CHAP. IV.]

ST. JOHN OH JERUSALEM.

137

1627

1628

met by a similar negative from him and his council, 1which bold refusal, who but will approve of?

The rather considering those difficult times.

Nor less Urban VIII. persisted, and discharged thethunderbolt of his spiritual authority, 2 and perhapsthey must have submitted, at least in appearance.But they can bide their time, and war and circum-stances allow them to retain much of the spirit oftheir ancient liberties, and the substance ofpopular self-government,' in spite of exteriorand transitory shackles; so they remain true tothemselves. That undying resolution, and thetempest quickly subsides. What has braved sixcenturies, will not expire now. True, peace andluxury are secret worms that feed on our veryvitals, and are far worse than war with Turks orTartars, or any desolating troubles of murder and

famine. But, for a long time yet, the

° J 1629

knights are to run no risk from too much

quiet—if ever. The grand master convened, on

the 18th of January, 1629, a chapter general; but

soon saw how it was, and that although they,

perhaps, might abstain from violence, they would

by no means assent, as desired; so, in his letter to

the Pope, on that subject, respectful as are his

1 Cod. Dipl. Geros., ii, Num. ccxcii.

2 Id., Id., Id. ccxciii.