n him
before, he knew nothing whatever of him, but inspired by God, he went
up to him and said--

"My brother, thou hast long worn belt, sword and spurs. Henceforth thy
belt must be a rope, thy sword the Cross of Jesus Christ, and for
spurs thou must have dust and mud. Follow me. I will make thee a
soldier in the Christian Army."

Angelo's heart must have been prepared by God for this call, because
we read that "the brave soldier immediately followed Francis as the
Apostles followed our Lord."

[Sidenote: _New Recruits._]

Those who lived with him say that he was distinguished by a "glorious
simplicity," meaning, no doubt, that while he accepted the humility of
his new life, he retained something of his distinguished manners, and
chivalrous bearing. He was a personal friend of Francis', and one to
whom he could always unburden his soul.

Guido of Cortono is said to have been a born Franciscan. Passing
through Cortono, on a preaching tour, Francis found him ready, and
almost waiting for him. He was a young man of singular purity of
character. He had neither father nor mother, and lived quietly on the
means they had left him. What was over from his income, he gave to the
poor. After he had heard Francis preach, he went up to him and begged
that he would come to his house, and make it his home as long as he
stayed in Cortono. Francis consented, and as he and his companion
followed Guido home, Francis said--

"By the grace of God this young man will be one of us, and will
sanctify himself among his fellow-citizens."

After they had eaten and rested, Guido offered himself to Francis to
be one of his disciples. Francis agreed to receive him upon condition
that he should sell all his goods. This was done, apparently on the
spot, for we read that the three went round the town, distributing the
money. After this Francis conducted Guido into the Church, and there
clothed him with the "beast" colored robe.

Guido retired to a place outside the city, and became the founder of a
branch of the work. A small monastery was built, and such of his
converts in the locality, as were called to be friars, Guido received.

Sometimes the very talk about what Francis was doing, was used of God
to re-kindle the flame of love to Him in hearts where it had nearly
been extinguished. Simply hearing of the crowds that were seeking
forgiveness of sins, roused others to a sense of their eternal needs.
Amongst this number was John Parenti.