Slavery and the War
259
them but little courage to triumph. This destruction, occurring when
they had every advantage, and the North great disadvantage, caused
them much perplexity. They know that if the North have an equal
chance with them, victory is certain for the North. Their only hope is
to occupy positions difficult of approach, and then have formidable
arrangements to hurl destruction on every hand.
The South have strengthened themselves greatly since their rebel-
lion first commenced. If active measures had then been taken by the
North, this rebellion would have been speedily crushed out. But that
which was small at first has increased in strength and numbers until it
has become most powerful. Other nations are intently watching this
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nation, for what purpose I was not informed, and are making great
preparations for some event. The greatest perplexity and anxiety now
exists among our national men. Proslavery men and traitors are in the
very midst of them; and while these are professedly in favor of the
Union, they have an influence in making decisions, some of which
even favor the South.
I was shown the inhabitants of the earth in the utmost confusion.
War, bloodshed, privation, want, famine, and pestilence were abroad in
the land. As these things surrounded God’s people, they began to press
together, and to cast aside their little difficulties. Self-dignity no longer
controlled them; deep humility took its place. Suffering, perplexity,
and privation caused reason to resume its throne, and the passionate
and unreasonable man became sane, and acted with discretion and
wisdom.
My attention was then called from the scene. There seemed to be
a little time of peace. Once more the inhabitants of the earth were
presented before me; and again everything was in the utmost confu-
sion. Strife, war, and bloodshed, with famine and pestilence, raged
everywhere. Other nations were engaged in this war and confusion.
War caused famine. Want and bloodshed caused pestilence. And then
men’s hearts failed them for fear, “and for looking after those things
which are coming on the earth.”
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