Chapter X. Of his preaching of the Gospel and proclamation of peace; and of the conversion of the first six brethren

23. Then with great fervour of spirit and joy of mind he began to preach repentance to all with simple words but largeness of heart edifying his hearers. For his word was like a blazing fire piercing through the inmost heart, and it filled the minds of all with wonder. He seemed quite another man than he had been, and, gazing on heaven he disdained to look on earth. And this was surely a wonder; for he first began to preach in the place where when still a child he had learnt to read, and where moreover he was buried with honour the first time; 1 in order that the happy beginning might be commended by a still happier consummation. Where he learnt there also he taught, and where he began there he made a happy end. Whensoever he preached, before setting forth God's word to the congregation he besought peace, saying, "The Lord give you peace". Peace did he ever most devoutly¹ proclaim to men and women, to those he met and those he overtook. Wherefore many who had been haters alike of peace and of salvation, embraced peace with their whole heart, the Lord working with them, and themselves became children of peace and zealots of eternal salvation. 24. Among these, a man of Assisi of pious and simple spirit was the first devoted follower of the man of God. After him brother Bernard,² accepting the embassage of peace, ran eagerly after the Saint of God to purchase the Kingdom of Heaven. For he had often given hospitality to the blessed father; and, having seen and known his life and behaviour, and been refreshed by the fragrance of his sanctity, he conceived fear and brought forth the spirit of salvation. He used to see him praying all night, most rarely sleeping, praising God and the glorious Virgin, His Mother. He wondered, and said, "Truly this man is from God". He hastened therefore to sell all he had, and gave not to his kindred, but to the poor: and, making good his title to the way of perfection, he fulfilled the counsel of the Holy Gospel, which says, "If thou will be perfect, go and sell all that thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, follow Me". Which done, he became S. Francis' associate in life and habit, and was always with him, until, after the brethren were multiplied, he was sent, by the tender father's order, to other regions: for his conversion to God was the pattern for other converts in respect of the selling of their possessions and giving to the poor.

25. Now S. Francis rejoiced with exceeding great joy over the coming and conversion of such a man, for that the Lord seemed to be caring for him by giving him a needful companion and faithful friend. And straightway another man of Assisi followed him — one right praiseworthy in conversation, who after a little while completed yet more holily that which he had holily begun. And after no long time he was followed by brother Giles, a simple, upright and God-fearing man who by his long continuance in holiness and his righteous and pious life has left us examples of perfect obedience, of manual toil also, of solitary life, and of holy contemplation. The number of seven was completed by the addition to these of one more, brother Philip, whose lips the Lord touched with the pebble of purity1 that he might speak sweet things of Him and utter things mellifluous: yea, understanding and interpreting the Holy Scriptures, though he had never learned, he became an imitator of those whom the chiefs of the Jews alleged to be ignorant and unlettered.