第一篇:林肯第二次就职演讲稿
在我现在第二次来到这里宣誓就任总统职位的时候,就不十分必要像第一次就职时那样作长篇演说了。那时,一篇关于我将采取的方针的比较详尽的说明,似乎是比较合适和理所当然 的。可是现在,四年任期刚刚结束,在这期间,关于那至今仍吸引着举国上下的注意,消耗着全民的精力的巨大斗争的各个阶段的任何一个细节,随时都有公告发奉,现在也实在再没有多少新东西可讲了。关于我们的军事进展情况——它是其它一切的主要依靠所在——,公众也了解得和我本人一样清楚;而且我相信对所有的人来说都是相当满意和令人鼓舞的。既
然对未来充满了希望,那么在这里也就无意冒昧作出预测了。
也正是在四年之前我就任总统的那一场合,所有的人都在为即将来临的内战惴惴不安。所有的人都害怕内战——都竭力想避免内战发生。而当我在这里发表就职演说,决定不惜采用一 切力量,但不用战争,拯救联邦的时候,叛乱分子的代理人却在全城到处活动,力求不用战争摧毁联邦——力求通过谈判瓦解联邦,分裂国家。——双方都声称反对战争;但可是他们中的一方却宁愿发动战争也不让这个国家生存下去;另一方也则宁可接受战争也不能眼看着
国家灭亡。于是战争便打起来了。
在全国人口中有八分之一是黑人奴隶,他们并非遍布在全国各地,而是大部分集中在我国南方。这些黑人构成一个特殊强有力的权益。大家都知道这权益是导致战争的原因。为了达到加强、永久化保持和扩大这个权益的目的,叛乱分子甚至不惜通过战争瓦解联邦;而政府方面,只不过是要求有权限制奴隶制扩大其地域。双方谁也没有料想到,战争竟会达到现在已出现了这种规模,或持续这么久。双方谁也不曾料到,冲突的缘由可能会随着冲突的结束而结束,或甚至在冲突本身结束之前,便已终止;每一方都寻求能比较轻易地获得胜利,战争的结果也不那么带有根本性和惊人。双方都读着同一部《圣经》,祈祷于同一个上帝;每一方都求上帝帮助他们一方,而反对另一方。这看来也许有些不可思议,怎么可能有人公然敢于祈求公正的上帝帮助他从别人的血汗中榨取面包;不过,我们且不要论断别人,以免自 己遭到论断吧。双方的祈祷都不可能得到回应;任何一方的祈祷也没有得到充分的回应。全能的上帝另有他自己的目标。“由于种种罪过,世界受难了!因为这些罪过是不可避免的;但是,让那引来罪过的人去受罪吧。”*如果我们假定美国的奴隶制是这里所说的罪恶之一,它按上帝的意旨是不可避免的,而现在在经过了上帝规定的时限之后,他决心要消灭它,再假定上帝使得南北双方进行了这场可怕的战争,以作为那些犯下罪过的人应该遭受到的苦难,那么我们从中能看出有什么地方有悖于信仰上帝的信徒们总是赋于永远存在的上帝的那种神性吗?我们衷心地希望——热情地祈祷——但愿这可怕的战争灾祸能迅速过去。然而,如果上帝一定要让它继续下去,一直到奴隶们通过二百五十年的无偿劳动所堆积起来的财富烟消云散,一直到,如三千年前人们所说的那样,用鞭子抽出的每一滴血都要用刀剑刺 出的另一滴血来偿还,而到那时,我们也仍然得说,“主的审判是完全公正无误的”。** 我们对任何人也不怀恶意,我们对所有的人都宽大为怀,坚持正义;上帝既使我们认识正义,让我们继续努力向前,完成我们正在进行的事业;包扎起国家的创伤,关心那些为战争作出牺牲的人,关心他们的遗孀和孤儿——尽一切力量,以求在我们自己之间,以及我们和所有
的国家之间实现并维护一个公正和持久的和平。篇二:林肯第二次就职演讲 second inaugural address by abraham lincoln march 4, 1865 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.then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper.now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of his great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented.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.with high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.on the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war.all dreaded it;all sought to avert it.while the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving teing delivered from thisurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war-seeking to dissolve the union and divide effects by negotiation.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, and the war came.one-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the union, but localized in the southern part of it.their slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest.all knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war.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.neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration, which it has already attained.neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease.each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding.both read the same bible and pray to the same god, and each invokes his aid against the other.which the believers in a living god always ascribe to him? 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 bondsmans two hundred and fifty years of uequited 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.with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as god gives us to see the might, 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.林肯第二次就职演说(1865年3月4日)
一八**年当林肯再度当选连任总统职位时,美国仍为内战所分裂。当时战争的结果仍不能确定,而林肯的再度当选,成为北方人民决心作战到底争取最后胜利的一个令人振奋的表现。一八六五年三月四日当林肯宣誓就职时,局势清楚显示北方即将战胜,战争行将结束。在这篇就职演讲词中,林肯致力于讨论战后美国人民将面临的重大课题。林肯希望避免一切过错与惩罚的问题。当他准备实施这项政策时,一个刺客的枪弹葬送了他的崇高理想。各位同胞:
在这第二次的宣誓就职典礼中,不像第一次就职的时候那样需要发表长篇演说。在那个时候,对于当时所要进行的事业多少作一详细的说明,似乎是适当的。现在四年任期已满,在这段战争期间的每个重要时刻和阶段中——这个战争至今仍为举国所关怀,还且占用了国家大部分力量——都经常发布文告,所以现在很少有什么新的发展可以奉告。我们的军事进展,是一切其它问题的关键所在,各界人士对此情形是跟我一样熟悉的,而我相信进展的情况,可以使我们全体人民有理由感到满意和鼓舞。既然可以对将来寄予极大的希望,那么我们也就用不着在这一方面作什么预言了。
