He is an instance of the fallacy of the saying that the preacher must stoop to his auditory if he would be popular.

Father Bernard was ever true to himself, never appeared less than an educated priest and grave religious, and yet he was a most popular preacher.

The great truths of eternal life are a universal heritage, and the use of plain words is not getting down from good style even in the literary sense, and a familiar manner is a trait of affection.

We have stopped the reader for this moment with Father Bernard because he was Father Hecker's teacher of mission preaching and instructing, and was ever beloved by him as an appreciative friend and a wise and indulgent preceptor.

He had made his first visit to America with Father de Held in 1845, but remained only a few months to acquire information and gain impressions for a report to the Rector Major.