If it was let alone, he was prepared to do what little he could towards the de-nationalization of slavery.

But he refused absolutely to throw away the fruits of Republican victory by renewing the policy of futile and unprincipled compromises.

Back of all his opinions there was an ultimate stability of purpose which was the result both of sound mental discipline and of a firm will.

His was a mind, unlike that of Clay, Seward, or even Webster, which had never been cheapened by its own exercise.

During his mature years he rarely, if ever, proclaimed an idea which he had not mastered, and he never abandoned a truth which he had once thoroughly achieved.
III LINCOLN AS MORE THAN AN AMERICAN Lincoln's services to his country have been rewarded with such abundant appreciation that it may seem superfluous to insist upon them once again; but I believe that from the point of view of this book an even higher value may be placed, if not upon his patriotic service, at least upon his personal worth.