“But there is no use of keeping back anything.  My policy has all along been to have no policy, but to be frank, truthful, and have no fear.  For my own part I will try my best to be true to the light and grace given me, even though it reduces me to perfect insignificance.  I desire nothing upon earth except to labor for the good of our Religion and our Country, and whatever may be the decision of our affairs here, my aims cannot be defeated.  I feel, indeed, quite indifferent about the decision which may be given, so that they allow us freedom.”

As illustrating Father Hecker’s supernatural motives and rectitude of conscience the following extracts from letters to the Fathers will be of interest.  In September, when the arrow was yet in the wound, he wrote: 

“I have no feelings of resentment against any one of the actors [in this matter].  On the contrary I could embrace them all with unfeigned sentiments of love.  God has been exceedingly good not to let me be even tempted in this way.”

Again, on December 5: 

“Your repeated assurances of being united with me in our future fills me with consolation and courage.  We may well repeat the American motto, ‘United we stand, divided we fall.’  Never did I find myself more sustained by the grace of God.  How often I have heard repeated by acquaintances I have made here:  ’Why, Father Hecker, you are the happiest man in Rome!’ Little do they know how many sleepless nights I have passed, how deeply I have suffered within three months.  But isn’t Almighty God good?  It seems I never knew or felt before what it is to be wholly devoted to Him.”

On December 9, after a long exposition of the need of a new religious missionary institute for America: 

“Considering our past training, and many other advantages which we possess, I cannot but believe that God will use us, provided that we remain faithful to Him, united together as one man, and ready to make any sacrifice for some such holy enterprise; and my daily prayer is that the Holy Father may receive a special grace and inspiration to welcome and bless such a proposition.”

With his Christmas greetings he wrote:  “From the start I have not suffered myself to repose a moment when there was anything to be done which promised help.  Whatever may be the result of our affairs, this consolation will be with me—­I did my utmost, and everything just and honorable, to deserve success.  No one would believe how much I have gone through at Rome, but I do it cheerfully, and sometimes gaily, because I know it is the will of God.”

On February 19, 1858:  “The experience I have made here is worth more than my weight in gold.  If God intends to employ us in any important work in the future, such an experience was absolutely necessary for us.  It is a novitiate on a large scale.  I cannot thank God sufficiently for my having made it thus far without incurring by my conduct the displeasure or censure of any one.”