Emancipated

Today we drove about 2.5 hours to Springfiled Illinois. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is located there. The museum is very well done and inspirational. We happened to arrive as there was a set up for a visit by the Governor of Illinois to make presentations to Gold Star families. We didn't watch but it was there.

We began by watching the 'Ghosts of the Library' film and presentation. It was a creative way to set the stage and peak interest for the tour of the museum. I thought that the presenter was a real actor live on the stage. But by the end, I was not so sure he was real. I would have bet on it. The ending though, caused some doubt. I wish I could have asked someone.

One of the displays suggested that the name of Abraham Lincoln was the most published name of anyone except for Jesus Christ. It made me think. The picture painted of Lincoln was of a hard-working, motivated man of principle. He bore a weight hard to imagine. He was committed to the preservation of the union against all odds. I had never imagined the opposition he faced but the museum left no doubt.

An excerpt from a Lincoln quote

I could not help but think of Joseph Smith and Section 87 of the Doctrine and Covenants from 30 years before the Civil War. It reads in part,

1 Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls;

2 And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place.

3 For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, ...

It was sobering to be reminded of the toll upon our country of fighting among ourselves. Over 600,000 Americans would lose their lives fighting for what they believed.

It is an added blessing to be in Nauvoo and close to some amazing historic reminders. President Hinckley referenced the importance of 'Remember'. Not only of the pioneers, but of the rolling forth of history including a nation that would tolerate religious liberty - even if imperfect liberty at times. God did not intend for men to be slaves one to another. In our church history, the driving of the saints from Missouri and Illinois is thankfully also a thing of the past.