The stories, plantation games, and Hymns are just as I heard them in
my childhood. I have learned that Mr. Harris, in Uncle Remus, has
already given the "Tar Baby"; but I have not seen his book, and, as
our versions are probably different, I shall let mine remain just as
"Chris" told it to the "chil'en."
I hope that none of my readers will be shocked at the seeming
irreverence of my book, for that intimacy with the "Lord" was
characteristic of the negroes. They believed implicitly in a Special
Providence and direct punishment or reward, and that faith they
religiously tried to impress upon their young charges, white or black;
and "heavy, heavy hung over our heads" was the DEVIL!
The least little departure from a marked-out course of morals or
manners was sure to be followed by, "Nem' min', de deb'l gwine git
yer."
And what the Lord 'lowed and what he didn't 'low was perfectly well
known to every darky. For instance, "he didn't 'low no singin' uv
week-er-day chunes uv er Sunday," nor "no singin' uv reel chunes"
(dance music) at any time; nor did he "'low no sassin' of ole
pussons."
The "chu'ch membahs" had their little differences of opinion. Of
course they might differ on such minor points as "immersion" and
"sprinklin'," "open" or "close" communion; but when it came to such
grave matters as "singin' uv reel chunes," or "sassin' uv ole
pussons," Baptists and Methodists met on common ground, and stood
firm.
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