He used to say it was singular that the courts would hold that a man never lost his right to property that had been stolen from him, but that he instantly _lost his right to himself_ if he was stolen.

Lincoln always contended that the cheapest way of getting rid of slavery was for the nation to buy the slaves and set them free." While in Congress, Lincoln had declared himself plainly as opposed to slavery; and in public speeches not less than private conversations he had not hesitated to express his convictions on the subject.

In 1850 he said to Major Stuart: "The time will soon come when we must all be Democrats or Abolitionists.

When that time comes, _my mind is made up_.
The slavery question cannot be compromised." The hour had now struck in which Lincoln was to espouse with his whole heart and soul that cause for which finally he was to lay down his life.

In the language of Mr.
Arnold, "He had bided his time.