CHAP. III.]

ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM.

175

According to the best habits of each, and edu-cation and manners, and place in society, andcharitable feeling on the whole; such is the cheerto be expected in the order’s houses, and no vainattempt at what is impossible—equality. Theircorps must therefore include many nations andlanguages, and different degrees of gentle birth;with a rule binding the members in the sight ofGod and man—honour and religion, obedience thepromptest, and superhuman valour. No minorconsiderations, but the universally received rites ofChristianity; not theologians, but soldiers; quali-fied, so they take the rule’s oath, though rule andoath may be modified with time. Gothic freedomgeneralized far beyond the most exalted sentimentsof patriotism. Feelings of home suffocated, norwife nor child must weaken or distract those whoare to be always exposed to such frightful dangers,and bound to escort feeble wanderers through somany hostile countries, beset with infidels, robbers,and murderers. Brave man is he, who endured formoments what must be habitual with them; per-manent to death. Their hearts must so frequentlybe harder than iron. “ 1 know,” said Gerard tohis aspirants, “ that there are many valiant peoplenow, who act as honour and their creed prescribe.Yet nothing will satisfy me, or come up to the