sting incidents, we have no doubt cluster round
what, unfortunately, the historians present to us in the form of a
catalogue of mere names.

Chapter XIII.

THE STORY OF THE MARTYRS.

"God the Father, give us grace
To walk in the light of Jesu's Face.
God the Son, give us a part,
In the hiding place of Jesu's Heart.
God the Spirit, so hold us up,
That we may drink of Jesu's Cup."

They were five in number. Their names were Berard, Peter, Otho,
Adjutorius, and Accurtius. When they first started out for Morocco, a
sixth, Vital, was with them, but at an early stage of the journey he
fell sick, and rather than the mission should be delayed on his
account he insisted on their leaving him behind. He never recovered,
but died about the same time as his brothers were martyred.

About these martyrs historians are divided in their minds. Some say
that they were foolish and extreme and courted persecution, others
declare that they were animated by the Holy Ghost, and others that it
was a part of God's great plan for the encouraging of the Franciscan
movement. Certain it is, that in their case, the blood thus spilled
was fruitful, and brought to life rich fruit, and we have no doubt
that to-day they are among that mighty throng who are clothed in white
raiment, and bear palms in their hands, who on earth "counted not
their life dear to them." The memory of such souls is always fragrant,
and supreme love, even though it may appear ill-regulated, is better
than a tepid affection which is unworthy the name.

The five travelled by way of Portugal, where they were well received.
At Seville they stopped in the house of a Christian merchant for eight
days, which time they spent in prayer. At the end of the eight days
they informed the gentleman why they had come, and further said that
they were about to commence a little preaching in Seville. Seville was
at this period in the hands of the Moors. The poor merchant was
utterly horrified at their proposals, he threw every obstacle in their
way, telling them that they would do no good, and only make it hard
for the Christian merchants who were allowed to trade there! Needless
to say, such worldly reasoning had no effect upon the disciples of
Francis.

[Sidenote: _Preaching in at Mosque._]

Their first attempt was, of all places, in a mosque! While the Moors
were engaged in devotion one day, they were electrified to hear a loud
voice proclaim to them