四年前在与此同一场合里,所有的人都焦虑地注意一场即将来临的内战。大家害怕它,想尽了方法去避免它。当时我正在这里作就职演说,竭尽全力想不用战争方法而能保存联邦,然而本城的反叛分子的代理人却没法不用战争而破坏联邦——他们力图瓦解联邦,并以谈判的方法来分割联邦。双方都声称反对战争,可是有一方宁愿打仗而不愿让国家生存,另一方则宁可接受这场战争,而不愿国家灭亡,于是战争就来临了。
我们全国人口的八分之一是黑奴,他们并非遍布整个联邦,而是局部地分布于南方。这些奴隶构成了一种特殊而重大的权益。大家知道这种权益可说是这场战争的原因。为了加强、保持及扩大这种权益,反叛分子会不惜以战争来分裂联邦,而政府只不过要限制这种权益所在地区的扩张。当初,任何一方都没有想到这场战争会发展到目前那么大的范围,持续那么长的时间。也没有料到冲突的原因会随冲突本身的终止而终止,甚至会在冲突本身终止以前
而终止。双方都在寻求一个较轻易的胜利,都没有期望获致带根本性的和惊人的结果。双方念诵同样的圣经,祈祷于同一个上帝,甚至于每一方都求助同一上帝的援助以反对另一方,人们竟敢求助于上帝,来夺取他人以血汗得来的面包,这看来是很奇怪的。可是我们不要判断人家,免得别人判断我们。
我们双方的祈祷都不能够如愿,而且断没全部如愿以偿。上苍自有他自己的目标。由于罪恶而世界受苦难,因为罪恶总是要来的;然而那个作恶的人,要受苦难」假使我们以为美国的奴隶制度是这种罪恶之一,而这些罪恶按上帝的意志在所不免,但既经持续了他所指定的一段时间,他现在便要消除这些罪恶;假使我们认为上帝把这场惨烈的战争加在南北双方的头上,作为对那些招致罪恶的人的责罚,难道我们可以认为这件事有悖于虔奉上帝的信徒们所归诸上帝的那些圣德吗? 我们天真地希望着,我们热忱地祈祷着,希望这战争的重罚可以很快地过去。可是,假使上帝要让战争再继续下去,直到二百五十年来奴隶无偿劳动所积聚的财富化为乌有,并像三千年前所说的那样,等到鞭笞所流的每一滴血,被刀剑之下所流的每一滴血所抵消,那么我们仍然只能说,「主的裁判是完全正确而且公道的。」
我们对任何人都不怀恶意,我们对任何人都抱好感,上帝让我们看到正确的事,我们就坚定地信那正确的事,让我们继续奋斗,以完成我们正在进行的工作,去治疗国家的创伤,去照顾艰苦作战的志士和他的孤儿遗孀,尽力实现并维护在我们自己之间和我国与各国之间的公正和持久的和平。篇三:林肯第二次就职演说
林肯第二次就职演说
second inaugural address by abraham lincoln march 4, 1865 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.then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper.now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of his great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented.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.with high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.on the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war.all dreaded it;all sought to avert it.while the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving teing delivered from thisurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war-seeking to dissolve the union and divide effects by negotiation.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, and the war came.one-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the union, but localized in the southern p art of it.their slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest.all knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war.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.neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration, which it has already attained.neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease.each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding.both read the same bible and pray to the same god, and each invokes his aid against the other.fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray that thi——ighty scourge of war may speedily pass away? yet, if god wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsmans two hundred and fifty years of uequited 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.林肯第二次就职演说(1865年3月4日)
一八88年当林肯再度当选连任总统职位时,美国仍为内战所分裂。当时战争的结果仍不能确定,而林肯的再度当选,成为北方人民决心作战到底争取最后胜利的一个令人振奋的表现。一八六五年三月四日当林肯宣誓就职时,局势清楚显示北方即将战胜,战争行将结束。在这篇就职演讲词中,林肯致力于讨论战后美国人民将面临的重大课题。林肯希望避免一切过错与惩罚的问题。当他准备实施这项政策时,一个刺客的枪弹葬送了他的崇高理想。各位同胞:
在这第二次的宣誓就职典礼中,不像第一次就职的时候那样需要发表长篇演说。在那个时候,对于当时所要进行的事业多少作一详细的说明,似乎是适当的。现在四年任期已满,在这段战争期间的每个重要时刻和阶段中——这个战争至今仍为举国所关怀,还且占用了国家大部分力量——都经常发布文告,所以现在很少有什么新的发展可以奉告。我们的军事进展,是一切其它问题的关键所在,各界人士对此情形是跟我一样熟悉的,而我相信进展的情况,可以使我们全体人民有理由感到满意和鼓舞。既然可以对将来寄予极大的希望,那么我们也就用不着在这一方面作什么预言了。
四年前在与此同一场合里,所有的人都焦虑地注意一场即将来临的内战。大家害怕它,想尽了方法去避免它。当时我正在这里作就职演说,竭尽全力想不用战争方法而能保存联邦,然而本城的反叛分子的代理人却没法不用战争而破坏联邦——他们力图瓦解联邦,并以谈判的方法来分割联邦。双方都声称反对战争,可是有一方宁愿打仗而不愿让国家生存,另一方则宁可接受这场战争,而不愿国家灭亡,于是战争就来临了。
我们全国人口的八分之一是黑奴,他们并非遍布整个联邦,而是局部地分布于南方。这些奴隶构成了一种特殊而重大的权益。大家知道这种权益可说是这场战争的原因。为了加强、保持及扩大这种权益,反叛分子会不惜以战争来分裂联邦,而政府只不过要限制这种权益所在地区的扩张。当初,任何一方都没有想到这场战争会发展到目前那么大的范围,持续那么长的时间。也没有料到冲突的原因会随冲突本身的终止而终止,甚至会在冲突本身终止以前而终止。双方都在寻求一个较轻易的胜利,都没有期望获致带根本性的和惊人的结果。双方念诵同样的圣经,祈祷于同一个上帝,甚至于每一方都求助同一上帝的援助以反对另一方,人们竟敢求助于上帝,来夺取他人以血汗得来的面包,这看来是很奇怪的。可是我们不要判断人家,免得别人判断我们。
