Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/105

amiss in its character. That most of the accusations brought against it, especially those of the worst kind, were engendered by the malicious jealousy of their opponents, appears to be the only rational solution of the difficulty. We are therefore justified in considering that the Order of St. To]m was still maintaining its high reputation. Whilst we must admit that there had been, in the course of time, much deviation from the simple devotion of its founder, it still remained a pattern for the age, and an admirable school in which the youthful devotees amongst the chivalry of Europe were enabled to find a free vent for their religious enthusiasm without having to forego their martial ardour, at the same time beholding amongst their leading dignitaries a most praiseworthy example for pious emulation.