imperfect as well
as the perfect, if he thought that by so doing he would be the better
able to extend the Kingdom. In the present instance, getting no light
from the brethren, he sent a message to Brother Sylvester, who was now
a very old man, and lived by himself on a mountain, and another to
Clara, asking them to pray that God would reveal to them his will. The
old priest, and the young girl and her companions, gave themselves up
to prayer, and God who declares that He will be inquired of, revealed
to them His will.

When the messages came, as they did together, Francis was on his knees
praying. Both messengers carried the same message. It was God's will,
they said, that he should leave his solitude, and preach the Gospel.

Immediately, without losing a moment, Francis got up, put on his
mantle, and set of. All his doubt had vanished at once.

"Let us go, my brethren," he said. "Let us go in the name of the
Lord!"

It seemed as if he were possessed by a new spirit. Never had he been
so fervent. Never had his ardor been so intense. To all that he did
God set His seal in a truly marvellous manner! The inhabitants of the
various villages flocked to hear him, and they almost stood upon one
another to find places in the churches and cathedrals. In those days
the cathedrals and great churches were not seated. The people stood
all the time. The men to the front, and the women very often far
behind. When there was a large crowd, the crush was fearful.

In Ascoli some thirty men from the Church joined the Minors, and were
given the habit. After this event, Francis could not show himself in
the street without being surrounded by a crowd. When once he came into
a town the population had no thought for anyone but him. The churches
were filled as soon as ever it was known he was going to speak. Even
in the streets they eagerly gathered up his words. Thus it was
everywhere he went through Central Italy. His name was in everyone's
mouth.

[Sidenote: _A Great Tree._]

It was some time now since the building at the Portiuncula had become
far too small to accommodate all who wished to join the Friars. There
had been nothing for it but to overflow into the neighbouring
provinces. It is a matter of some regret that but little of the
history of this extension has been preserved. We shall see how
Bernardo of Quintavelle, and Guido of Cortona, established branches of
the Order, and no doubt the story of other new ventures would ha