The event has verified, in the eyes of the universe, the prophecy of
the holy Patriarch. There was in a very short time a great number of
religious; his order extended itself to all parts with astonishing
rapidity, and it has multiplied itself so wonderfully for seven
centuries, that it may be looked upon as a representation of the birth
and progress of the Church.

The disciples, greatly comforted by what they had just heard and
persuaded that their master had the spirit of prophecy, entreated him
to inform them what would in future be the situation of his Order. He
explained to them in parables the good which would be effected by it,
and at the same time the relaxations which would be introduced into
its discipline, in order that the graces of God, which were to be
bestowed on it, might excite their utmost gratitude, and that the fear
of their weakness and want of fervor might render them vigilant and
humble.

The odor of sanctity which issued through the environs of the hermitage,
and the holiness of their lives, brought many persons to them for
instruction, and to profit from the edification they would receive.
A very worthy person, whose name was Philip the Long, was desirous of
entering the state of Evangelical poverty. Francis made him his seventh
disciple, and he brought them all back to the hut at Rivo Torto. In
this holy retreat he spoke to them frequently of the Kingdom of God,
of the contempt of the world, of renouncing of their own will, of the
mortification of the senses, and other maxims of a spiritual life. He
opened to them also his intention of sending them into the four parts
of the world; for, with the seven children which evangelical poverty
and simplicity had given him, it was his wish to bring all the faithful
to penance, and to generate them in some measure anew by the word of