an to gather round him. The following fragment of a
letter written by one of the Crusaders to a friend, shows us how they
regarded his work.

"Master Regnier, Prior of St. Michael's, has entered the Order of
Friars Minor. This Order is making rapid progress in the world,
because it exactly reproduces the form of the Primitive Church, and
closely imitates the life of the Apostles. The Superior of these
brethren is Brother Francis, a man of such goodness that we all hold
him in veneration. After he came among us, so great was his zeal that
he did not fear to go into the Army of our enemies, and preach, during
several days, the Word of God to the Saracens. He had not much
success, but on his departure, the Sultan King of Egypt asked him
secretly to pray for him that he might be guided by an inspiration
from above, and attach himself to the religion most approved by God.
Colin, the Englishman, one clerk, and two other of our companions, to
wit, Michel and Master Mathieu, to whom I have entrusted the care of
my Church, have also entered the Order of Minors, and I can hardly
keep back the Cantor and several others! As to myself, with my body
weakened, and my heart oppressed by all these separations, I aspire to
end my life in peace and quiet."

Thus when Francis failed, God caused even that failure to be productive
of good. The whole question of failure is a very subtle one, and it is a
matter of grave doubt as to whether God's errands ever do really
fail--what we call failure according to our preconceived ideas, may
simply be God's way of working. True, the Sultan was not converted
(though there is a legend to the effect that when he was on his
death-bed he sent for a Franciscan friar, and professed conversion), but
to-day, at time of writing, the Franciscans are spread out all over the
Holy Land. They have schools and churches and orphanages in every part
of the country.

Seventeen years later, John of Brienne, the Commander of the Crusade,
after fighting many battles, and rising to great earthly glory, became
converted and entered a branch of the Franciscan brotherhood then
established in the Holy Land. This was no doubt due to the influence
of Francis, who by the power of God alone, subdued the enemies of
Christ.

[Sidenote: _A Trial._]

Upon returning to Italy, a sad trial awaited Francis. He had
determined to visit Bologna on his way back. The long sea-voyage and
hot climate of Egypt had weakened him very much, s