Unlike the "coon songs" given above, this version probably has more authentic roots among African Americans.


From Hampton and Its Students by Mrs. M. F. Armstrong and Helen W. Ludlow (New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1874), page 180:


MY BRETHEREN, DON'T GET WEARY.

CHORUS: My bretheren, don't get weary.
    Angels brought de tiding down.
Don't get weary.
    I'm hunting for a home.

1. You'd better be a-praying.
    I do love de Lord.
For judgment day is a-comin'.
    I do love de Lord.

2. Oh, whar you runnin', sinner?
    I do love de Lord.
De judgment day is a-comin'.
    I do love de Lord.

3. You'll see de world on fire.
    I do love de Lord.
You'll see de element a-meltin'.
    I do love de Lord.

4. You'll see de moon a-bleedin'.
    I do love de Lord.
You'll see de stars a-fallin'.
    I do love de Lord.