我们双方的祈祷都不能够如愿,而且断没全部如愿以偿。上苍自有他自己的目标。由于罪恶而世界受苦难,因为罪恶总是要来的;然而那个作恶的人,要受苦难」假使我们以为美国的奴隶制度是这种罪恶之一,而这些罪恶按上帝的意志在所不免,但既经持续了他所指定的一段时间,他现在便要消除这些罪恶;假使我们认为上帝把这场惨烈的战争加在南北双方的头上,作为对那些招致罪恶的人的责罚,难道我们可以认为这件事有悖于虔奉上帝的信徒们所归诸上帝的那些圣德吗? 我们天真地希望着,我们热忱地祈祷着,希望这战争的重罚可以很快地过去。可是,假使上帝要让战争再继续下去,直到二百五十年来奴隶无偿劳动所积聚的财富化为乌有,并像三千年前所说的那样,等到鞭笞所流的每一滴血,被刀剑之下所流的每一滴血所抵消,那么我们仍然只能说,「主的裁判是完全正确而且公道的。」
我们对任何人都不怀恶意,我们对任何人都抱好感,上帝让我们看到正确的事,我们就坚定地信那正确的事,让我们继续奋斗,以完成我们正在进行的工作,去治疗国家的创伤,去照顾艰苦作战的志士和他的孤儿遗孀,尽力实现并维护在我们自己之间和我国与各国之间的公正和持久的和平。
第二篇:林肯第二次就职演讲
在我现在第二次来到这里宣誓就任总统职位的时候,就不十分必要像第一次就职时那样作长篇演说了。那时,一篇关于我将采取的方针的比较详尽的说明,似乎是比较合适和理所当然 的。可是现在,四年任期刚刚结束,在这期间,关于那至今仍吸引着举国上下的注意,消耗着全民的精力的巨大斗争的各个阶段的任何一个细节,随时都有公告发奉,现在也实在再没有多少新东西可讲了。关于我们的军事进展情况——它是其它一切的主要依靠所在——,公众也了解得和我本人一样清楚;而且我相信对所有的人来说都是相当满意和令人鼓舞的。既
然对未来充满了希望,那么在这里也就无意冒昧作出预测了。
也正是在四年之前我就任总统的那一场合,所有的人都在为即将来临的内战惴惴不安。所有的人都害怕内战——都竭力想避免内战发生。而当我在这里发表就职演说,决定不惜采用一 切力量,但不用战争,拯救联邦的时候,叛乱分子的代理人却在全城到处活动,力求不用战争摧毁联邦——力求通过谈判瓦解联邦,分裂国家。——双方都声称反对战争;但可是他们中的一方却宁愿发动战争也不让这个国家生存下去;另一方也则宁可接受战争也不能眼看着
国家灭亡。于是战争便打起来了。
在全国人口中有八分之一是黑人奴隶,他们并非遍布在全国各地,而是大部分集中在我国南方。这些黑人构成一个特殊强有力的权益。大家都知道这权益是导致战争的原因。为了达到加强、永久化保持和扩大这个权益的目的,叛乱分子甚至不惜通过战争瓦解联邦;而政府方面,只不过是要求有权限制奴隶制扩大其地域。双方谁也没有料想到,战争竟会达到现在已出现了这种规模,或持续这么久。双方谁也不曾料到,冲突的缘由可能会随着冲突的结束而结束,或甚至在冲突本身结束之前,便已终止;每一方都寻求能比较轻易地获得胜利,战争的结果也不那么带有根本性和惊人。双方都读着同一部《圣经》,祈祷于同一个上帝;每一方都求上帝帮助他们一方,而反对另一方。这看来也许有些不可思议,怎么可能有人公然敢于祈求公正的上帝帮助他从别人的血汗中榨取面包;不过,我们且不要论断别人,以免自 己遭到论断吧。双方的祈祷都不可能得到回应;任何一方的祈祷也没有得到充分的回应。全能的上帝另有他自己的目标。“由于种种罪过,世界受难了!因为这些罪过是不可避免的;但是,让那引来罪过的人去受罪吧。”*如果我们假定美国的奴隶制是这里所说的罪恶之一,它按上帝的意旨是不可避免的,而现在在经过了上帝规定的时限之后,他决心要消灭它,再假定上帝使得南北双方进行了这场可怕的战争,以作为那些犯下罪过的人应该遭受到的苦难,那么我们从中能看出有什么地方有悖于信仰上帝的信徒们总是赋于永远存在的上帝的那种神性吗?我们衷心地希望——热情地祈祷——但愿这可怕的战争灾祸能迅速过去。然而,如果上帝一定要让它继续下去,一直到奴隶们通过二百五十年的无偿劳动所堆积起来的财富烟消云散,一直到,如三千年前人们所说的那样,用鞭子抽出的每一滴血都要用刀剑刺 出的另一滴血来偿还,而到那时,我们也仍然得说,“主的审判是完全公正无误的”。** 我们对任何人也不怀恶意,我们对所有的人都宽大为怀,坚持正义;上帝既使我们认识正义,让我们继续努力向前,完成我们正在进行的事业;包扎起国家的创伤,关心那些为战争作出牺牲的人,关心他们的遗孀和孤儿——尽一切力量,以求在我们自己之间,以及我们和所有
的国家之间实现并维护一个公正和持久的和平。篇二:林肯第二次就职演讲(英文)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.then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper.now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of his great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented.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.with high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.away? yet, if god wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsmans 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.with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as god gives us to see the might, 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.篇三:林肯第二次就职演讲 second inaugural address by abraham lincoln march 4, 1865 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.then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper.now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of his great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented.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.with high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.on the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war.all dreaded it;all sought to avert it.while the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving teing delivered from thisurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war-seeking to dissolve the union and divide effects by negotiation.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, and the war came.one-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the union, but localized in the southern part of it.their slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest.all knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war.