efficacy of his words--His supernatural and miraculous gifts--He drives
away devils--Brings the dead to life--Heals the sick--Has the gift of
prophecy and discernment of spirits--He commands animals, and is
obeyed--He performs many other miraculous actions--The great honors
which were paid to him--His character and appearance--In what sense
he was simple





THE LIFE AND LEGENDS OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI

BOOK I


We here offer, to the pious reflections of the faithful, the life of
a man who proposed to himself to practise literally the precepts of
the Gospel, to conform himself entirely to Jesus Christ crucified, and
to inspire the whole world with God's love.

Such a purpose must seem great to all those who can appreciate true
grandeur by the light of religion. In its contempt of the goods of the
world, it manifests an elevation of mind far above the ostentation of
the ancient philosophers; in its deep humiliations, an heroical courage;
in its extreme simplicity, the most exalted sentiments; in its weakness,
and in the apparent foolishness of the cross, the strength and wisdom
of God. The infidels themselves admired all this, and it will be not
less meet to revive the fervor of Christians, and to increase the
veneration they have always entertained for St. Francis.