32 Kit JLittlt iFlotoers of 



faid Judge with great joy and lovingkindnefs 

 led Brother Bernard to his houfe, and there 

 beftowed upon him the promifed lodging, 

 and fet it in order, and provided for all his 

 cofts ; and lliortly after he himfelf became 

 a Father, and the efpecial ally and cham- 

 pion of Brother Bernard and of his com- 

 panions. And Brother Bernard, for this 

 his holy converfion, began to be much 

 honored of all men, infomuch that they 

 who might touch the hem of his garments, 

 or could but look upon him, held them- 

 felves bleft ; but he, as a true difciple of 

 Chrift, and of the meek and lowly Francis, 

 fearing left worldly honors fhould mar the 

 peace and fafety of his foul, departed 

 thence one day and returned to Saint 

 Francis and fpake thefe words : " Father, 

 an abiding-place is found in the city of 

 Bologna : I prithee fend thither Brothers 

 who may maintain it, and let them fojourn 

 there, forafmuch as I no longer profit you 

 aught in that fpot ; indeed, for the exceed- 

 ing honor which is paid me I fear left I 

 lofe more than I gain." Then Saint Fran- 

 cis, hearing all things in due order, how 

 Our Lord had wrought a great work through 

 Brother Bernard, praiied and thanked God, 



Who 



