The Little Flowers and the Life of St. Francis, with the...

and edification of the Poor Ladies, knowing that they were sore trou- bled by reason of his infirmity. And because he was not able to visit them in person, he sent the words unto them by the companions. For he was fain in those words to lay open his will unto them, to wit, how they ought to live and converse humbly and be of one mind in charity. For he perceived that their conversion and holy conversation did not only tend to the exaltation of the brethrens’ Religion, but to the exceeding great edification of the Church Universal.

But knowing that from the beginning of their conversion they had led a life passing strait and poverty-stricken, he was moved with pity and compassion toward them. Whence in those same words he besought them, that even as the Lord from many parts had assembled them together in one to holy charity, holy poverty, and holy obedience, so ought they ever to live and to die therein. And specially did he admonish them that out of such alms as the Lord might give them they should discreetly make provision for their bodies with cheerfulness and thanksgiving, and most of all, how they that were healthy in their toils that they did undergo on behalf of their sick sisters, and they themselves that were sick, should also be patient in their infirmities.