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From the Book:

HELIOTROPIUM

Conformity of the Human Will to the Divine

by

JEREMIAS DREXELIUS

Edited by

FERDINAND E. BOGNER

Published by

THE DEVIN-ADAIR COMPANY

NEW YORK

1912

Nihil Obstat Remigius Lafort, D.D. Censor

Imprimatur John Cardinal Farley Archbishop of New York

PREFACE to the edition of 1912.

In offering "The Heliotropium" to the public we are not presenting a new book. It was first published in Latin in 1627. An English translation, the basis of the present edition, appeared in 1862.

The author, Jeremias Drexelius, was the most distinguished ascetical writer of Germany in the seventh century. Born at Augsburg, Aug. 15, 1581, he entered the Society of Jesus at the age of seventeen years, became teacher of rhetoric, and afterwards court ,preacher at Munich‑a position which he held for twenty‑three years. He was a valued friend and adviser of the Elector Maximilian I. By the people he was esteemed as a saint. He died April 19, 1638.

The writings of Drexelius, without doubt, excel, in almost every respect, all other contemporary works of the same kind. Their popularity is attested by their wide sale. Of one treatise alone 20,400 copies were disposed of in Munich before the year 1642; while the total sale of his various writings reached the astounding figure of 170,700 copies. There were subsequently many reprints, besides translations into several foreign languages.

A great many, no doubt, will imagine that this book a difficult one to read, to follow, and to understand, owing to the deep problem of which it treats. Quite the contrary is the case. The language is simple and pleasing, the statements are logically and forcefully laced, and interest is sustained throughout.

The volume is divided into five parts or books. A glance at the following summary will acquaint the reader with their contents –

Book I brings home to us the necessity of seeing God's Will in everything. Understanding this well, we are taught in Book II how to unite our will, which always remains free, to God's Will. The Third Book explains how we receive many benefits by uniting our will to God's. Whatever might hinder this union is clearly pointed out in Book IV. Numerous aids, helping us to attain to this true union with God, are suggested in Book V.

Going carefully over the pages of this book, I found in them a wealth of material suitable for the present day. The one great problem in life, which is not understood as it should be, by the vast majority, is the question of the Divine Will. Of all the mistakes made by men, the failure to recognize God's Will is, undoubtedly, the saddest and greatest. The keynote to happiness and peace of mind is the realization that this Will means everything. Doctrines of all kinds are being preached and taught. Our sympathy is quickly enlisted in the various methods of bringing help to man's troubled mind. But all the while we lose sight of the fact that the Finger of God rules and dominates all things. When this becomes plain, then, and only then, will the heart of man find its long‑sought rest.

Before turning the book over to the publishers, I made a thorough trial of its principles and illustrations in my work in the confessional and in giving counsel, so often sought from the priest. It bore fruit, and I am convinced that such a work should be more widely known. My brother priests, especially, will, I am sure, be glad to know of it. There are many other good works on the same subject, it is true, all teaching, the same truth, but not in so simple and convincing a manner. In this work a difficult theological problem has been placed within easy grasp of the ordinary reader.

The contents of this volume will prove a source of true spiritual joy to the reader. The confessor will find it invaluable in his direction of souls. The priest knows how difficult it is for the majority of people to see God's Will in the event of death, sickness, or other calamity. God's Will is the solution to such difficulties when they arise ‑ the only answer to rash, impetuous questioning - a sweet and soothing answer! People struggling in the world need to realize this. They are anxious to know it. I feel, therefore, that the zealous priest will welcome "The Heliotropium." These pages will help Religious to see their life of cross and trial in the light of peace and comfort. No one, in fact, can tire of perusing the volume as spiritual reading.

FERDINAND E. BOGNER