A converted Parisian operative, a man of a wilful but frank disposition, full of energy and spirit, who had often spoken with great success at the clubs composed of men of his own class, was asked by the priest who had reconciled him to God to inform him by what instrumentality he who had once been so far estranged from religion had eventually been restored to the faith. "Your doing so," said his interrogator, "may be useful to me in my efforts to reclaim others." "I would rather not," replied he; "for I must candidly tell you that you do not figure very conspicuously in the case." "No matter," said the other; "it will not be the first time that I have heard the same remark." "Well, if you must hear it, I can tell you how it took place, in a few words. A _religicuse_ had pestered me to read your little book--pardon the expression: I used to speak in that style in those days. On reading a few pages, I was so impressed that I felt a strong desire to see you. "I was told that you preached in a certain church, and I went to hear you. Your sermon had some further effect upon me; but to speak frankly, very little, comparatively, indeed, none at all. {263} What did much more for me was your open, simple, and good-natured manner, and, above all, your ill-combed hair; _for I have always detested those priests whose heads remind one of a hair-dresser's assistant;_ and I said to myself: That man forgets himself on our behalf; we ought, therefore, to do something for his sake.' Thereupon I determined to pay you a visit, and you _bagged me_. Such was the beginning and end of the affair." The thought should never be absent from our minds that we preach the Gospel, and that the Gospel is preeminent in inculcating love toward humanity. Away, then, with all domineering and dictatorial airs! Away with all violent language! The people regard it as the ebullition of anger, and are not at all edified thereby. On the other hand, in order to succeed, the heart of the preacher must first be penetrated with what he teaches; an appropriate accent will follow of itself. There are men who carry about with them something godlike. ... Such men are eagerly listened to, they are believed, and then loved. From what has been said, it is obvious that we should train ourselves to obtain proficiency in action. {264}