r is what some would call
optimistic, and the tone with regard to the religious honesty of
non-Catholic Americans extremely hopeful. Perhaps herein was Dr.
Brownson's reason for an adverse, or almost adverse, criticism on the
book in his _Review._ He had given the _Questions of the Soul_ a
thoroughly flattering reception, and now says many things in praise
of the _Aspirations of Nature,_ praising especially the chapter on
individuality. But yet he dreads that the book will be misunderstood;
he has no such lively hopes as the author; he trusts he is not
running along with the eccentricities of theologians rather than with
their common teaching; fears that he takes the possible powers of
nature and such as are rarely seen in actual life as the common rule;
dreads, again, that Transcendentalists will be encouraged by it; and
more to the same effect. But Father Hecker, before leaving for Europe
in 1857, had submitted the manuscript to Archbishop Kenrick and
received his approval; nor did Brownson's unfavorable notice ruffle
the ancient friendship between them.

The _Aspirations of Nature_ was put through the press by George
Ripley, at that time literary editor of the New York _Tribune,_
Father Hecker having gone to Rome on the mission which ended in the
establishment of his new community. Mr. McMaster had assisted him
similarly with the _Questions of the Soul._ The second book sold
well, as the first had done, and has had several editions. It is not
so hot and eager in spirit as the _Questions of the Soul,_ but it
presses its arguments earnestly enough on the reader's attention. It
is free from the literary faults named in connection with its
predecessor, reads smoothly, and has very many powerful passages and
some eloquent ones.

________________________

CHAPTER XXIV

SEPARATION FROM THE REDEMPTORISTS

THE events which led to the separation of the band of American
missionaries from the Redemptorist community took place in the spring
and summer of 1857. A misunderstanding arose about the founding of a
new house in Newark, N.J., or in New York City, which should be the
headquarters for the English-speaking Fathers and become the centre
of attraction for American subjects, and in which English should be
the language in common use. Application had been made by Bishop
Bayley, and afterwards by Archbishop Hughes, for such a foundation,
but superiors, both in the United States and in Rome--the latter
dependent on l