"THEY CANNOT TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES."
Our tobacco they plant, and our cotton they pick,
And our rice they can harvest and thrash;
They feed us in health, and they nurse us when sick,
And they earn—while we pocket—our cash.
They lead us when young, and they help us when old,
And their toil loads our tables and shelves;
But they're "niggers"; and therefore (the truth must be told)
They cannot take care of themselves.
Rev. John Pierpont.
THE COLORED MOTHER'S PRAYER.
Great Father! who created all,
The colored and the fair,
O listen to a mother's call;
Hear Thou the negro's prayer!
Yet once again thy people teach,
With lessons from above,
That they may practise what they preach,
And all their neighbors love.
Again the Gospel precepts give;
Teach them this rule to know,—
Such treatment as ye should receive,
Be willing to bestow.
Then my poor child, my darling one,
Will never feel the smart
Of their unjust and cruel scorn,
That withers all the heart.
Great Father! who created all,
The colored and the fair,
O listen to a mother's call;
Hear Thou the negro's prayer!