THE HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY;

 FROM THE BUILDING OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, AND ITS PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE CIVILIZED WORLD, DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME.

 

THE ONLY HISTORY OF ANCIENT CRAFT MASONRY EVER PUBLISHED, EXCEPT A SKETCH OF FORTY-EIGHT PAGES BY DOCTOR ANDERSON IN 1723.  TO WHICH IS ADDED THE HISTORY OF THE CRAFT IN THE UNITED STATES AND A WELL AUTHENTICATED ACCOUNT OF THE INITIATION AND PASSING OF THE HON. MRS. ALDWORTH, THE DISTINGUISHED AND ONLY LADY FREEMASON.

 

BY

 

J. W. S. MITCHELL, M. D.,

P. GRAND MASTER, P. G. HIGH PRIEST, AND P. E. COMMANDER OF MISSOURI.

 

VOLUME 2.

 

PHILADELPHIA, PA.:

AMERICAN PUBLISHING HOUSE.

 

1858

 

CHAPTER  I

ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

 

WE think it, will be seen, when we come to detail the history of Modern Masonry, so called, that the Encampment degrees, called Orders of Knighthood, were invented and introduced into France about the middle of the last century ; but as the generally received opinion is, that they are but a continuation, with slight modifications, of the Christian and military Orders of the eleventh century, it becomes our duty, in deference to said opinions, to present, at least, a historical sketch of the Hospitalers and Templars of the Crusades.

 

But, even at the threshold, we feel that our situation is an embarrassing one. The reader can not fail to perceive how difficult is the task to make our sketch both truthful and interesting, if, at every step, we are forced to feel cramped for want of room. To collate the history of the Orders of Knighthood, in a manner congenial to our feelings,,and to the full satisfaction of the student of history, we should require as much space as a large volume would afford; while such is our arrangement, and such the wish, we think, of a large majority of our readers, that we can only claim to occupy a few pages upon this important branch of our history. Believing that a liberal public will be prepared to make due allowance for the circumstances under which we write, we will proceed, as best we may, to the accomplishment of our task.

 

 As the acts of the celebrated false prophet Mohammed Iaid the foundation for the original military Orders of Knighthood, it will serve the better to illustrate our subject, to briefly notice the life and character of this remarkable man.

 

 Readers, not given to thinking closely,.are predisposed to re. gard Mohammed as having been the very worst man of his day. or that he acted under the influence of a peculiar species of  IQ

 

MODERN FREEMASONRY.

 

 derangement. But when we remember that it is the nature of men to seek for power, and, when attained, equally their nature to abuse it ; when we reflect that the rise and fall of nations. in all past ages, tend to show that there are times when the "strong men shall bow themselves," and the weaker shall rise up and take their places; when great nations are destined to be humbled, and obscure tribes, in their turn, wield the scepter of power‑we say that when these things are known to follow in the train of human frailty, we shall not be so much surprised at the wonderful power acquired by Mohammed and his followers.

 

The close of the sixth century beheld the setting star of Rome's long continued and proud glory. True, she was not yet humbled, for Heraclius, who was Emperor in the early part of the seventh century, made some well‑timed demonstrations, which seemed, for a while, to plume anew the Roman eagle. By his splendid achievements, he caused his banner to be unfurled beyond the Tigris, and had the proud satisfaction of seeing it wave over most of the plains of Assyria, and he was so elated with success, that lie was about laying plans for sending the Roman eagle still further, when a new and unlooked for enemy appeared.

 

At the critical period when Rome and Persia were engaged in mortal strife, Mohammed made his appearance. He was born about the end of the sixth century, at Mecca, in Stony Arabia, and so remarkable did his career prove, that it would seem lie was sent into the world to scourge and humble the proud nations of the earth.

 

His biographers claim that he dewended from Kedar, the son of Ishmael, and, hence, his followers hold that he was of the progeny of Abraham. His parents were idolaters, as also were the tribe to which he belonged. He was left an orphan at an early age, and was raised and educated under the direction of Aboo Taleeb, his uncle; afterward he entered the service of Khaidjah, a rich widow, who made him her factor, and soon after gave him her hand and fortune. Mohammed was naturally subtle and ambitious, and this sudden acquisition of wealth served to nerve his arm for bold and daring achievements, and, doubtless, laid the foundation for that blood and carnage which at one time threatened to deluge the whole of Christendom.

