 2. Fellow Countrymen. At this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. 3. Then a statement, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued, seemed fitting and proper. 4. Now at the expiration of four years during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. 5. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. 6. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured. 7. On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. 8. All dreaded it, all sought to avert it. 9. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war, seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation. 10. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. 11. And the war came. 12. One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it. 13. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. 14. All knew that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war. 14. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. 15. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. 16. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. 17. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. 18. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God, and each invokes his aid against the other. 19. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in ringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. 20. The prayers of both could not be answered. 21. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has his own purposes. 22. Woe into the world because of offenses, for it must needs be that offenses come. 23. But woe to that man by whom the offense cometh. 24. If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through his appointed time, he now wills to remove. 25. And that he gives to both north and south this terrible war, as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to him. 26. Finally do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. 27. Yet if God wills that it continues until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn by the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 28. With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nations wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations. End of Second Inaugural Address by Abraham Lincoln. Read by Chuck Sage. The Wentworth Letter. By Joseph Smith. As published in The Times and Seasons. Volume 3. Number 9. March 1st. 1842. Church History. At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, editor and proprietor of the Chicago Democrat, I have written the following sketch of the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day Saints, of which I have the honor under God of being the founder. Mr. Wentworth says that he wishes to furnish Mr. Bastot, a friend of his, who is writing the history of New Hampshire, with this document. As Mr. Bastot has taken the proper steps to obtain correct information, all that I shall ask at his hands is that he published the account entire, ungarnished, and without misrepresentation. I was born in the town of Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont, on the 23rd of December, A.D. 1805. When ten years old, my parents removed to Palmyra, New York, where we resided about four years, and from thence we removed to the town of Manchester. My father was a farmer, and taught me the art of husbandry. When about fourteen years of age I began to reflect upon the importance of being prepared for a future state, and upon inquiring of the plan of salvation I found that there was a great clash in religious sentiment. If I went to one society they referred me to one plan, and another to another, each one pointing to his own particular creed as the sumum bonum of perfection. Considering that all could not be right, and that God could not be the author of so much confusion, I determined to investigate the subject more fully, believing that if God had a church it would not be split up into factions, and that if he had taught one society to worship one way and administer in one set of ordinances he would not teach another principles which were diametrically opposed. Believing the word of God I had confidence in the declaration of James. If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally, and not breadeth not, and it shall be given him. I retired to a secret place in a grove, and began to call upon the Lord. While fervently engaged in supplication my mind was taken away from the objects with which I was surrounded, and I was enwrapped in a heavenly vision, and saw two glorious personages who exactly resembled each other in features and likeness, surrounded with a brilliant light which eclipsed the sun at noonday. They told me that all religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines, and that none of them was acknowledged of God as his church and kingdom. As I was expressly commanded to go not after them, at the same time receiving a promise at the fullness of the Gospel should at some future time be made known unto me. On the evening of the twenty-first of September, A.D. 1823, while I was praying unto God, and endeavoring to exercise faith in the precious promises of Scripture, on a sudden a light like that of day, only of a far purer and more glorious appearance and brightness, burst into the room. Indeed the first sight was as though the house was filled with consuming fire. The appearance produced a shock that affected the whole body. In a moment a personage stood before me, surrounded with a glory yet greater than that which with I was already surrounded. This messenger proclaimed himself to be an angel of God, sent to bring the joyful tidings that the covenant which God made with ancient Israel was at hand to be fulfilled, that the preparatory work for the second coming of the Messiah was speedily to commence, that the time was at hand for the Gospel in all its fullness to be preached in power unto all nations, that a people might be prepared for the millennial reign. I