“It is consoling to see men of different opinions and of opposite parties in the Church regarding my pamphlet as the programme of a common ground on which they can meet and agree.

“I have had several interviews with Cardinal Deschamps.  He invited me to spend the evenings with him, as we are old and very close friends.  On all points, main points, our views are one.  And it is singular how the same precise ideas and views have presented themselves at the same time to the minds of us both.  In matters which regard my personal direction, I have consulted him several times, and fully.  He has always taken a special interest in my welfare in every sense.  His counsel has given me great relief, increased tranquillity, and will be of great service.  He remains here eight or ten days longer, and I will see him as often during that period as I can.”

A distinguished Swiss orator and prelate, since made cardinal, told Father Hecker of a devout priest who gave a large number of retreats to the clergy:  “‘When I saw him last,’ said Monsignor to me, ’he said that since we had met he had given retreats to seven hundred or eight hundred priests, and that he had read to them the Exposition of the Church which I gave him at my last interview with him.’”

“It will take time to understand the ideas in the Exposition.  It will take still longer time to see their bearing, application, and results.  Few at first will seize their import; by degrees they will take in a wider circle.  The difficulties of the times, the anguish of many souls in the midst of the present persecutions, etc., will draw attention to any project or plan or system that offers a better future.”

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CHAPTER XXXIV

IN THE SHADOW OF DEATH

“I LOOK back,” wrote Father Hecker in the summer of 1879, “on these three years as one continuous and dreadful interior struggle.”  This shows that the shadows were too deep and broad for the intervals of peace, which we know from his letters he had now and then enjoyed, to banish the impression of constant gloom.  And Father Hecker’s readiness to return home upon positive request will be the better appreciated when we remember how very painful to him was the very thought of his past occupations.  Nor was his bodily health in a hopeful condition.  While at Ragatz in the month of June, 1875, he met a distinguished physician from Paris, an excellent Catholic, whom he had been strongly advised to consult before.  Glad of the chance, he submitted to a thorough examination, and received from him a written statement to the effect that it would be dangerous to take up any steady occupation, and that he should be entirely free from care for at least a year; otherwise a final break-down was to be expected.  This seemed effectually to bar all thoughts of return.  And such was his own settled conviction, as is shown by the following, written about the end of June: