without and within are the lot of every mortal. These troubled ones
found in their leader a tower of strength. To him they poured out
their most secret confidences. The difficulties they had with
uncongenial brethren, their interior doubts and fears, and awful dread
that such might one day cause them to fall away. Francis showed all
such the sincerest compassion. They knew and felt or that he loved
them. His sympathy was a remedy in itself. They left him cheered and
refreshed and strengthened.

Human weakness is never slow in showing itself, and the tepid were
easily recognized. They were generally those who had made a very good
beginning, but had allowed their zeal to cool and were becoming
unfaithful to the grace God had given them, and to the rules of the
Order. Francis was always gentle to these as he was gentle to all, but
he knew how to maintain his authority--to reprove, blame, and correct.
He followed the Divine recommendation, "If thy brother shall offend
thee, go and rebuke him between thee and him alone." His happiness was
complete if he could gain the tepid brother.

[Sidenote: _Duty of Humility._]

In the general meetings where all the brethren were assembled he dealt
with the interests of the whole work. He was very strong at these
times on the duty of humility.

"Make yourselves small and humble to everyone," he would say, "but
above all, be humble to the priests. The care of souls has been
entrusted to them. We are only auxiliaries, to do what they cannot
do." They were never to enter any field of labor without the
invitation, or at least the consent, of the local clergy. And then,
when they had received this permission they must never act as though
they were masters. This policy acted well. The local clergy had no
misgivings in seeking their assistance. They knew that these men would
not try to make the people discontented with their own pastors, but
rather sow content.

Another spirit Francis strove to get into his followers--that was the
spirit of tolerance. He warned them against carrying their attitude,
in regard to riches, to excess, and to say that all men must see as
they did or remain unsaved. Other reformers had done this and were
extinguished. The rule of poverty was God's leading for Francis. All
men he recognized were not called to follow this track, though some of
his disciples, in their enthusiasm, would have it that they were. To
them Francis said--

"Do not use the sacrifices you