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.neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration, which it has already attained.neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease.each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding.both read the same bible and pray to the same god, and each invokes his aid against the other.which the believers in a living god always ascribe to him? 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 bondsmans 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.with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as god gives us to see the might, 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.林肯第二次就职演说
(1865年3月4日)一八**年当林肯再度当选连任总统职位时,美国仍为内战所分裂。当时战争的结果仍不能确定,而林肯的再度当选,成为北方人民决心作战到底争取最后胜利的一个令人振奋的表现。一八六五年三月四日当林肯宣誓就职时,局势清楚显示北方即将战胜,战争行将结束。在这篇就职演讲词中,林肯致力于讨论战后美国人民将面临的重大课题。林肯希望避免一切过错与惩罚的问题。当他准备实施这项政策时,一个刺客的枪弹葬送了他的崇高理想。
各位同胞:
在这第二次的宣誓就职典礼中,不像第一次就职的时候那样需要发表长篇演说。在那个时候,对于当时所要进行的事业多少作一详细的说明,似乎是适当的。现在四年任期已满,在这段战争期间的每个重要时刻和阶段中——这个战争至今仍为举国所关怀,还且占用了国家大部分力量——都经常发布文告,所以现在很少有什么新的发展可以奉告。我们的军事进展,是一切其它问题的关键所在,各界人士对此情形是跟我一样熟悉的,而我相信进展的情况,可以使我们全体人民有理由感到满意和鼓舞。既然可以对将来寄予极大的希望,那么我们也就用不着在这一方面作什么预言了。
四年前在与此同一场合里,所有的人都焦虑地注意一场即将来临的内战。大家害怕它,想尽了方法去避免它。当时我正在这里作就职演说,竭尽全力想不用战争方法而能保存联邦,然而本城的反叛分子的代理人却没法不用战争而破坏联邦——他们力图瓦解联邦,并以谈判的方法来分割联邦。双方都声称反对战争,可是有一方宁愿打仗而不愿让国家生存,另一方则宁可接受这场战争,而不愿国家灭亡,于是战争就来临了。我们全国人口的八分之一是黑奴,他们并非遍布整个联邦,而是局部地分布于南方。这些奴隶构成了一种特殊而重大的权益。大家知道这种权益可说是这场战争的原因。为了加强、保持及扩大这种权益,反叛分子会不惜以战争来分裂联邦,而政府只不过要限制这种权益所在地区的扩张。当初,任何一方都没有想到这场战争会发展到目前那么大的范围,持续那么长的时间。也没有料到冲突的原因会随冲突本身的终止而终止,甚至会在冲突本身终止以前
而终止。双方都在寻求一个较轻易的胜利,都没有期望获致带根本性的和惊人的结果。双方念诵同样的圣经,祈祷于同一个上帝,甚至于每一方都求助同一上帝的援助以反对另一方,人们竟敢求助于上帝,来夺取他人以血汗得来的面包,这看来是很奇怪的。可是我们不要判断人家,免得别人判断我们。
我们双方的祈祷都不能够如愿,而且断没全部如愿以偿。上苍自有他自己的目标。由于罪恶而世界受苦难,因为罪恶总是要来的;然而那个作恶的人,要受苦难」假使我们以为美国的奴隶制度是这种罪恶之一,而这些罪恶按上帝的意志在所不免,但既经持续了他所指定的一段时间,他现在便要消除这些罪恶;假使我们认为上帝把这场惨烈的战争加在南北双方的头上,作为对那些招致罪恶的人的责罚,难道我们可以认为这件事有悖于虔奉上帝的信徒们所归诸上帝的那些圣德吗? 我们天真地希望着,我们热忱地祈祷着,希望这战争的重罚可以很快地过去。可是,假使上帝要让战争再继续下去,直到二百五十年来奴隶无偿劳动所积聚的财富化为乌有,并像三千年前所说的那样,等到鞭笞所流的每一滴血,被刀剑之下所流的每一滴血所抵消,那么我们仍然只能说,「主的裁判是完全正确而且公道的。」
我们对任何人都不怀恶意,我们对任何人都抱好感,上帝让我们看到正确的事,我们就坚定地信那正确的事,让我们继续奋斗,以完成我们正在进行的工作,去治疗国家的创伤,去照顾艰苦作战的志士和他的孤儿遗孀,尽力实现并维护在我们自己之间和我国与各国之间的公正和持久的和平。篇四:林肯第二次就职演说
林肯第二次就职演说 second inaugural address by abraham lincoln march 4, 1865 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.then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper.now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of his great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented.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.with high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.on the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war.all dreaded it;all sought to avert it.while the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving teing delivered from thisurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war-seeking to dissolve the union and divide effects by negotiation.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, and the war came.one-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the union, but localized in the southern p art of it.their slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest.all knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war.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.neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration, which it has already attained.neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease.each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding.both read the same bible and pray to the same god, and each invokes his aid against the other.fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray that thi——ighty scourge of war may speedily pass away? yet, if god wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsmans 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.with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as god gives us to see the might, 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.林肯第二次就职演说
