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CHAP, i.] ST. JOHN OH JERUSALEM. 87

was inscribed, “Anno 1245, Kalend. Martii, obiitAlfonsus, Magister Hospitalis Hierusalem.” 1

Any considerable diversity of opinion in theirchapters, or among themselves or with those ofthe Temple or others, is not so much to be con-sidered a passing burst or exception, as indeed aradical consequence of the republican spiritkneaded up with the first principles of the Hos-pitallers from the very beginning; which howeverexcellent, still share in the nature of all humanthings, and have some defects amalgamated withtheir excellencies. If, as a commonwealth, eachindividual took an intense and personal interest inevery proposal, that exclusiveness easily during in-tervals of armistice degenerated into disputes in theirown body and a facility to offend their neighbours.It was only in war and the execution of their de-cisions, that much of the dictatorial power entered.There are few or, I believe, no instances of dis-obedience, or even the smallest hesitation to obeyon the field of battle in the fine times of the order;but very many of the fullest exertion of the powerof a most rigid dictator by whoever happened to betheir grand master, from whom all authority wasthen derived.

1 Set). Faoli : Serie, i. 340.

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