 

At the time he made his appearance, the religion of Arabia was divided into a variety t1 crc,eua. These were Idolators, Jews, Christians and Schismatics. Mohammod saw, as by intuition, that a new religion could be sucäessfully introduced. Suddenly he pretended to become a strict item, and retired Into a cave near Mecca, where; under the cloak of religious fervor, he devised and matured his schemes. This being done, he affected to make a confidante of his wife, telling her that the Angel Gabriel bad made to him special revelations from heaven. He often affected to be in a trance, and,, on such occasions, professed to be filled with heavenly extaties, caused by his direct communication with God's messenger. He charged his wife not to breath8 to any human being a word, in relation to this wonderful occurreIIce, wisely foreseeing that this was the most certain way of producing an effect upon the ignorant multitude, whom he felt convinced would soon have, as a great secret, an exaggerated account of his communion with heaven.

 

And in this he was not mistaken, for his wife, believing the truth of all lie said, in the joy of her heart, could not withhold the wonderful tidings from a few particular friends, under the pledge of secrecy ; these communicated the news to a few of their friends, and very soon it was currently reported that Mohanitned was a prophet. As soon as he became surrounded by a few friends, upon whom he could safely rely, he proclaimed his divine mission, clothed himself in the richest oriental dress, covered over with emblems and hieroglyphics. To prevent the oppoò sition of any and all creeds, he bad so prepared his doctrines, that all were enabled to recognize the shadowing forth of their own peculiar faith.

 

After the death of Aboo Taleeb, the authorities of Mecca, having become alarmed at the growing popularity of this impostor, proscribed him as a blasphemer, and he was compelled to fly for safety to the city of Yatrib.

 

This flight is termed in the Koran the Hejira.

 

The first year of the Moslem era is A. D. 822.

 

After the proscription at,Mecca, Mohammed informed his dis^iples that his, mini.steriug angel had brought him a scimiter from heaven, to be used in subduing all his opponents and eu m*w The_ Arabian tribes were addicted to depredatory war1a svd, with great enthusiasm, flocked to his standard, willing 3" MODERN FREEMASONRY.

 

hltnrlly led whithersover he chose; and soon this unprinciy E,d impostor became a powerful military chief, a merciless conqueror, and the scourge of the East. Nor did blood and carnage cease with the death of him who instituted the sword as the strong arm of his religion.

 

His followers continued to wage war in all directions, not waiting for provocation, but with the avowed purpose of compelling all to embrace the Mohammedan faith. They invaded Palestine and Syria; took Antioch, Jerusalem, and Damascus ; dethroned the Persian Monarch, and subdued Egypt and the whole of Northern Africa. The islands oú Cyprus, Rhodes, Candia, Malta, and Sicily, were invaded and brought to bow before the mighty Juggernaut.

 

In the early part of the eighth century, they seemed upon the point of accomplishing their great aim‑the subjugation of the whole Christian world.

 

At this period, they carried their bloody banner beyond the Pillars of Hercules, and founded a new empire in Spain.

 

But, happily for the civilized world, the giant strides of these bloodthirsty Infidels were checked by internal feuds, caused by a struggle for power in their own ranks.

 

The supreme authority became a fruitful source of contention and party strife, and, as there were quite a number of Califs who claimed to be the legitimate successors cl' the Prophet, the Moslem world was employed in deciding these disputes, instead of unitedly subjugating foreign nations.

 

When we remember that the Cross of Christ had remained planted upon the walls of Jerusalem, for near three successive centuries, under the protection of the Christian Emperors of Byzantium, and that, from the reign of Constantine the Great, the Greek and Latin Christians had annually made Jerusalem their place of pilgrimage, to obtain the remission of their sins at the Saviour's tomb; it may be readily seen that the conquest of the Roly City, by the followers of Mohammed, created dismay and lamentation throughout all Christian lands.

 

The Mohammedans professed to reverence Christ as a prophet, but they did not hesitate to levy and enforce the collection of a neavy tax upon the Christian votaries who flocked to His sepulchre.

 

The struggle for power between the Califs renderea d pilgrimage to the Holy Land one of great personal dangn‑ 9m l ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

 

13 even those who escaped violence, were subject to encounter deprivations and hardships on the way. A suDersitious belief pervaded Christendom that the reign of anti‑Christ was at hand, and, during the tenth century, the whole `Vest continued to pour forth its thousands of Palmers to the Holy City. These pilgrims carried a staff and leathern scrip.

