“My relations with my family are very critical at this period—­more so than they have ever been.  It is the crisis of the state we have been in for this past year.  If God gives me strength to be true to the spirit, it is very doubtful how far those at home will be willing to second it.  I have written them a letter asking for their own aims and views of life, and I am anxious for their answer.  The question of returning is not a wilful one with me, for it is the spirit which guides me.  If it can live there, I go back.  If not, I am governed and must follow where it leads, wherever that may be.”

The letter referred to in this entry of the diary is too long, and covers too much ground already traversed, to be quoted in full, but it contains some striking passages.  It was written at Fruitlands, July 17, ’43.  After inquiring with his customary directness what are their aims in life and what they are doing to attain them, he goes on to say: 

“Although the idea or aim which each one aspires toward and tries to realize will be colored by his own peculiar tendencies, still, in substance, in practice, they will agree if they are inspired by the self-same spirit.”

Here we have the practical good sense which reined in and directed Isaac Hecker throughout his life, making it finally impossible for him not to see and recognize the visible Church, notwithstanding his mystical tendency, his want of thorough education, and his birthright of heresy.

Again he writes: 

“There are all the natural ties why we should not be separated, and no reasons why we should, unless there exists such a wide difference in the aims we seek to realize that it would be injurious or impossible for us to live in family, in unity, in love.  I do not believe this difference exists, but if it does, and we are conscious of being led by a higher spirit than our own, we should and would sacrifice all that hinders us from the divine calling.  That demands implicit, uncompromising obedience.  It speaks in the tone of high authority.  The dead must bury their dead.  That which offends it must be got rid of at all costs, be it wife, parents, children, brothers, sisters, or our own eye or hand.  I do not contemplate a sacrifice of either of these; still, it is well to consider whether, if such a demand should be made of us, we are in such a state of mind that we would be willing to give one or all up, if they should stand in the way of our progress toward God. . . .

“If you desire to continue the way of life you have and do now lead, be plain, frank, and so express yourselves explicitly.  If not, and you have any desire or intention in your minds to alter or make a radical change in your external circumstances for the sake of a higher, better mode of life, be equally open, and let me know all your thoughts and aspirations which are struggling for expression, for real life. . . .