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THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OE [book iy.

time the Protestant knights were treated asbrethren, and allowed to take the title of Knights ofSt. John of Jerusalem. 1 “The Order of Malta,though it regrets the difference in religion, doesnot refuse then Protestant fellow knights a placeamong its members in fighting against the enemiesof Christ. Although this may seem contrary togeneral opinion, it coincides completely with that ofPius VI., when he approved the association of theRussian knights of the Greek Chinch with theOrder of Malta; as it does also with the instructionsgiven to the deputies to Augsbourg, as in a formerchapter; and with the magisterial bull, 9th ofMay, 1764.” 2

The next grand master was Ximenes, in 1773;under whom took place what is called the “ sedition ofthe priests,” regarding which a member of thecouncil thus: £< The great Baracca” (meaninga battery of that name, and now a delightful resortof children and loungers, its wide arches and seats,like immense boxes in some immense theatre, beingfar superior to what the Roman Colosseum everwas) ££ has, it appears, become the meeting place ofsacerdotal conspirators; yet not of any worthy mem-bers of their holy profession, for such remain at home

1 Boisgelin : i. 254. Note.—Appendix, Num. ccxxxiii.

2 Id.: i. 261.

1773