Panegyric

My brothers and most dear children! God has bestowed on us a signal favor in granting us this holy rule; for it is the book of life, the hope of salvation, the pledge of glory, the marrow of the Gospel, the way of the crross, the state of perfection, the key of paradise, and the bond of eternal allegiance. No one among you is ignorant of the advantages of holy religion. As the enemy and adversary of our souls is so exceedingly clever in inventing and executing his malicious designs and in laying all sorts of snares to injure us, there are many whom he would lead into great danger, unless they were defended by the shield of religion. Study well, then, your holy rule, as well to sweeten your trials, as to remind you of the now you have made to keep it. Entertain yourselves often with it in the interior of your hearts, and, in order to accomplish it, carry it always with you, and, above all, hold it in your hands at the hour of death.

St. Francis
Rule of 1221
Panegyric which the holy father Saint Francis made on the Second Rule of the Friars Minor