I John 3:22 reads: And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Oldtimers I knew said that Uncle Dave could and would preach impromptu sermons whenever he felt the need. If one relates this chapter and verse (there are only 2 books of John with 22+ verses) to the intro of 'Poor Sinners Fare Thee Well' it is easy to see that this is what he was referring to. I have found that there is very little hidden meaning in Uncle Dave's singing and speaking, and altho he took liberties with the language (such as alliteration and ostentatious word-play) he 'said what he meant and meant what he said'.

Best,
OTP