A St. Francis Quote

"Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words."

The argument is that St. Francis never said this. Maybe he didn't say it precisely this way, but the sentiment is surely Franciscan.

Here's what St. Francis or the Franciscan Order has said in this regard:

“It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” 

“...As for me, I desire this privilege from the Lord, that never may I have any privilege from man, except to do reverence to all, and to convert the world by obedience to the Holy Rule rather by example than by word.” 

...love one another, as the Lord says: "This is My commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you." And let them show their love by the works they do for each other, according as the Apostle says: "let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."  

No brother should preach contrary to the form and regulations of the holy Church nor unless he has been permitted by his minister … All the Friars … should preach by their deeds.  ~Francis of Assisi, Rule of 1221, Rule 11

..."Yes, the true servant unceasingly rebukes the wicked, but he does it most of all by his conduct, but the truth that shines in his words, by the light of his example, by all the radiance of his life." (1989) The Road to Assisi, Sabatier, edited by Sweeney, pg 143.