________________________

CHAPTER XII

THE MYSTIC AND THE PHILOSOPHER

BEFORE summarizing and conveniently arranging Isaac Hecker’s reasons for becoming a Catholic and narrating the accompanying incidents, we give the following profession of faith in the authority of the Spirit speaking within.  It was written in the diary in the midst of his preparations for his baptism, and is an early witness of a permanent characteristic of Father Hecker’s life.  It is, besides, a fitting introduction to the description of his state of mind when he entered the Church, showing better than anything we have found what kind of man became a Catholic in Isaac Hecker.

“Man is a mystic fact.

“What is most interior is ever mystical, and we should ever be in the centre of the circle of the mystic life.

“We must unfold the mystical in all our expressions, actions, thoughts, and motions.

“It is the mystic life only which can fully interest man.  This is deeper than all conditions, behind all organs, faculties, and functions.

“We must listen to those who speak to us in the interior world, and hear the mystic man speak through us.

“The mystic man is ever youthful, fresh, and new.

“The mystic sphere is the kingdom of heaven within.

“I can neither study nor sit down and read for any length of time.  The inner man will not permit me.  Ever he calls me from it to meditate and enjoy his presence.

“He says:  I am all.  Ask of me and I will give you more than has been written—­more than you can ever find or dig out by study.

“Be my spokesman—­this is your office.  Submit to me—­this is your glory.  I have taken up my abode in you on condition that you will be faithful and submissive.

“You have no business to ask of me what I am going to set you about.  I am, and you know it—­and this is enough for you to know.

“This is my condition of remaining with you—­that you entertain me, and me alone, and no other on any pretext whatsoever.  I am all, and this suffices.  You have nothing to say, to do, or to be troubled about.  Do only as I bid you, follow what I tell you, and be still.

“If you neglect me in any way, or forget me for any other object, now that you have enjoyed my confidence, love, and blessing, I will not abide with you any longer.

“I want all your time and to speak all that is to be said.  You have no right to speak a word—­not a word—­of your own.  You are not your own.  You have given yourself up to me, and I am all.  I will not leave you unless you leave me first, and even then I shall ever be the nearest to you, but you will not know it.

“I am your Friend; the One who loves you.  I have discovered myself to you and will do so yet more.  But the condition of so doing requires from you even more faith, tenderness, and submissiveness.