 

On their return home, they generally carried some of the dust of Palestine, as also the sacred palm‑bough (hence they were called Palmers), and hung it near the altar of their Parish church, as a sort of pious trophy. For a time, the Califs protected the pilgrims for the sake of gain, and, after their arrival in Jerusalem they were preserved from violence for the same reason. But after the lapse of years, even this comfort was denied them, and they were insulted and robbed by the Infidels.

 

But, the causes which led to their greatest hardships, arose from a disunion of the Latin and Greek Churches.

 

This dispute arose so high that the pilgrims found it almost impossible to obtain shelter beneath friendly roofs, even with those bearing the name of Christian.

 

About the middle of the eleventh century, some merchants of Italy undertook to provide an asylum for the Latin pilgrims. In their commercial intercourse with Egypt, they, by means of presents, secured the friendship of the Calif Moustrassenbillah, and obtained from him permission to build a Latin church within the walls of the Holy City. Accordingly a chapel was there erected near the Holy Sepulchre, which was dedicated to the Virgin, under the title of Mary ad Latinos.

 

To this were added two hospitals, or houses of reception, for Latin pilgrims who might be sick or destitute.

 

The hospital was dedicated to Saint John the Almoner.

 

History informs us that this Saint John had been Patriarch of Alexandria, who, for his deeds of benevolence, was surnamed the charitable. Hallam's Middle .dges, informs us that " when Jerusalem first fell into the hands of the Saracens, he sent money and provisions to the afflicted Christians, and supplied such as fled into Egypt.

 

Under the patronage of Saint John the Almoner, the Orders of Knighthood were first established, but when they became numerous, and assumed a military character, they removed this Saint, and thence dedicated their Orders to Saint John the Baptist.

 

Soon after the erection of the hospital, several pious pilgrims determined to return no more to their native homes, and thence devoted themselves to the service of the sick and afflicted wanderers, who continued to pour in from Western Europe. This hospital was kept up mainly by alms annually collected in Italy, by the benevolent founders. Within its walls the sick were kindly nursed and skillfully treated, and those who had been stripped of their little all, by the robbers with whom the road was infested, were clothed and fed, and all who died received Christian burial.

 

The Hospital of the Almoner furnished the germ, the founds; tion of the Orders of Knighthood, whose splendid achievements; for near two hundred years, caused them to be denominated " the sword and buckler of Christendom in the Paynim war." The Hospitalers continued to increase in numbers, and to extend their relief to all Latin pilgrims who required aid, until the fame of the Institution extended over the Christian world.

 

For more than sixteen years, this charitable Association was permitted, silently and efficiently, to bestow alms, and offer relief to suffering humanity; but then a new enemy appeared. The Turkomans, a nation of barbarians, who, by their invincible valor;,crossed the Caspian, trade conquest of all the country bordering on the Euphrates, and turning their attention westward, suddenly burst upon Palestine, and, by order of Malek Shalt, the most renowned warrior of the Si1jookian race, the Saracens were driven out of Jerusalem and the garrison massacred. In this barbarous attack the most inhuman butcheries were perpe.

 

trated.

 

The Hospital of St. John was despoiled, and avarice alone saved the Holy Sepulchre from the destroyer's hand. By augmenting the tribute to be paid by each pilgrim, the bar barians made this the means of a valuable revenue.

 

In many instances, the tribute demanded was beyond the ability of the poor Christian pilgrims, and it is recorded that some expired at the gates of the city; without being able to behold the Sacred pomb.

 

In view of the foregoing facts, it is easy to account for the wonderful excitement which soon after pervaded all Western Europe.

 

Those who were so fortunate as to be able to ittarh the hirdshipF4 and escape the dangers, incident to i sgb to the Holy Land, returned with an account of the dinner in which the Holy Sepulchre was desecrated, and the n sufferings entailed upon the pilgrims.

 

These "o'er true tales" were repeated, until the very mentiorti of Palestine *Ie Wflated to stir the blood of every Christian, and nerve %e eta of the Christian warrior.

 

For a time, the excitement ofd without even the suggestion of a remedy.

