circumstances required. The grand master was not absolute, but was
obliged to seek the advice of the chapter before taking any important
step, and if he were necessarily absent, he appointed a lieutenant to
act for him, who also governed the order after the death of the grand
master till his successor was elected.

After the death of Saladin disputes arose among his sons, and the
opportunity was seized of commencing a new crusade, the history of
which is well known, and in which the Teutonic Knights took an active
part. At this time (1197) Henry VI, Emperor of Germany, gave the
knights the monastery of the Cistercians, at Palermo, in Sicily, and
several privileges and exemptions--a transaction that caused
considerable disagreement between the Pope and the Emperor. The
knights were, however, finally confirmed in possession of the
monastery, and it became the preceptory or chief house of the order in
Sicily, where other property was gradually bestowed upon the knights.

Henry de Walpot, the first grand master, died at Acre, in 1200, and
was succeeded by Otho de Kerpen, who was an octogenarian at the time
of his election, but full of vigor and energy, which he displayed by
devoted attention to the duties of his office, and personal attendance
upon the sick in the hospitals. During the mastership of Otho de
Kerpen, an order of knighthood arose in the north of Europe, which was
afterward incorporated with the Teutonic order. Livonia, a country
situated on the borders of the Baltic, was at this time still pagan.
The merchants of Bremen and Lubeck, who had trading relations with the
inhabitants, desired to impart to them the truths and blessings of
Christianity, and took a monk of the name of Menard to teach them the
elements of the faith. The work succeeded, and Menard was consecrated
bishop, and fixed his see at Uxhul, which was afterward transferred to
Riga.

The mission, however, as it advanced, aroused the jealousy and
suspicion of the pagan nobles, and they attacked and destroyed the new
town, with its cathedral and other buildings. The Bishop appealed to
his countrymen for help. Many responded to his call, and, as there was
at that time no crusade in progress in Palestine, the Pope (1199) was
persuaded to accord to those who took up arms for the defence of the
Christians in Livonia the same privileges as were given to those who
actually went to the Holy Land.

In consequence of these events a military religious ord