There s no evidence of the song among slaves or African-Americans before 1900. This biblical injunction has been used by many pastors, both white and black.
Perhaps the best known hymn on this subject from the 19th c. is "Lamps Trimmed and Burning," which was written ca. 1890 by Eden R. Latta and Daniel W. Crist. It may have been the inspiration for later versions by African-Americans. The tune is easy and catchy. Midi at Cyberhymnal.

LAMPS TRIMMED AND BURNING

Let your lamps be trimmed and burning,
Lest your feet may go astray!
If you are the Lord's disciple,
Unto sinners show the way.

Refrain:
We'll go out with joy to meet Him,
We'll go out with joy to meet Him,
At the midnight hour;
If our lamps are trimmed and burning,
When He cometh, when He cometh,
At the midnight hour!

Let your lamps be trimmed and burning,
Let there be of oil no lack!
But not like the foolish virgins,
From the entrance driven back!

Let your lamps be trimmed and burning,
Burning for eternity!
Ready for the Lord's appearing,
Whensoever it may be!

Let your lamps be trimmed and burning,
For the midnight draweth near!
When the bridegroom quickly cometh,
And we all His voice shall hear!

Cyberhymnal. Lamps Trimmed
Latta wrote over 1600 songs.