from the way of salvation, they endeavored to bring him back in a mild
and humble manner. In their sermons they spoke ingenuously whatever
was inspired them by the Holy Ghost, pointed out the true way to heaven,
showed what were the duties of charity, and endeavored to bring all
to love and fear the Creator and keep His holy commandments.

When they were asked from what country they came, and to what profession
they belonged, they replied: "We are penitents come from Assisi;" for
they would not as yet give the name of religion to their society. There
were worthy people who received them with pleasure; but there were
many others who disapproved of their habit, their institute, their
discourses, imagining also that it was dangerous to give them
house-room, and that alms ought not even to be given to them; so that
these poor of Jesus Christ, cast off on all sides, had often to pass
the nights under porticos.

Bernard and Giles went as far as Florence. A pious individual named
Guy offered them some money, which they refused, and when it was wished
to know from them, why, being so poor, they would not take it, they
made this answer: "We have left all that we possessed, according to
the Evangelical counsel. We have voluntarily embraced poverty, and we
have renounced the use of money." So perfect a detachment, joined to
an ardent zeal for the salvation of souls, and to sublime virtues, and
particularly a patience full of meekness and charity in the midst of
insults and injurious treatment, caused them to be looked upon in the
town as holy personages; they were consulted in cases of conscience,
and dwellings were offered them.

While these Apostolic men continued their mission, Francis, guided by
the Spirit of God, returned to the hut at Rivo Torto, where he received