Saint jfvantiu of '^nnim, 33 



Who thus deigned to increafe the number 

 of poor followers of the Crofs : and then 

 he fent forth his Companions into Bologna 

 and into Lombardy, who acquired much 

 land in many places. 



CHAPTER VI. 



How Saint Francis blejjfcd Brother Bernard^ 

 and made him his Vicar when he came to pafs 

 away from this Life. 



SO great was the fan6lity of Brother Ber- 

 nard, that Saint Francis reverenced 

 him much, and many times did praife him. 

 Saint Francis once being devoutly rapt in 

 prayer, it was revealed to him of God that 

 Brother Bernard was by Divine Leave to 

 fuftain many and valiant battles with the 

 demons; hence Saint Francis, having ex- 

 ceeding great compaffion upon the faid 

 Brother Bernard, whom he loved as he were 

 his own fon, he prayed many days with tears, 

 entreating God for him, and recommending 

 him to Chrift Jefus, that he might give 

 him vi(5lory over the demon. And Saint 

 Francis, praying thus devoutly, God one 

 day made anfwer unto him : " Francis, fear 



not ; 

 3 



