Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/182

156 1355, before the chapter had had time to assemble at Avignon. He was in his turn succeeded by Roger de Pins, also a knight of Provence, whose rule lasted during a period of ten years. The only event of importance which occurred to mark this interval was an attempt made on the part of the Order to impeach Heredia before a grand council for having detained and misappropriated revenues intended for the general treasury. They soon perceived that he had established himself too firmly in the good graces of the pontiff to permit them to effect his overthrow, and the only result of the appeal was to confirm him in all his dignities, without affording any redress for the spoliations of which he had been undoubtedly guilty. At the same council it was decreed that in future no serving brother should be raised into the class of knights of justice. General receivers were also appointed, to whom all responsions should be paid, and by whom they should be remitted direct to Rhodes. This step was taken to guard against any further misappropriation of revenue, such as that recently effected by Heredia.

Roger de Pins died in the year 1365, and was succeeded by Raymond Beranger, who, like his two immediate predecessors, was also a knight of Provence. A period of 250 years had now elapsed since first the Order was established as a military body by Raymond du Pay. Since that time many changes had taken place, and the institution had developed into a very complex organization. It will be well, therefore, at this point, to make a pause in the historical narrative, and to furnish some details of the power into which the fraternity had expanded, and of the mode in which their affairs were conducted.