Writing in 1536, at the start of the English Reformation, the former Carmelite friar John Bale spoke admiringly of the early members of that religious order: 'The sons of Elijah were poor hermits of small repute among men, humble, retiring...They were endowed with the Holy Spirit of fervent devotion, occupied in contemplation of God... from among them came many who were wise and learned men'. Bale went on to accuse his contemporary Carmelites of declining zeal: 'They came to the notice of princes, put on airs and graces...rewarded with honors and titles, enriched with gifts... ambitious, proud and acquisitive'.