"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot", "Go Down Moses", and "Keep You Hands on the Plow" are all slave gospel songs written during the oppressing times of the nineteenth century. While out in the plantation fields, slaves had very little hope to carry on and not give up. Together, generations of slaves compiled these hymns that gave hope to so many. These hymns reflect part of Ralph Waldo Emerson's philosophy regarding Christianity. He was a firm Christian who was employed as a minister for some time (Sanford). Characteristics of being of Christian faith were strongly portrayed through his philosophies and lifestyle. He believed that men should be treated equal regardless of their beliefs or background (Stanford). Many of the slaves working in the cotton fields put their faith in Jesus Christ. They knew that suffering and hardship would continue to come their way for a long while, so by believing that Christ would help "carry them home", as stated in "Swing Low" ("Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"), they were less likely to give up any thought of freedom. The Christian comparison made between these three gospels and the philosophy of Emerson can further be exemplified through "Go Down Moses". "Let my people go," as portrayed in this song, is repeated multiple times. The slaves, as people, felt the desire to be treated as human beings and not like dirt. They yearned to break free from the chains of their masters. Emerson, as stated by Stanford Education, believes that the church is responsible for helping those in need and not letting people suffer ("Go Down Moses").
The songs sang by the slaves are unique examples of history's way of working itself out. They never gave up hope, and like Emerson believed, put all of their faith in God and felt that He would not fail in getting them out of slavery. Emerson may have not showed his Christian beliefs in all of his writing, but because he was brought up as such, his morals and beliefs were weaved into his every day life and philosophy (Stanford).
Anonymous. "Go Down, Moses." Glencoe Literature. Comp. Jeffrey Wilhelm. American Literature ed. Columbus; McGraw-Hill, 2010. 345. Print.
Anonymous. "Keep You Hands on the Plow." Glencoe Literature. Comp. Jeffrey Wilhelm. American Literature ed. Columbus; McGraw-Hill, 2010. 346. Print.
Anonymous. "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Glencoe Literature. Comp. Jeffrey Wilhelm. American Literature ed. Columbus; McGraw-Hill, 2010. 344. Print.
Goodman, Russell, "Ralph Waldo Emerson", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2011 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.)
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