was informed that I was chosen to be an instrument in the hands of God to bring about some of its purposes in this glorious dispensation. I was also informed concerning the aboriginal inhabitants of this country, America, and shown who they were, and from whence they came. A brief sketch of their origin, progress, civilization, laws, governments, of their righteousness and iniquity, and the blessings of God being finally withdrawn from them as a people was made known unto me. I was also told where there was deposited some plates on which were engraven an abridgment of the records of the ancient prophets that had existed on this continent. The angel appeared to me three times the same night and unfolded the same things. After having received many visits from the angels of God, unfolding the majesty and glory of the events that should transpire in the last days, on the morning of the 22nd of September, 1827, the angel of the Lord delivered the records into my hands. These records were engraven on plates which had the appearance of gold. Each plate was six inches wide and eight inches long and not quite so thick as common tin. They were filled with engravings and Egyptian characters and bound together in a volume, as the leaves of a book with three rings running through the hole. The volume was something near six inches in thickness, a part of which was sealed. The characters on the unsealed part were small and beautifully engraved. The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction and much skill in the art of engraving. With the records was found a curious instrument which the ancients called Urim and Thummim, which consisted of two transparent stones set in the rim of a bow fastened to a press plate. Through the medium of the Urim and Thummim, I translated the record by the gift and power of God. In this important and interesting book, the history of ancient America is unfolded, from its first settlement by a colony that came from the Tower of Babel at the confusion of languages to the beginning of the fifth century of the Christian era. We are informed by these records that America in ancient times has been inhabited by two distinct races of people. The first were called Jaredites and came directly from the Tower of Babel. The second race came directly from the city of Jerusalem, about six hundred years before Christ. They were principally Israelites of the descendants of Joseph. The Jaredites were destroyed about the time that the Israelites came from Jerusalem, who succeeded them in the inheritance of the country. The principal nation of the second race fell in battle towards the close of the fourth century. The remnant are the Indians that now inhabit this country. This book also tells us that our Saviour made his appearance upon this continent after his resurrection, that he planted the Gospel here in all its fullness and richness and power and blessing, that they had apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists. The same order, the same priesthood, the same ordinances, gifts, powers, and blessings as was enjoyed on the eastern continent, that the people were cut off in consequence of their transgressions, that the last of their prophets who existed among them was commanded to write an abridgement of their prophecies, history, etc., and to hide it up in the earth, and that it should come forth and be united with the Bible for the accomplishment of the purposes of God in the last days. For a more particular account I would refer to the Book of Mormon, which can be purchased at Nauvoo or from any of our traveling elders. As soon as the news of this discovery was made known, false reports, misrepresentation, and slander flew as on the wings of wind in every direction. The house was frequently beset by mobs and evil-designing people, several times I was shot at and very narrowly escaped, and every device was made use of to get the plates away from me, but the power and blessing of God attended me, and several began to believe my testimony. On the 6th of April, 1830, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was first organized in the town of Manchester, Ontario County, State of New York. Some few were called and ordained by the Spirit of Revelation and Prophecy, and began to preach as the Spirit gave them utterance, and though weak, yet were they strengthened by the power of God, and many were brought to repentance, were immersed in the water, and were filled with the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. They saw visions and prophesied, devils were cast out, and the sick healed by the laying on of hands. From that time the work rolled forth with astonishing rapidity, and churches were formed in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. In the last name state, a considerable settlement was formed in Jackson County. Numbers joined the church and we were increasing rapidly. We made large purchases of land, our farms teamed with plenty, and peace and happiness were enjoyed in our domestic circle and throughout our neighborhood. But as we could not associate with our neighbors, who were many of them of the basest of men, and had fled from the face of civilized society to the frontier country, to escape the hand of justice in their midnight revels, their Sabbath-breaking, horse-racing, and gambling, they commenced at first to ridicule, then to persecute, and finally an organized mob assembled and burned our houses, tarred and feathered, and whipped many of our brethren, and finally drove them from their habitations. Who, houseless and homeless, contrary to law, justice, and humanity, had to wander on the bleak prairies till the children left the tracks of their blood on the prairie. This took place in the month of November, and they had no other covering but the canopy of heaven in this inclement season of the year. This proceeding was winked at by the government, and although we had warrantee deeds for our land, and had