They are the assertion of a principle which Father Hecker maintained throughout his life.

He never felt the least interest in studies not undertaken as a result of some supernatural impulse, or pursued in view of some supernatural aim.

He looked with the coldest unconcern upon such investigations of science as promise nothing toward solving the problems which perplex humanity on the moral side, or which do not contribute to the natural well-being of men.

With the pursuit of any science which does promise such results he was in the fullest sympathy, and was himself an unwearied student.

It was anything but intellectual indolence which caused him to put away his books.