In no way can a better insight into the negro's religion be obtained than by a careful study of his songs. An analysis of those songs that have been preserved will give us at once a better conception of his folk-songs and his religion. The references are reproduced in their exact forms in order that they may serve as an aid in the study of the verse contained in the common songs of the negroes from the time of slavery to the present day. Only the chief conceptions which have been portrayed in negro song are here given; further analysis may be made in connection with the songs themselves. The devil is prominent in the religious songs of the negroes. He is the constant terror and proverbial enemy of the race. He is alive, alert, and concrete. He represents the demon trickster incarnate in the form of a man. He is the opposite of God but always less powerful. He is the enemy against whom the battle is always on; it is a personal battle, but he is usually outwitted or disappointed. Here are some pictures of "Old Satan" as found in the songs of the slave and the negro of to-day:[3] Ef you want to see ole satan run, Jes' fire off dat gospel gun. Ole satan is a liar an' conjurer, too, An' if you don't mind he'll conjure you. Other forms are An' if you don't mind he'll cut you in two, An' if you don't mind he'll cut you through. Ole satan lak a snake in the grass, Always in some Christian's path, or If you don't mind he'll git you at las'. Ole satan weahs a mighty loose ole shoe, If you don't min' gwine a slip it on you. Ole satan like dat hunting dog, He hunt dem Christians home to God. O shout, shout, de debbil is about, O shut yo' do' an' keep him out. All de debbils in hell can't pluck me out, An' I wonder what satan's a grumblin' erbout, He's boun' in hell an' can't get out, But he shall be loose an' hab his way, Yonder at de great reserection day. I went down de hillside to make a one prayer, An' when I get dere ole satan wus dere, O what you think he said to me? Said, "Off frum here you better be." Old satan tole me to my face, "I'll git you when a you leave this place;" O brother dat scere me to my heart, I was 'feared to walk a when it wus dark. I started home but I did pray, An' I met ole satan on de way; Ole satan made a one grab at me, But he missed my soul an' I went free. I tell you brother you better not laugh, Ole satan'll run you down his path, If he runs you lak he run me, You'll be glad to fall upon yo' knee. We shout so fas' de debbil look, An' he gits away wid his cluven foot. Ole satan is mad an' I am glad, He missed the soul he thought he had. What make ole satan hate me so? 'Cause he got me once an' let me go. Ole satan tole me not to pray; He want my soul at jedgement day. I wrestle wid satan and wrestle wid sin, Stepped over hell an' come back agin.