No Honeyed Words Of Flattery Or Blandishment

Photo of Sanctuario Rivotorto, an abandoned hut, where Francis and his brothers were living at the time this account took place.

Saint Francis wandered through cities, villages, and hamlets, and began to preach with increasing perfection, not using words of human wisdom, but through the doctrine and virtue of the Holy Spirit most confidently proclaiming the kingdom of God. He was a genuine preacher confirmed by apostolic authority; therefore he spoke no honeyed words of flattery or blandishment; what he preached to others he had already put into practice himself and his teaching of the truth was full of assurance.

Saint Francis of Assisi
Legend of the Three Companions
CHAPTER XIII

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