56 ^i]t ILtttle jFlotDcrs of 



convent gate ; to the end that thofe who 

 come hither, before they knock you may 

 fatisfy them with certain goodly words from 

 God ; fo that there be no need for any to iffue 

 forth but only you ; and this do through 

 the fruits of holy obedience." Thereupon 

 Brother Maximus drew on his cowl, and 

 bowed his head, and humbly received and 

 continued to obey this charge for many 

 days, filling the offices of Door-keeper, of 

 Almoner, and of Cook. Whence his Com- 

 panions, like men illumined of God, began 

 to feel great remorfe within their hearts, 

 confidering that Brother Maximus was a 

 man of exceeding great Perfectnefs, like 

 unto themfelves or yet more, and upon him 

 refted all the burden of the Convent and 

 not on them. For the which thing they 

 were all moved with one accord, and went 

 in and prayed the floly Father that it might 

 pleafe him to diftribute thofe offices among 

 them ; forafmuch as their confciences could 

 in no manner endure that Brother Maximus 

 fliould undergo fuch toil. Hearing this, 

 Saint Francis yielded to their counfels and 

 confented to their wifh, and calling Brother 

 Maximus, faid to him, " Brother Maximus, 

 your companions defire to fliare in thofe 



offices 



