The poem “An Ante-Bellum Sermon” can be viewed as a hymn of slaves or servants on their way to freedom. The text describes the aspirations of the underprivileged part of American society that hopes to get equal rights and freedoms with privileged groups. The author makes Biblical references to Moses who came and saved his people from Egyptian slavery and claims that God never forsakes people in need. All they have to do is to believe in him and wait for his coming which would mean deliverance from slavery and bondage. The poem does not call for an uprising; instead, it suggests the people should have Biblical patience and faith.
Stylistically, the text is written in spoken English and its spelling portrays how the text is pronounced by the speaker. This is a powerful stylistic device that shows that the sermon is preached by a low-educated person and brings across the idea that this may be a servant or a slave. The author uses repetitions of the word ‘freedom’ in many variations to bring forth the idea that sooner or later slavery will be abolished. Such expressions as “Moses […] comes an’ sets us chillun free”, “I’m talkin’ ’bout ouah freedom”, and “evah mothah’s son was free” show the author’s conviction in his rightfulness. The comparison of underprivileged people in America with the Israeli at the time of Moses is achieved with the help of simile that acquires the effect of undeniable truth, Moses being the Biblical personage. Structurally, the text is divided into eleven paragraphs each of which finishes with a sort of refrain that proclaims soon delivery from slavery. The idea is repeated at the end of each paragraph to reinforce the author’s message.