 

At this sh obscure Frenchman, Peter; surnamed the Hermit, who f 'experienced the inhuman treatment of the Turkothrew himself at the feet of Pope Urban II., and fit His Holiness to arouse the Princes of the West to a sense of the insult, and demand that a sufficient force be t to drive the enemies of the Crops from the Holy Land. The Spre lent it favorable ear to the pleadings of the Hermit, but during to lead in so great an undertaking, he encouraged the pious enthusiast to visit the Christian countries, with a view ‑9, stirring up the people; promising to embrace the first favor itble opportunity to give encouragement to the scheme.

 

Thus ‑eh

 

; Pemr, his body emaciated by fasting, traveled vi*eat ‑oevering for his head or feet, making speeches every Vi**

 

he singular humility of the man,* his holy life, his fine i

 

ve all, the well‑told story of the pilgrims' aritiudesdd all Europe, till there was scarce a man or WOMM who waa not carried away by the excitement.

 

In lese Gin a year the people of Christendom were in arms, and opposition would have been useless from their rulers, but, so far from being the etc; the enthusiasm seems to have especially per4d the higher Tanks. In this state of things, the Pope called A*6E Grand Councils, and had no difficulty in inflaming the `mood: To the common people it seemed that their rulers '

 

>tm slow is their movements, and thus an inconsiderato W d" ftrsbed to the standard of Peter the Hermit, to the ri

 

of

 

ty thousand, and besought him to lead them to the y Lind

 

The majority of those had sold everything they ò For a description of the personal appearance of Peter the Hermit, m Yuolw Si"y of da 2WkL t wwft possessed, and esteemed it an honor to employ the last shilling in the holy cause. Husbands deserted their wives‑wives rejoiced in the cause which led to the separation‑widowed mothers sent forth their sons, firmly convinced that it was the will of God Led on by the Hermit and his Lieutenant, Walter Senavier, this rabble army reached Constantinople. Every species of vice, to which such a multitude might be supposed to be subject, was perpetrated.

 

Thousands of women, mostly of the lower order, but including many of high respectability, followed in the train. Already had intemperance, prostitution, and almost every vice marked their progress, and rendered their approach a source of uneasiness and alarm to Alexis, the Greek Emperor. The atrocities perpetrated by this so called army, so disgusted the Hermit, that, after in vain trying to reform them, he left them immediately after they entered Asia.

 

Walter remained, still endeavoring to restore subordination, but all in vain. Seduced by a false rumor, that the rich spoils of the city of Nice were to be had without resistance, they rushed headlong, in disorder and confusion, upon the city, when, by the preconcerted plan of Soliman, the Turkish Sultan, they were surrounded by the Infidel army and slaughtered, almost to a man.

 

Thus ended the first expedition in the Paynim war.

 

The loss of this rabble army neither dismayed nor dampened the ardor of the grand army, which was soon to follow, under proper discipline, and commanded by Kings and Dukes.

 

When this great army rendezvoused at Constantinople, and went into winter quarters, it is said, " a more glorious army the sun never shone upon." t

 

The Knights and their attendants alone amounted to one hundred thousand fighting men; the pilgrims, bearing arms, to about six hundred thousand.$ The first warlike demonstration of this army was against the city of Nice, where the Hermit's army had perished.

 

Soliman was prepared for their reception by having thrown a numerous garrison of Turkomans into the city, which, being strongly fortified, he supposed himself able to cope with the Christians, and for six weeks resisted, but was then con.

 

ò Fuller.

 

MODERN FREEMASONRY.

 

t Gibbon.

 

i Ibid.

 

ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

 

17 polled to capitulate, or surrender, under a stipulation that the City should be left in possession of the Greeks.

 

The news of this victory gladdened the hearts of thousands at home, who had felt deeply grieved at the inhuman butchery of the Hermit's army. And now, more than ever, the clank of Christian steel, like a storm god, filled the air.. Western Europe was literally in arms for the Crusade. On the other side, all the warlike tribes of Asia, as one man, rose to repel the invaders,

 

The Sultans of Aleppo, Bagdad, Antioch, and Persia, levied mighty armies; but, with a knowledge of all this, the enthusiastic Christian leaders marched boldly on.

 

At Dorylteum, a bloody battle was fought, in which four thousand Christians and three thousand Paynim Captains were slain. The camp of Soliman was taken, and his army disbanded. This victory was followed by the conquest of most of Anatolia., and, thus victorious, the grand army descended into the Syrian plains, where they found Tarsus in possession of Tancred, one of the Christian leaders, who had approached by a different route.

