COLLOQUY IV.
That the Praise of all that is Good is to be Referred to God
The holy Father once preached to the people at Terni in presence of the Bishop, who, surprised at the eloquence and learning of the humble preacher, when he had come down from the pulpit, rose, and said to his flock : ‘ Give great praise to God, Who by the mouth of this insignificant poor man. has taught you so much good, has revealed to you His mysteries, and has placed before you the reward of virtue and the punishment of vice. Therefore avoid sin, doing what God has taught you to-day through this poor man.’ On this the blessed Francis threw himself at the Bishop’s feet, exclaiming : ‘ I tell you truly, my Lord Bishop, no one has ever shown me so much honour as you have done to-day. Others call me holy and blessed for my works, giving the praise and glory to me, and not to God ; but you in your wisdom have truly honoured me, giving to the Lord the praise and honour which are His, separating the precious from the vile, and attributing to God wisdom and power, and to me foolishness and weakness.’