(1865年3月4日)一八88年当林肯再度当选连任总统职位时,美国仍为内战所分裂。当时战争的结果仍不能确定,而林肯的再度当选,成为北方人民决心作战到底争取最后胜利的一个令人振奋的表现。一八六五年三月四日当林肯宣誓就职时,局势清楚显示北方即将战胜,战争行将结束。在这篇就职演讲词中,林肯致力于讨论战后美国人民将面临的重大课题。林肯希望避免一切过错与惩罚的问题。当他准备实施这项政策时,一个刺客的枪弹葬送了他的崇高理想。
各位同胞:
在这第二次的宣誓就职典礼中,不像第一次就职的时候那样需要发表长篇演说。在那个时候,对于当时所要进行的事业多少作一详细的说明,似乎是适当的。现在四年任期已满,在这段战争期间的每个重要时刻和阶段中——这个战争至今仍为举国所关怀,还且占用了国家大部分力量——都经常发布文告,所以现在很少有什么新的发展可以奉告。我们的军事进展,是一切其它问题的关键所在,各界人士对此情形是跟我一样熟悉的,而我相信进展的情况,可以使我们全体人民有理由感到满意和鼓舞。既然可以对将来寄予极大的希望,那么我们也就用不着在这一方面作什么预言了。
四年前在与此同一场合里,所有的人都焦虑地注意一场即将来临的内战。大家害怕它,想尽了方法去避免它。当时我正在这里作就职演说,竭尽全力想不用战争方法而能保存联邦,然而本城的反叛分子的代理人却没法不用战争而破坏联邦——他们力图瓦解联邦,并以谈判的方法来分割联邦。双方都声称反对战争,可是有一方宁愿打仗而不愿让国家生存,另一方则宁可接受这场战争,而不愿国家灭亡,于是战争就来临了。我们全国人口的八分之一是黑奴,他们并非遍布整个联邦,而是局部地分布于南方。这些奴隶构成了一种特殊而重大的权益。大家知道这种权益可说是这场战争的原因。为了加强、保持及扩大这种权益,反叛分子会不惜以战争来分裂联邦,而政府只不过要限制这种权益所在地区的扩张。当初,任何一方都没有想到这场战争会发展到目前那么大的范围,持续那么长的时间。也没有料到冲突的原因会随冲突本身的终止而终止,甚至会在冲突本身终止以前而终止。双方都在寻求一个较轻易的胜利,都没有期望获致带根本性的和惊人的结果。双方念诵同样的圣经,祈祷于同一个上帝,甚至于每一方都求助同一上帝的援助以反对另一方,人们竟敢求助于上帝,来夺取他人以血汗得来的面包,这看来是很奇怪的。可是我们不要判断人家,免得别人判断我们。
我们双方的祈祷都不能够如愿,而且断没全部如愿以偿。上苍自有他自己的目标。由于罪恶而世界受苦难,因为罪恶总是要来的;然而那个作恶的人,要受苦难」假使我们以为美国的奴隶制度是这种罪恶之一,而这些罪恶按上帝的意志在所不免,但既经持续了他所指定的一段时间,他现在便要消除这些罪恶;假使我们认为上帝把这场惨烈的战争加在南北双方的头上,作为对那些招致罪恶的人的责罚,难道我们可以认为这件事有悖于虔奉上帝的信徒们所归诸上帝的那些圣德吗? 我们天真地希望着,我们热忱地祈祷着,希望这战争的重罚可以很快地过去。可是,假使上帝要让战争再继续下去,直到二百五十年来奴隶无偿劳动所积聚的财富化为乌有,并像三千年前所说的那样,等到鞭笞所流的每一滴血,被刀剑之下所流的每一滴血所抵消,那么我们仍然只能说,「主的裁判是完全正确而且公道的。」
我们对任何人都不怀恶意,我们对任何人都抱好感,上帝让我们看到正确的事,我们就坚定地信那正确的事,让我们继续奋斗,以完成我们正在进行的工作,去治疗国家的创伤,去照顾艰苦作战的志士和他的孤儿遗孀,尽力实现并维护在我们自己之间和我国与各国之间的公正和持久的和平。篇五:林肯就职演讲 the gettysburg address gettysburg, pennsylvania november 19, 1863 fourscore and seven years ago,our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation,conceived and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.but, in a larger sense,we can not dedicate,we can not consecrate,we can not hallow this ground.the brave men,living and dead,have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract.the world will little note what we say here,but it can never forget what they did here.it is for us,the living,rather to be dedicated to the great task remaining before us,that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion,that the nation shall have a new birth of freedom,that the goverment of the people by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth.主讲:亚伯拉罕·林肯
时间:1863年11月19日
地点:美国,宾夕法尼亚,葛底斯堡
八十七年前,我们先辈在这个大陆上创立了一个新国家,它孕育于自由之中,奉行一切人生来平等的原则。
我们正从事一场伟大的内战,以考验这个国家,或者任何一个孕育于自由和奉行上述原则的国家是否能够长久存在下去。我们在这场战争中的一个伟大战场上集会。烈士们为使这个国家能够生存下去而献出了自己的生命,我们来到这里,是要把这个战场的一部分奉献给他们作为最后安息之所。我们这样做是完全应该而且非常恰当的。
但是,从更广泛的意义上说,这块土地我们不能够奉献,不能够圣化,不能够神化。那些曾在这里战斗过的勇士们,活着的和去世的,已经把这块土地圣化了,这远不是我们微薄的力量所能增减的。我们今天在这里所说的话,全世界不大会注意,也不会长久地记住,但勇士们在这里所做过的事,全世界却永远不会忘记。毋宁说,倒是我们这些还活着的人,应该在这里把自己奉献于勇士们已经如此崇高地向前推进但尚未完成的事业。倒是我们应该在这里把自已奉献于仍然留在我们面前的伟大任务——我们要从这些光荣的死者身上吸取更多的献身精神,来完成他们已经完全彻底为之献身的事业;我们要在这里下定最大的决心,不让这些死者白白牺牲;我们要使国家在上帝福佑下自由的新生,要使这个民有、民治、民享的政府永世长存。abraham lincoln 亚伯拉罕.林肯(1809-1865),美国第十六任总统(1861-1865)。他自修法律,以反对奴隶制的纲领当选为总统,导致南方诸州脱离联邦。在由此引起的南北战争(1861-1865)中,他作为总统,发挥了美国历史上最有效、最鼓舞人心的领导作用,以其坚定的信念、深远的眼光和完美无缺的政治手腕,成功地引导一个处于分裂的国家度过了其历史上流血最多的内战,从而换救了联邦。他致力于推进全人类的民主、自由和平等,以最雄辩的语言阐述了人道主义的思想,不失时机地发表《解放黑奴宣言》,因而被后人尊称为“伟大的解放者”。林肯不仅是一个伟大的总统,更是一个伟人。他出生于社会低层,具有勤劳简朴、谦虚和诚恳的美德。在美国历届总统中,林肯堪称是最平易近人的一位。林肯的著作主要是演讲词和书信,以朴素庄严、观点明确、思想丰富、表达灵活、适应对象并具有特殊的美国风味见称。此篇演讲是美国文学中最漂亮、最富有诗意的文章之一。虽然这是一篇庆祝军事胜利的演说,但它没有好战之气。相反,这是一篇感人肺腑的颂辞,赞美那些作出最后牺牲的人们,以及他们为之献身的那些理想。其中“政府应为民有、民治、民享”的名言被人们广为传颂。