 

At the beginning of winter, the army of the Crusaders approached and besieged Antioch, the once renowned capital of‑Assyria. It was surrounded by a double wall, and garrisonad by twenty thousand veteran troops, who, for seven months, resisted every effort of the Christian army, and fell, at last, through the treachery of one of the inhabitants (1098). During this protracted siege, the Christian army lost, by pestilence and famine, upward of one hundred thousand men, and many of the eurvivors were reduced to the necessity of feeding on carrion, and even human flesh.

 

Discord prevailed among the leaders, end crimes the most detestable disgraced the Christian banner. When the Crusaders left their native homes, Jerusalem was possession of the Turks; but the Calif of Egypt, who had soveral times been driven from possession of the Holy City, took advantage of the approach of the Crusaders, to send on army into Palestine,,which drove the Turkomans from every town, and soon planted his standard again in the Holy City, This news neither surprised nor dismayed the Crusaders.

 

To them it was of out little moment whether their enemies were !A MODERN FREEMASONRY.

 

the Turkomaris or the Fatimite dynasty, and, hence, when Mostati, the Egyptian Calif, proposed a treaty which pledged his' friendship, but provided for his continued possession of the Holy City, and the immediate return of the Christian army, the officers of the latter rejected the proposal with scorn, and sent the Calif word that they would open the gates of Jerusalem with the same keys which they had used at Nice, Tarsus, Antioch, and Edessa.

 

In May, 1099, the remnant of the Christian army took up their march, and such was the terror which their victories had produced, that they were enabled to pass unmolested through Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre, Cwsarea. Jaffa, and Ramla, and, finally, beheld the towers of the most famous city in the world. The ehout of exultant joy, which burst from the lips of those in front. was taken up and carried back upon the line, until the whole gave forth one continued roar of applause.

 

The more pious manifested their joy by casting themselves upon the ground, kissing the earth, and moistening it with their tears.

 

On the 7th of June, 1099, the army of the Crusaders encamped before the walls of Jerusalem. And here we might pause, and find lamentable cause for a sad commentary upon the fortunes of war. The Christian army, thus far, had lost too battle : victory had perched upon its banner, and triumph marked its onward march, yet what was its present appearance, compared with that which it presented in the plain of Bythynia ? Of the seven hundred thousand fighting men, scarce twenty‑two thousand, capable of bearing arms, encamped before the Holy City, the hope of seeing which had served to stimulate all who had left their homes and their friends.

 

The number who fell in battle was comparatively small, but disease, desertion, and those left to hold possession of the conquered' cities, had thus reduced the glorious army, and left to this small remnant the honor of contending for possession of the tomb of our Saviour. At this period, Jerusalem was not the impregnable city it had been,. when it so proudly resisted the attacks of the sovereigns of Babylon and Rome, nor was it defended by that band of brothers who fought in defense of the city of their fathere. From the :days of Adrian, the Jews had been scattered over ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

 

19 the face of the earth, without a home, without friends, yea, without a spot of earth upon which they could walk in broad day, shielded by the mantle of justice. No wonder, then, that this persecuted race. stood aloof, and, unconcerned, beheld the bloody conflicts for the possession of the home of their fathers. They were encouraged to take up arms for the Saracens, only by the prospect of imprisonment and starvation.

 

On the other hand, they had nothing to expect from the Christians but injustice and stripes.

 

The walls of the city included Golgotha,, Bezetha, Moria; and Acna.

 

Mount Sinai, once a populous portion of the city, had long been deserted, and was not now within the walls.

 

The city was defended by forty thousand regular troops, under command of Istakur, the most renowned General of the Calif. Twenty thousand of the Mohammedan inhabitants also took up arms.

 

All the Christians in the city were thrown into prison, including Peter Gerard, the Superintendent of the Hospital of St. John, whose well known piety and universal benevolence, had won for him the admiration of the Infidel inhabitants.

 

To annoy and cripple the efforts of the Crusaders, the v: ells and cisterns in the neighborhood had been filled up, and all the adjacent timber, capable of being used in the construction of warlike engines, was collected and burned.

