Chapter CVI. How he Foresaw the Hidden Temptations and Tribulations of a Certain Friar

A CERTAIN friar, right spiritual and familiar with the blessed man, had suffered for many days most grievous suggestions of the devil, so that he was like to fall into the depths of despair, and every day he was so tormented that he was ashamed to confess so often, and afflicted himself greatly for this reason by fasting, vigil, tears, and disciplines. And it happened, by the divine dispensation, that blessed Francis went to that place. And while on a certain day that friar was walking with the blessed man, blessed Francis knew through the Holy Spirit his tribulation and temptation, and drawing himself a little apart from the friar who was walking with him, he turned to that afflicted brother and said to him, "Dearest brother, I will that henceforth thou shalt not feel thyself bound to confess these diabolical suggestions. And fear not, for nothing shall hurt thy soul. But, with my leave, you shall say seven Paternosters as often as you are troubled by them." And that brother rejoiced greatly at the words which he had said to him (namely, that he should not be bound to confess these temptations), for he had been greatly afflicted by this. Nevertheless he was greatly stupefied, seeing that blessed Francis knew that which was known only by the priest to whom it had been confessed. And immediately he was set free from that tribulation by the grace of God and the merits of St. Francis; and from that time forward remained in great peace and quiet. (And it was because the saint had hoped this, that he had securely absolved him from confession.)