan, L.D.S.

(1921)