 

The Counts of Normandy and Flanders occupied a position northward of the city; Godfrey and Tancred, on Mount Calvary; and Raymond, of Toulouse, to the South of Mount Sion. On the fifth day of the seige, the first attack was made by the Crusaders, and, so furious was the onset, that amid a storm of arrows and fire‑balls, they broke through the first barrier, and boldly attempted to surmount the walls of the escalade ; but the want of engines and ladders rendered their bravery and zeal of no avail, but subjected them to be driven back to their camp, with great slaughter: To the mortification of this defeat, was added extreme suffering for provisions and water. So extreme was their thirst, that many dug holes in the ground, and pressed the damp earth to their lips. Godfrey and Raymond then selected some Genoese mariners, from Jaffa, who built two large moveable towers out of timber brought from Lichem, thirty miles distant.

 

20 NODERN,FREEMASONRF.

 

On the night of the 15th of July, these towers were silently rolled to the fortification.

 

Drawbridges were made to extend from the tops of the towers to the battlement.

 

And now, when the sun rose upon the inhabitants of the city, they belield theso great towers standing at their walls, crowded with chosen warriors, impatient for orders, and an opportunity to grapple, in mortal strife, with their Moslem foe.

 

The besieged, with great fury, hurled fire‑brands against the towers, and, so dexterously was this done, that Raymond's tower took fire, and burned so rapidly that it.was deserted.

 

Godfrey had posted himself on the summit of the other, and for a time, unaided, his bowmen maintained the battle.

 

" But, at the hour," says the Monk Robert, '' when the Saviour of the world gave up the ghost, a warrior named Letalde, who fought in Godfrey's tower, leaped the first upon the ramparts.

 

He was followed by Guicher ; Godfrey was the third, and all the other Knights rushed on after their Chief."

 

Each, as he leaped upon the ramparts, threw away his, bow and arrows, and drew his sword, " at the eight of which, the enemy abandoned the walls, and ran down into the city, whither the soldiers of Christ pursued them, with loud shouts." The Moslems were pursued from street to street, from house to house, and were indiscriminately mowed down; for such Was the panic, that no regularly organized resistance was made.

 

At about three o'clock in the afternoon, the standard of the Cross was seen to wave in triumph on the walls.

 

Thus was the Holy City rescued from the hands of Infidels, after having been controlled by the enemies of Christianity, for more than four hun dred and sixty years.

 

Here, again, we find food for reflection.

 

One would suppose that the fol!owers of the meek and lowly Saviour would, after achieving a great victory, have the consistency to display the principles which He taught, by showing mercy to the vanquished; but, alas for human nature 1 it is too much the same., in both the civilized and savage breast.

 

The victory of the Crusaders was, indeed, a glorious triumph; for it was acquired under the banner of justice, and the result of that bold and daring ' Knolls.

 

ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

 

21 brag, which alone could have prevailed.

 

But how was its brilliancy tarnished, and the holy cause disgraced, by the forn city, yea, the brutality of the conquerors?

 

For three whole days, an indiscriminate massacre was kept up, accompanied by a licensed pillageeof the city.

 

Old and young were put to the sword, and even suckling babes were inhumanly put to death. Nor was this arrested until the Crusaders were worn down with the fatigue of killing, after having slain ten thousand wretched and helpless human beings.

 

But, more inconsistent still, these human butchers had no sooner tired of their work of death, than they washed the blood of their victims from their hands, and, bare‑footed, walked to the tomb of Christ, kissing it with (as they would have the world believe) holy fervor, and Sending up their anthems of praise, and repentant groans to the bar of Justice.

 

Anon, their enthusiasm was so hightened, that they fell at the feet of Peter the Hermit, praising God as glorified through him.

 

At the time the city of Jerusalem was taken by the Crusaders,

 

' a large army was on its march from Egypt, Bent by the Calif to its succour. This army the Crusaders routed before it reach ed the city.

 

The victory secured, for a time, exemption from molestation, and the Christians were.enabled to attend to the evtablishment of their civil and religious institutions.

 

By the feudal polity, the conquered territory was divided among the ew oommanders, who, after taking formal possession, suffered the Moslem peasantry.to remain in vassalage.

 

Godfrey is represented as being a devoted and good man, and hence one of his first'accts was‑the institution of several new churches:

 

He also mwde it his duty to visit the Hospital of St. John, which he found crowded with wounded soldiers, and so loudly did its inmates extol the Hospitalers, that Godfrey was moved to regard the Institution as worthy of being sustained by substautial aid, and, accordingly, bestowed on it the lordship of Montboire, in ‑Brabant, with all its dependencies.

 

His example was followed by the principal chiefs of the Crusade.*

 

Thus, in a abort time, the Hospitalers had the revenues of a great number of rich towns, both in Europe and Asia.

