Gospel Snakes as quoted by Bro. Ralph Cox
In other places listed as The Rattlesnake Poem / The Dutchman's Prayer
Way back in the hills of
Ole’ Kentuck
The toughest place that was ever struck
There lived a man named Jacob Job
The meanest on this earthly globe
He feared not God
Nor cared for man
Except his own wild
And wicked clan
He had six boys, both big and bad
Who followed right behind their dad
They drank that wildcat whiskey down
And painted red the country town
There were six girls, big buxom gals
Who danced and capered with their pals
They pranced and trotted on the hills
And sometimes tippled at the stills
One day an awful rattlesnake
Bit the oldest boy, Big Wicked Jake.
Through his veins the virus flew
"He's bound to die, what shall we do?"
So they sent a runner to the town
And hastily fetched the
Parson down
A Dutchman of John Wesley's band
As good as any in the land
He prayed a wondrous, curious prayer
With words of faith both rich and rare
And if to heaven it reached or not
On earth it surely hit the spot
Oh God, we thank thee for this snake
That thou has sent to bite ole’ Jake
To fetch him down from his high hoss,
and lead him to the Savior's cross.
Until this blessed snake was sent
And now O God the Great I AM
Please send another to bite old Sam
Send chicken snakes to bite the gals
And all their dancing wicked pals
And there's mama Job she needs one too
Perhaps a copperhead will do.
Send the meanest one on
the globe
To bite own Daddy Jacob
Job
Hurry up these Gospel snakes
And save this ole’ Kentucky State
We ask it all for the Master’s sake
Amen
