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.