 

0 Sutherland.

 

$2

 

MODERN FREEMASONRY.

 

To the period of which we have been speaking, the Hospital of Saint John had been simply a secular Institution, but when Gerard was made Rector, and the large benefactions were entrusted to his care, he proposed to the brothers and sisters the propriety of becoming a religious fraternity.

 

The number of Hospitalers had now greatly increased.

 

Among those who first determined to devote their lives to these charities, and took the habit of the Order, were Raymond du Puis and Dudon de Camps, of Dauphiny, Gastus, of Berdihz, and Canon de 14Iontaign, of Auvergne.

 

Others not less pious and equally respectable followed their example, and it is proper to remark that the Institution was well supplied with devotees before it received the above named patrimonies.

 

Gerard, seeing that these men and women had formally renounced their homes and their relations, in order to devote their lives to acts of charity, readily imagined their happiness would be promoted by making the links that bound them partake of the holy religion, and, therefore, proposed that they should dedicate themselves at the altar, as the servants of the poor and distressed, and of Christ and His cause.

 

His suggestion met with a hearty approval, and, accordingly, they solemnly renounced the world. The Brotherhood assumed a uniform habit, which was a plain black robe, with a white linen cross of Light points, fastened on the left breast.

 

Here is the foundation upon which was finally established the great power and influence of the Orders of Knight. hood:

 

No sooner did this remarkable Brotherhood renounce the world, and take upon themselves monastic vows, than Pope Paschal II. commenced. lavishing upon them his favors: He confirmed all their endowments, exempted the property from tithes, and conferred on the brethren the privilege of electing their Superior, independent of all ecclesiastical or‑secular influence.

 

Thus endowed, and thus protected by the head of the Church, it is easy to perceive why it was that the noble band increased, and, with their increase in numbers, wealth also increased, and their popularity became universal. Godfrey was soon left with but two thousand infantry and three hundred horse.

 

The small remnant of the once large army returned to Europe, and such w+ts their account of the battles, and the ORDERS of KNIGHTHOOD.

 

2s ;

 

mphs, that a new zeal filled Christendom with martial qhamor. New companies of Crusaders were formed everyImbere,and resolved to make the attempt to reach the Holy ,.City, and strengthen the hands of Godfrey.

 

Multitudes of pilSr mp abandoned their homes, and, headlong, bent their way to *e tomb of Christ.

 

From the character of this motley crowd, it could but be expected that a large number 'would reach Jerusalem, worn out with fatigue, and totally pennyless, and hpace the Hospitalers found constant employment in mitigatò their suffering.

 

These Palmers, on their return home. far and wide an account of the charitable deeds of the Hospitalers, and so universally were they beloved, that, ere long,olmost every Province in Christendom had given the Hospital manorial rights.

 

Being thus enriched, the Rector erected a fine'ehurch on the _ spot which tradition stated was the retreat of Zacharias, the father‑ of John the Baptist, to whom he dedicated it.

 

He also ‑ increased the buildings necessary for the Hospitalers.

 

But his master‑stroke of policy, was to. connect the Institution more closely with the countries from which it had received endowtpents; to which end, he established subordinate Hospitals, or Commanderies, in"many of the maritime Provinces of the West. here is the origin of the term Commanderies, and of the sub erdinate Institutions of charity.

 

They were so situated, that ey were of inestimable value to the Palmers who were ou their pilgrimage to‑ the Holy Land.

 

Here they found an asylum hem want and penury, and guides to ‑conduct‑*them on " their, 'gay, and guard them from the enemies of the Cross.

 

Of these subordinate Commanderies, we may mention the houses of St: Miles, in Provence; Tarento, in Apulia ; Messina, in Sicily, and Seville, in Andalusia. These Commanderies were severally protected, and granted special privileges by the successive P Godfrey lived to govern Jerusalem but little more than one year, and was succeeded by Baldwin, his younger brother, who, not having the pious scruples of his predecessor, assumed the title, and was proclaimed the first Christian King of Jerusalem. Baldwiu's reign was, literally, eighteen years of warfare..Bv a~ MODERN FREEMA30NRt.

 

his valor and warlike skill. he greatly extended the Christian possessions. During an expedition to the frontiers of Egypt, ~n 1118, he fell a victim to the fatigues of war, and, like hig brother, his remains were consigned to a tomb in the church of the Holy Sepulchre, an honor bestowed upon none but Latin kings in after time.

