the accomplishments
left to the few! So we must therefore make the best of such scanty
material as we have at our disposal, and try to give you an idea of
the different species of humanity that were attracted by the kindly,
gracious, Christ-like personality of Francis.

We have seen how at first, he had no idea of his call extending any
further than himself and his own life and conduct. Then one by one, at
first, and more quickly afterwards, men ranged themselves under his
standard, and claimed him as their leader. Naturally, and simply, he
took up his new position, and the duties attached thereto. He seemed
to know by intuition those whom God had singled out to be his
followers, and one after another heard Francis, as the voice of God
calling them to leave all and follow the lowly despised Christ.

[Sidenote: _Soldiers in the Christian Army._]

One of the first of these was a laborer named John.

It was always a great grief to Francis when he saw a church left dirty
and neglected. It gave him positive pain to think that anyone could
neglect the House of God, and give it less care than they would their
own homes. When he went on different preaching tours he used to call
the priests of the locality together, and beg of them to look after
the decency of the churches. He was not content merely to preach, but
often he bound stalks of heather together and made himself a broom,
and set to work and showed them an example.

One day he was busily engaged in sweeping out a church when a peasant
appeared. He had left his cart and come to see what was going on.
After he had stared for a time, he went over to Francis and said--

"Brother, let me have the broom and I will help you." He took the
broom, and finished the church.

When his task was ended, he said--

"Brother, for a long time, ever since I heard men speak of you, I have
decided to serve God. I never knew where to find you. Now it has
pleased God that we should meet, and henceforth I will do whatever you
command me."

Francis was convinced that he would make a good friar, so he accepted
him. This John was renowned afterwards for his piety, the other friars
admired him greatly. He did not live very long, and after his death,
Francis used to love to tell the story of his conversion, always
speaking of him as Brother _Saint_ John.

Angelo Tancredi was a young knight, rich, and of noble family. Francis
met him one day in the neighbourhood of Rieti. He had never see