第三篇:林肯就职演讲稿,精品
林肯的第二任总统就职演说
这篇演说的讲稿是人类历史上最伟大的演说词,永久地刻在了林肯纪念堂里,英文原文是: on the occasion corresponding to this four years ago,all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war.all dreaded it--all sought to avert it.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.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.and the war came.one eighth of the whole population were colored slaves,not distributed generally over the union,but localized in the southern part of it.these slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest.all knew that this interest was,somehow,the cause of the war.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.neither party expected for the war,the magnitude,or the duration,which it has already attained.neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with,or even before,the conflict itself should cease.each looked for an easier triumph,and a result less fundamental and astounding.both read the same bible,and astounding to the same god;and each invokes his aid against the other.it may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just gods assistance in wringing their bread from 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.最后两段译文:
(交战)每一方都在寻求一个快速的、不伤根本的胜利。双方都读同一本圣经,向同一位上帝祷告,求祂的帮助。看起来真是奇怪:一些人竟企求上帝让别人流汗而使自己可以得到面包;但是,不要让我们论断,如果我们自己不想被论断的话。双方的祷告不会同时被回答,任何一方的祷告也不会被完全应允。全能的神自有其旨意。“祸哉世界!因着必来之罪;祸哉此人,罪因其而来。”如果我们假设,美国奴隶制度乃是众罪之一,此罪到了期限,神便定意除去这个制度,引发这一场可怖的南北战争,因为灾降于那些罪因其而来的人身上,如同以往圣徒所描写的神的属性,神的作为难道会有任何偏差吗?我们热切地盼望--恒切地祷告--这场惩罚性的战争得以迅速地远离我们而去。然而,如果神定意让战争持续下去,直到我们从所有奴隶在两百五十年间没有报酬、困苦劳动之下所累积的财富毁去,及直到每一滴皮鞭上的血迹被报之以刀下每一条冤魂,就如同我们在三千年前所说,而今天仍要再说的那样:“主的审判信实,合乎公义。”
不以恶待人,而以仁爱相处。当神开启我们的眼,得见公义时,我们必须持守公义。让我们全力以赴,完成我们手中的工作,医治国家的创伤;并照料在战场上承受苦痛的人,和那些寡妇、孤儿,不忘记关怀他们-让我们竭尽全力,达成在我们中间,及众民族之间的永久的公义和和平。简单统计:
? 讲演总字数:699 ? 提到上帝次数:10(god: 6;the almighty: 1;lord: 1;he: 2)? 提到祷告次数:3 ? 提到圣经次数:1 ? 引用圣经次数:2 所以只要读一下这篇讲演,就会知道林肯是怎样一位敬畏上帝,祈求上帝带领的人了!就如林肯传记《公民林肯》(lincoln the citizen)的作者惠特尼(hey whitney)所总结的:“(这篇演讲是)一串向神连绵不断的祈求,求祂对我们这个如火如荼的国家伸出援手。”
这篇讲演发生在1865年3月4号上午,当时在现场的记者noah brooks写到:“just at that moment the sun,which had been obscured all day,burst forth in its unclouded meridian splendor,and flooded the spectacle with glory and with light??was already standing in the shadow of death.”(林肯登台的一瞬间,阳光冲出了已盘踞了一整天的云层,放射出惊人的景象,荣耀和光辉如洪水般涌来??而此时,林肯已经站在了死亡的阴影之中。)--仅仅40天后,即同年4月15号,林肯在剧院里被谋杀了。
其实早年的林肯是一个无神论者,作为政治家,认为财富和权力更为重要。然而,随着美国内战战局的发展,林肯越来越感受到上帝的主权和公义,越来越依靠神,承认自己和人的无能为力,开始把国家的命运交托在神的手里。
例如,在1862年9月,在一个本来看似乐观的形势下,北方军却经历了在bull run的第二次战役的彻底失败,林肯开始认真的反思这次战争,并且考虑解放黑奴的具体计划。这时,他写下了“meditation on the divine will”(对神旨意的思想)的文章。英文原文是:“the will of god prevails.in great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of god.both may be,and one must be,wrong.god can not be for and against the same thing at the same time.in the present civil war it is quite possible that gods purpose is something different from the purpose of either party-and yet the human instrumentalities,working just as they do,are of the best adaptation to affect his purpose.”翻译是:“上帝的旨意必成就。在内战中,双方都认为自己所行的符合上帝的旨意,但至少有一方是错的,因为上帝不可能自相矛盾。上帝的旨意不同于我们的目标,但是上帝使用我们作为器皿成就祂的旨意。”
在林肯将被谋杀的最后时刻,据d.james kennedy的《what if the bible had never been written》一书,林肯坐在戏院里,对妻子玛丽说的最后的话是:“你知道我现在想做什么吗?我想带你到中东去旅行。”“我们要去祂(主耶稣)诞生的伯利恒。我们要拜访伯大尼,随着那条圣洁脚踪所行过的路途走。然后我们上耶路(耶路撒冷)??”篇二:林肯的就职演讲稿
