[Boston—Sunday, 9 February 1868]
Sunday Feb. 9. Finished first volume of “Récit d’une soeur” a touching history. Perhaps it may bring rest to some, some who have not lived so far into the things of the Spirit as to abandon all faith in the happiness to be found in an external church, in external symbols. Am I opinionated in saying this? I think not. It is comparatively easy to put on a grey gown and step out of the world and live in benevolence and ecstasy, to the necessity our faith imposes of living in the world and “bearing about in the body the Lord Jesus.” This can only be done by prayer which whether to Catholic or Protestant, thank God, will bring the same enlightenment the same strength, the same ecstasy.
Oh God direct and hear my prayers!
