The song "An Ante-Bellum Sermon" by Paul Laurence Dunbar talks about the story of Moses leading the Hebrew people out of slavery in Egypt. The preacher in the song discusses how the Lord told Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let the Hebrew people go. The preacher uses this story to speak to his fellow African Americans and encourage them to have faith that the Lord will bring about their freedom, just as he did for the Hebrew people. The preacher also addresses the issue of slavery and oppression, comparing it to the time of Moses and the Hebrew people. He reminds the listeners that the Lord's intention has always been for freedom to belong to every person, and that just as the Lord helped the Hebrew people, he will also help them. The preacher warns against becoming too confident or boastful, urging the people to have patience and faith in the Lord's plan. He also emphasizes the importance of staying humble and giving praise to the Lord for their freedom. Overall, the song uses the story of Moses and the Hebrew people to inspire hope and faith in the African American community, reminding them that the Lord will bring about their freedom and they should remain faithful and patient in the meantime.