林肯的就职演讲稿(中英文版)the gettysburg address ?? gettysburg, pennsylvania ?? november 19, 1863 地点:美国,宾夕法尼亚,葛底斯堡 八十七年前,我们先辈在这个大陆上创立了一个新国家,它孕育于自由之中,奉行一切人生来平等的原则。我们正从事一场伟大的内战,以考验这个国家,或者任何一个孕育于自由和奉行上述原则的国家是否能够长久存在下去。我们在这场战争中的一个伟大战场上集会。烈士们为使这个国家能够生存下去而献出了自己的生命,我们来到这里,是要把这个战场的一部分奉献给他们作为最后安息之所。我们这样做是完全应该而且非常恰当的。但是,从更广泛的意义上说,这块土地我们不能够奉献,不能够圣化,不能够神化。那些曾在这里战斗过的勇士们,活着的和去世的,已经把这块土地圣化了,这远不是我们微薄的力量所能增减的。我们今天在这里所说的话,全世界不大会注意,也不会长久地记住,但勇士们在这里所做过的事,全世界却永远不会忘记。毋宁说,倒是我们这些还活着的人,应该在这里把自己奉献于勇士们已经如此崇高地向前推进但尚未完成的事业。倒是我们应该在这里把自已奉献于仍然留在我们面前的伟大任务——我们要从这些光荣的死者身上吸取更多的献身精神,来完成他们已经完全彻底为之献身的事业;我们要在这里下定最大的决心,不让这些死者白白牺牲;我们要使国家在上帝福佑下自由的新生,要使这个民有、民治、民享的政府永世长存。篇三:林肯就职演讲稿中英版 gettysburg, pennsylvania november 19, 1863 fourscore and seven years ago,our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation,conceived and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.now we are egaged in a great civil war,testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and dedicated can long but, in a larger sense,we can not dedicate,we can not consecrate,we can not hallow this ground.the brave men,living and dead,have consecrated it far above our power to add or detract.the world will little note what we say here,but it can never forget what they did here.it is for us,the living,rather to be dedicated to the great task remaining before us,that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion,that the nation shall have a new birth of freedom,that the goverment of the people by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth.主讲:亚伯拉罕·林肯
时间:1863年11月19日
地点:美国,宾夕法尼亚,葛底斯堡
八十七年前,我们先辈在这个大陆上创立了一个新国家,它孕育于自由之中,奉行一切人生来平等的原则。
我们正从事一场伟大的内战,以考验这个国家,或者任何一个孕育于自由和奉行上述原则的国家是否能够长久存在下去。我们在这场战争中的一个伟大战场上集会。烈士们为使这个国家能够生存下去而献出了自己的生命,我们来到这里,是要把这个战场的一部分奉献给他们作为最后安息之所。我们这样做是完全应该而且非常恰当的。
但是,从更广泛的意义上说,这块土地我们不能够奉献,不能够圣化,不能够神化。那些曾在这里战斗过的勇士们,活着的和去世的,已经把这块土地圣化了,这远不是我们微薄的力量所能增减的。我们今天在这里所说的话,全世界不大会注意,也不会长久地记住,但勇士们在这里所做过的事,全世界却永远不会忘记。毋宁说,倒是我们这些还活着的人,应该在这里把自己奉献于勇士们已经如此崇高地向前推进但尚未完成的事业。倒是我们应该在这里把自已奉献于仍然留在我们面前的伟大任务——我们要从这些光荣的死者身上吸取更多的献身精神,来完成他们已经完全彻底为之献身的事业;我们要在这里下定最大的决心,不让这些死者白白牺牲;我们要使国家在上帝福佑下自由的新生,要使这个民有、民治、民享的政府永世长存。
第四篇:林肯第二次就职演讲(英文)
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.Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper.Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of his great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented.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.With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard
to it is ventured.On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war.All dreaded it;all sought to avert it.While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving teing delivered from thisurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war-seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation.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, and the war came.One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it.Their slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest.All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war.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.Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration, which it has already attained.Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease.Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding.Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other.It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged.That of neither has been answered fully.The Almighty has His own purposes.“Woe unto the world because of offenses;for it must need be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comet.” 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, 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 there in any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? 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.”
