The main message of this passage is that "Lincoln believes that the Civil War is a punishment from God for the sins of slavery." In this excerpt, he emphasizes the idea that the war may be a divine retribution for the injustices of slavery and that suffering may continue until those injustices are addressed.
Read the following excerpt from Second Inaugural Address and answer the question.
Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue 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 with 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.'
What is the main message of this passage?
Lincoln hopes that the Civil War will end soon.
Lincoln believes that the Civil War is a punishment from God for the sins of slavery.
Lincoln is calling for a continued fight against slavery.
Lincoln is advocating for reparations to be paid to former slaves.
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