on quickly, holding his nose. But for the love of Jesus crucified, who
was pleased to represent Himself to the Prophet Isaias under the
despised figure of a leper, he lowered himself to attending upon them
in their hospitals, where, having abundantly supplied them with alms,
he made their beds, dressed their sores, and performed for them the
most abject services; he often even kissed their hands and their faces
with great feelings of commiseration. The words which our Saviour one
day addressed to him while at prayer, stimulated him to continue this
charitable exercise, notwithstanding his natural repugnance: "Francis,
if thou desirest to know My will, thou must despise and hate all that
thou hast loved and wished for till now. Let not this new path alarm
thee, for, if the things which now please thee must become bitter and
distasteful, those which now displease thee, will become sweet and
agreeable." Shortly before his death he declared that what had seemed
to him most bitter in serving the lepers, had been changed into what
was pleasing both for soul and body; and all those who strive to
overcome themselves for the love of God feel, as he did, that the
severest practices are soon softened down by the unction of grace.

The sight of Jesus Christ fastened to the cross made him feel the
misery of the poor so intensely, that he would have wished to employ
all he had, and his own person, in their relief. Sometimes he did strip
himself to clothe them; and when he had not enough to satisfy them
all, he unsewed or tore his clothes to divide among them. In the absence
of his father he caused much more bread to be brought to table at their
meals than was necessary; and when his mother asked the reason, he
said, "that it was in order to give more quickly to those who came to
ask for food." This pious mother saw with pleasure the charity of her
son; and far from endeavoring to check it, she was not displeased at
his leaving her alone at table, while he took to the neighboring sick