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the might, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's 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.
第五篇:林肯第二次就职演讲(中文)
在我现在第二次来到这里宣誓就任总统职位的时候,就不十分必要像第一次就职时那样作长篇演说了。那时,一篇关于我将采取的方针的比较详尽的说明,似乎是比较合适和理所当然 的。可是现在,四年任期刚刚结束,在这期间,关于那至今仍吸引着举国上下的注意,消耗着全民的精力的巨大斗争的各个阶段的任何一个细节,随时都有公告发奉,现在也实在再没有多少新东西可讲了。关于我们的军事进展情况——它是其它一切的主要依靠所在——,公众也了解得和我本人一样清楚;而且我相信对所有的人来说都是相当满意和令人鼓舞的。既
然对未来充满了希望,那么在这里也就无意冒昧作出预测了。
也正是在四年之前我就任总统的那一场合,所有的人都在为即将来临的内战惴惴不安。所有的人都害怕内战——都竭力想避免内战发生。而当我在这里发表就职演说,决定不惜采用一 切力量,但不用战争,拯救联邦的时候,叛乱分子的代理人却在全城到处活动,力求不用战争摧毁联邦——力求通过谈判瓦解联邦,分裂国家。——双方都声称反对战争;但可是他们中的一方却宁愿发动战争也不让这个国家生存下去;另一方也则宁可接受战争也不能眼看着
国家灭亡。于是战争便打起来了。
在全国人口中有八分之一是黑人奴隶,他们并非遍布在全国各地,而是大部分集中在我国南方。这些黑人构成一个特殊强有力的权益。大家都知道这权益是导致战争的原因。为了达到加强、永久化保持和扩大这个权益的目的,叛乱分子甚至不惜通过战争瓦解联邦;而政府方面,只不过是要求有权限制奴隶制扩大其地域。双方谁也没有料想到,战争竟会达到现在已出现了这种规模,或持续这么久。双方谁也不曾料到,冲突的缘由可能会随着冲突的结束而结束,或甚至在冲突本身结束之前,便已终止;每一方都寻求能比较轻易地获得胜利,战争的结果也不那么带有根本性和惊人。双方都读着同一部《圣经》,祈祷于同一个上帝;每一方都求上帝帮助他们一方,而反对另一方。这看来也许有些不可思议,怎么可能有人公然敢于祈求公正的上帝帮助他从别人的血汗中榨取面包;不过,我们且不要论断别人,以免自 己遭到论断吧。双方的祈祷都不可能得到回应;任何一方的祈祷也没有得到充分的回应。全能的上帝另有他自己的目标。“由于种种罪过,世界受难了!因为这些罪过是不可避免的;但是,让那引来罪过的人去受罪吧。”*如果我们假定美国的奴隶制是这里所说的罪恶之一,它按上帝的意旨是不可避免的,而现在在经过了上帝规定的时限之后,他决心要消灭它,再假定上帝使得南北双方进行了这场可怕的战争,以作为那些犯下罪过的人应该遭受到的苦难,那么我们从中能看出有什么地方有悖于信仰上帝的信徒们总是赋于永远存在的上帝的那种神性吗?我们衷心地希望——热情地祈祷——但愿这可怕的战争灾祸能迅速过去。然而,如果上帝一定要让它继续下去,一直到奴隶们通过二百五十年的无偿劳动所堆积起来的财富烟消云散,一直到,如三千年前人们所说的那样,用鞭子抽出的每一滴血都要用刀剑刺 出的另一滴血来偿还,而到那时,我们也仍然得说,“主的审判是完全公正无误的”。**
我们对任何人也不怀恶意,我们对所有的人都宽大为怀,坚持正义;上帝既使我们认识正义,让我们继续努力向前,完成我们正在进行的事业;包扎起国家的创伤,关心那些为战争作出牺牲的人,关心他们的遗孀和孤儿——尽一切力量,以求在我们自己之间,以及我们和所有的国家之间实现并维护一个公正和持久的和平。