obedience not to add to these words or to take from them. And let them always have this writing with them beside the Rule. And in all the Chapters they hold, when they read the Rule let them read these words also. And I strictly enjoin on all my brothers, clerics and laics, by obedience, not to put glosses on the Rule or on these words saying: Thus they ought to be understood; but as the Lord has given me to speak and to write the Rule and these words simply and purely, so shall you understand them simply and purely[1] and with holy operation observe them until the end.
And whoever shall observe these things[2] may he be filled in heaven with the blessing of the Most High Father and may he be filled on earth with blessing of His Beloved Son together with the Holy Ghost, the Paraclete, and all the Powers of heaven and all the saints. And I, Brother Francis, your little one and servant, in so far as I am able, I confirm to you within and without, this most holy blessing.[3] Amen.[4]
- ↑ Cod. As. and Mon. for "purely" read "without gloss;" Firm. and Wadd. add "without gloss."
- ↑ Cod. An. and O. read "this" for, "these things."
- ↑ Cod. O. adds "to him who caused these words to be written, be all honor, all praise and glory forever and ever."
- ↑ See 1 Cel. 38, for the blessing given by St. Francis on his deathbed to Elias and the Order.
