Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/484

Rh from the endowment and other sources. The new statutes did not limit the number of the members; but required the proof of four generations of noble descent. At their nomination, the members paid to the Provost of the church, or cathedral, who handed them over the insignia, eleven florins, Rhenish; the wives of the members could also be admitted to the Order on the payment of one florin entrance fee, while single women were subject to the full amount.

At the death of a member, all other members were bound to attend in person, or by proxies the funeral mass at the St. Maria Church, or pay in default a fine of eight ounces of silver to the church.

If a member were, in his travels, attacked or taken prisoner, the Order was obliged to demand satisfaction of his assailants, or effect his release. A member falling into needy circumstances, was, by promise of the Elector, to be received at court, or at one of his castles, as an inmate for life.

The son, or next heir of a deceased member, might claim the right of taking his place in the Order on payment of eight ounces of silver and one florin.

The Canons were bound to attend, daily, divine service, and pray for the welfare of the members, while the officiating priest prayed for the union of Christendom, for the Elector, for the living and dead members of the Order 'and their families. Upon the members was, on the other hand, the duty imposed to protect the rights, liberties, revenues and reputation of the Canons.

A tribunal of arbitration was also instituted by way of election, for the maintenance of the statutes and the settlement of disputes among the members. The Elector had the casting vote in the decisions.

Pope Nicolaus V. confirmed these statutes. The Order counted, at that period, forty-nine members in Brandenburg,