violated no law, we could obtain no redress. There were many sick, who were thus inhumanely driven from their houses, and had to endure all this abuse and to seek homes where they could be found. The result was that a great many of them, being deprived of the comforts of life and the necessary attendances, died. Many children were left orphans, wives, widows, and husbands widowers. Our farms were taken possession of by the mob, many thousands of cattle, sheep, horses, and hogs were taken, and our household goods, door goods, and printing press, and type were broken, taken, or otherwise destroyed. Many of our brethren were moved to clay where they continued until 1836, three years. There was no violence offered, but there were threatenings of violence. But in the summer of 1836 these threatenings began to assume a more serious form. From threats public meetings were called, resolutions were passed, vengeance and destruction were threatened, and affairs again assumed a fearful attitude. Jackson County was a sufficient precedent, and as the authorities in that county did not interfere, they boasted that they would not end this, which on application to the authorities we found to be too true. And after much violence, privation, and loss of property we were again driven from our homes. We next settled in Caldwell and Davies counties, where we made large and extensive settlements, thinking to free ourselves from the power of oppression, by settling in new counties with very few inhabitants in them. But here we were not allowed to live in peace, but in 1838 we were again attacked by mobs. An exterminating order was issued by Governor Boggs, and under the sanction of law an organized banditie ranged through the country, robbed us of our cattle, sheep, horses, hogs, etc. Many of our people were murdered in cold blood, the chastity of our women was violated, and we were forced to sign away our property at the point of the sword. And after enduring every indignity that could be heaped upon us by an inhuman, ungodly band of marauders, from 12 to 15,000 souls, men, women, and children were driven from their own firesides, and from lands that they had warrantied deeds of, houseless, friendless, and homeless, in the depth of winter, to wander as exiles on the earth, or to seek an asylum in a more genial climb, and among a less barbarous people. Many sickened and died in consequence of the cold, and hardships they had to endure. Many wives were left widows, and children orphans and destitute. It would take more time than has allotted me here to describe the injustice, the wrongs, the murders, the bloodshed, the theft, misery, and woe that have been caused by the barbarous, inhuman, and lawless proceedings of the State of Missouri. In the situation before alluded to, we arrived in the State of Illinois in 1839, where we found hospitable people in a friendly home, a people who were willing to be governed by the principles of law and humanity. We have commenced to build a city called Nauvoo in Hancock County. We number from six to eight thousand here, besides vast numbers in the county around, and in almost every county of the state. We have a city charter granted us, and a charter for Allegiant, the troops of which now number fifteen hundred. We also have a charter for a university, for an agricultural manufacturing society, have our own laws and administrators, and possess all the privileges that other free and enlightened citizens enjoy. Persecution has not stopped the progress of truth, but has only added fuel to the flame. It is spread with increasing rapidity, proud of the cause which they have espoused, and, conscious of our innocence, and of the truth of their system, amidst Calumny and reproach, have the elders of this church gone forth, and planted the gospel in almost every state in the union. It has penetrated our cities, it has spread over our villages, and has caused thousands of our intelligent, noble, and patriotic citizens to obey its divine mandates, and be governed by its sacred truths. It is also spread into England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. In the year eighteen thirty-nine, where a few of our missionaries were sent over, five thousand joined the standard of truth. There are numbers now joining in every land. Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland, and the East Indies, and other places, the standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed land can stop the work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, Calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every climb, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished in the great Jehovah shall say, the work is done. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and the ordinances of the gospel. We believe that these ordinances are, first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, second, repentance, third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, fourth, laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. We believe that a man must be called of God by prophecy and by laying on of hands, by those who are in authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, vedela said, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc. We believe the Bible to be the Word of God as far as it is translated correctly. We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the Word of God. We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the ten tribes. That Zion will be built upon this, the American continent, that Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiac glory. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, and obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men. Indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul. We believe all things. We hope all things. We have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. Respectfully Joseph Smith End of The Wentworth Letter by Joseph Smith