Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented.
In the first paragraph, Lincoln uses the word now to
A) show the contrast between his second inaugural address and his first inaugural address.
B) indicate that he is ready to accept his second term as President of the United States.
C) gain the attention of those in the audience.
D) explain his reason for giving the address.