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.

Nor did our Mammies and Aunties neglect our manners. To say "yes" or
"no" to any person, white or black, older than ourselves was considered
very rude; it must always be "yes, mam," "no, mam;" "yes, sir," "no,
sir;" and those expressions are still, and I hope ever will be,
characteristic of Southerners.

The child-life that I have portrayed is over now; for no hireling can
ever be to the children what their Mammies were, and the strong tie
between the negroes and "marster's chil'en" is broken forever.