Before eighteen hundred and sixty-five, Slavery was in its glory; Till Lincoln struck it a powerful blow, Which remains to tell the story. This story is a wonderful truth, The story of our race; How it has risen in fifty years, Amid the difficulties it had to face. We started upward fifty years ago, With the foundation already laid; It was laid for all by Jesus Christ, Who gives us strength and aid. What other race upon the globe, That has had such trials and fears; And has risen like the Negro race, In these fifty years. |