Aug 30, 1857

I attended the prayer Circle in the evening. The Contempable speeches of Senators Stephen Arnold Douglas was read & the answer of Albert Carrington to the speech was also read Also the intention of Govornor Young in Case we were invaded by an Enemy. Many remarks were made upon the subject of the present Crices [crisis] which is apparently approaching us.

President Young said that many of the brethren had many fears about the Lamanites because the gentiles were making them presents. You need have no fears upon this subject for if the nation gives them a few millions it will not be all that is their due & then they will turn around & take the rest. We need have no fears but what the Lamanites will be prepared to fill their mission. I cannot feel that the time has come for us to do a great deal of hard fighting but I believe the Lord will fight our Battles. When the time Comes for us to do a great deal of fighting we shall have help & strength and the promises of God will be verified unto us.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]