CHAP. IV.] ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM. 265

defending all Christendom, of what lowest or mostexalted rank soever; therefore it is that I excuse jmufrom paying tithes, and forbid any bishop to publishinterdict on any church in your property, thoughthe whole country round be perhaps interdicted;that no bishop can interfere with you, but anypriest be in safety within your territories, if youtake him under your protection; and the same tooof laymen—that they cannot be touched by anyecclesiastical tribunal, while protected by you—and that you owe spiritual obedience to no onebut the Holy See and your own chapters. Andif the ordinary bishop refuse to ordain any one apriest whom you propose, I, the Pope, authorizeyou to apply for that purpose to any other bishopyou choose; and we precisely prohibit the receivingany member of your order into another, underpretence of leading a life of greater sanctity. Andlet the Hospitallers for ever elect their grandmasters in perfect and entire liberty. We confirmall that has been done, and all that shall ever bedone in their favour; nor are any allowed to takethem by surprise, or attempt to force them to any-thing under any pretext whatever.” Ho doubtthis soothing language, from such a high personageas the Pope was then, was extremely grateful to