near the church there was a fine spring, and a rivulet, whose waters
murmured pleasantly around them; the view of the whole plain, with
that of the town beyond it on the heights, was all that could be wished.
The holy man was fearful lest so delicious an abode should enervate
the minds of his disciples, that the vigor of their intellect, so
requisite for penitential reflections, should become relaxed when
surrounded by objects so pleasant to the senses; and lest that which
inspired gladsomeness should make them lose the seriousness necessary
in prayer, and deprive them of the spiritual delight which is felt
therein. Thus, as a skilful general who was the leader of the soldiers
of Jesus Christ, and only followed His intentions, he made his little
band raise their camp at the end of a fortnight, and resume their march
towards the Valley of Spoleto.

In the way they counselled together whether they should communicate
with the world, or whether they should retire into some solitary
retreat. Francis, not choosing to trust either to his own lights or
to those of his companions, had recourse with them to prayer, to
ascertain what the will of God was on this head; and he learnt by a
revelation, St. Bonaventure says, that God had sent him expressly to
gain souls which the devil was endeavoring to draw away from Jesus
Christ. He therefore resolved to dedicate himself to this holy
employment, and to live a life which should be useful to his neighbor
rather than to himself; being likewise animated thereto by the example
of Him of whom St. Paul said: "One died for all." With this view he
continued his route to the Valley of Spoleto, and brought his brethren
to the hut at Rivo Torto, near Assisi, where he had been before.

One must feel surprised that St. Francis, with all the assurances he
had of his vocation, could have doubted for a single instant that he