e was very zealous, both by word and example, in promoting
the instruction of the ignorant by explanations of the catechism, on
Sundays and holidays; and his example had a great influence over the
parish-priests in this particular, as also over the laity, both young
and old. He inculcated to all the making, every hour when the clock
struck, the sign of the cross, with a fervent aspiration on the passion
of Christ. He severely forbade the custom of Valentines or giving boys,
in writing, the names of girls to be admired and attended on by them;
and, to abolish it, he changed it into giving billets with the names of
certain saints for them to honor and imitate in a particular manner. He
performed the visitation of his diocese as soon as possible, published a
new ritual, set on foot ecclesiastical conferences, and regulated all
things; choosing St. Charles Borromeo for his model.

Above all things he hated lawsuits, and strictly commanded all
ecclesiastics to avoid them, and refer all disputes to arbitration. He
said they were such occasions of sins against charity, that, if any one
during the course of a lawsuit had escaped them, that alone would
suffice for his canonization. Towards the close of the visitation of his
diocese, he reformed several monasteries. That of Six appealed to the
parliament of Chamberry: but our saint was supported there, and carried
his point. While Francis was at Six, he heard that a valley, three
leagues off, was in the utmost desolation, by the tops of two mountains
that had fallen, and buried several villages, with the inhabitants and
cattle. He crawled over impassable ways to comfort and relieve these
poor people, who had neither clothes to cover, nor cottages to shelter
them, nor bread to stay their hunger; he mingled his tears with theirs,
relieved them, and obtained from the duke a remission of their taxes.
The city of Dijon having procured leave from the duke of Savoy, the
saint preached the Lent there in 1604, with wonderful fruit; but refused
the present offered him by the city on that occasion. Being solicited by
Henry IV. to accept of a considerable abbey, the saint refused it;
alleging, that he dreaded riches as much as others could desire them;
and that, the less he had of them the less he would have to answer for.
That king {297} offered to name him to the dignity of cardinal at the
next promotion; but the saint made answer, that though he did not
despise the offered dignity, he was