We are glad of an occasion to say these words, not merely to chronicle the usefulness of the book to Father Hecker, but also to recommend its restoration to its proper place, which both by merit and by authority is the first in the moral and pastoral literature of the Church.
"The truth is," continue the memoranda, "that original sin _as taught by the Church_ would never have been a great difficulty to me: of course the Calvinistic doctrine is quite a different affair.
"I was led, after I got to work at the Catechism of the Council of Trent, in a way quite positive.

For example, one thing I wanted was a satisfaction of that feeling and sentiment which has made so many persons Spiritualists.

I found that in the Church there was no impassable barrier dividing the living from the departed.

That was an intense delight to me.* The doctrine of penance, and the forgiveness of sins in the Sacrament of Penance, had a wonderful beauty as soon as I found them.

To be taught that God had somehow given men power to dispense His graces and mercies made me say, Oh, how delightful a doctrine that is, if I only could believe it! The doctrine of the Communion of Saints and that of the Sacrament of Penance were very pleasing to me.