Chapter LXXIV. How he Taught the Friars to Know when he was the Servant of God and when not

Blessed Francis once called together many friars, and said to them, "I have asked the Lord, that He would deign to show me when I am His servant. But the most gracious Lord in His condescension answered me, * I know that thou art truly My servant when thou thinkest, speakest, and doest holy things.1 Therefore have I called you, brethren, and have shown this to you, that I may be put to shame before you, when you shall see me wanting in any of the aforesaid things/'