by a Catholic author, and from a Catholic publishing house. They
who are not Catholics will read it, and it will enter into the
current of American literature, if it is one they must read in
order to be up with the living and growing thought of the age.
If it is not a book of that sort, it is not worth reading by any
one.

Furthermore, I am ambitious, even in my old age, and I wish to
exert an influence on the future of my country, for which I have
made, or, rather, my family have made, some sacrifices, and which
I tenderly love. Now, I believe that he who can exert the most
influence on our Catholic population, especially in giving tone
and direction to our Catholic youth, will exert the most
influence in forming the character and shaping the future destiny
of the American Republic. Ambition and patriotism alike, as well
as my own Catholic faith and sympathies, induce me to address
myself primarily to Catholics. I quarrel with none of the sects;
I honor virtue wherever I see it, and accept truth wherever I
find it; but, in my belief, no sect is destined to a long life,
or a permanent possession. I engage in no controversy with any
one not of my religion, for, if the positive, affirmative truth
is brought out and placed in a clear light before the public,
whatever is sectarian in any of the sects will disappear as the
morning mists before the rising sun.

I expect the most intelligent and satisfactory appreciation of
my book from the thinking and educated classes among Catholics;
but I speak to my countrymen at large. I could not personally
serve my country in the field: my habits as well as my
infirmities prevented, to say nothing of my age; but I have