vidual traits of character must not be allowed to interfere
with a certain degree of uniformity. On the other hand, that
uniformity should not be allowed to cripple the spontaneous action of
natural independence, and the inspiration of graces which are
personal.

It must be granted that with many souls a novitiate will tend to a
routine use of religious aids. Yet it cannot be denied that its
discipline forcibly concentrates the scattered purposes of life into
one powerful stream. It contributes to symmetry of character. It
furnishes efficacious tests of sincerity. It drills disorderly
natures into regularity. It acquaints the beginner with the
literature of his holy profession, and herein it is of priceless
worth. And finally, it provides advisers of approved wisdom during
the period of the spiritual life when counsel is most needed, as well
as most gratefully accepted. But if it fails in each of these
particulars, as no doubt it sometimes does, the novitiate may be said
never to fail in detecting an inaptitude for the common life, if such
exists; that is to say, a serious lack of the qualities which fit one
to get along in peace with the brethren.

Into the novitiates of the religious orders, and into the seminaries
which hold their place for the secular priesthood, the noblest men of
our race have entered joyfully; some to be wedded to the Divine
Spouse in the quiet seclusion of holy contemplation, and others, of
the more militant orders, to be trained to follow worthily the
standards of the apostolic warfare against vice and error.

The novice-master was puzzled by his three Americans, though Brother
McMaster was easily comprehended--an over-frank temperament,
impulsive, and demonstrative. Not only were his banners always
hanging on the outward wall, but his plan of campaign also. The other
two were a study, and Brother Hecker was a curiosity. Yet both were
cheerful, obedient, earnest, courageous. The novice-master was
annoyed at the Americans' incessant demand for the reason why of all
things permitted, and the reason why not of all things prohibited;
until at last Brother Walworth was named Brother Pourquoi. As to
Brother Hecker, besides showing the same stand-and-deliver
propensity, he occupied much of the time of conversation in
philosophizing, plunging into the obscurest depths of metaphysical
and ethical problems, using terms which were often quite unfamiliar
to strictly orthodox ears, and exhibiting a fear