 

About this period, the venerable (,lerò.rd died, and the Hoapitalera unanimously elected Raymond du Puis as their Chief.

 

With this Chief originated the military character which, in after years, so distinguished the OTdere of Knighthood. Raymond was tried in courts and camps, and when he came to rule over a band of religious friars, whose lives ,were pledged to deeds of benewlence and pure bereeftcence, he became discontented with the simple robe of the Hospftaler, and, thez~afore, favored the project of uniting the duties of the monk with those of the soldier.

 

For this purpose, he gave. to the Fraternity a martial Constitution, which bound the Brother= hood to defend the holy places, and, soon after, it was eo amended, as'to require them to wage perpetual war against the enemies of the Cross. The condition of things, when Raymond was elected Chief, seems to have justified hie plans ; for, all ovw tire country, regularly organized bands of robbers, onsaposed of 5aracena, were to be met with, who watched every opportunity to fall upon Christian pilgrims, and deprive them of their littla ~ll.

 

The Tnrkomans were ever on the watch for a favorable opportunity to rush upon,and destroy the unfortified Christian towns, and massacre the inhabitants.

 

On. the other hand, the Egyptians neglected no opportunity to harraas the Christians; from which,, it will be seen that the Latins had no respite, and it is not wonderful that even the Hoapitalera were willing to take up arms in' defence of the holy cause.

 

They did not abandon their. attention to the sick and wounded, but voluntarily took an obligation to be ready, at all times, to leap into .,heir saddles, and, at the point of the lance, to repel. their enemies.

 

Raymond organized the Hoapitalera into three classes.

 

The, 5rst class was composed of men of patrician ancestry, and high military station ; ~ the second of priests ; and the. third of sere ing men.

 

The first class, he termed Knights of Justice, wta ODDn8 OF KNIGHTHOOD.

 

25 rpointed to bear arms, and who enjoyed all the dignities p(kder. The priests were divided; the one part, to perreligious services in the field ; and the other, to attend to iW dufe&

 

There was still another class, called Sergena, itf Knights, who served either in the field or hospital, as k,.,be necessary.

 

This class, afterwards, acquired great ,md added much to the military renown of the Orders of ` iaimdidate could be received into the first class, unless he ~W‑t#at he was of noble descent.

 

At the introduction dk

 

ther,hetook the monkish vows of obedience, poverty, cbasfpy, and the Knightf, in addition, bound themselves to with their swords, the Christian banner.

 

The banner John had a white cross on a red field, and it was agreed spy Knight who should abandon it, or otherwise dishonor Botherhood. in the Paynim war, should be publicly deprived Fps antis and his‑knightly habit.

 

J~wh ww the prevailing enthusiasm for military glory in the f ..was,. that, ere long, the ranks of the devoted Knights trowded with young men of high birth and fortune, from fr1t;istiau land.

 

The Brotherhood could no longer claim osed of Latins, and, for the better regulation of the division of the Order was made to suit seven different viz : of Provence, Auvergne, France, Italy, Arragou, and Germany.

 

7'~a ifrst fame acquired in battle by the Knights was at the O*pg of Antioch, in bloody battle against the Turkomans r

 

nR in 1119.

 

0ant this period,* Hugh de Paynes, Geoffrey de St. Omer, iothee gentlemen of France, formed the praiseworthy keWording protection to the Palmers, on their pilgrimage 4t #lie Holy Land.

 

They imitated the Hospitalers &log their Association consist of both military and religFor several years these nine Knights, destitute of protection from the head of the Church, continued 0 i pilgrims, and guard them against the assaults of m

 

et of Father Hay given the origin of the Templare in 1117.

 

26

 

MODERN FREEMABONRY.

 

rocbers, etc.

 

So obscure were they, that, for several years, no new members joined them, but true to their solemn vows, they continued, with unabated zeal, to devote themselves to the assistanae and protection of the unprotected small companies of Palmers.

 

The fact of their union and their zealous devotion to so praiseworthy an object, reached the ears of the King, and, finally, those of the Pope, and they were, by both, encouraged to persevere.

 

The Pope gave his sanction to their desire, like the Hospitalers, to constitute themselves a military Order. Thus, from this Association of nine poor and friendless men, sprang the Knights Templar, who, for more than twq centuries, equaled, and, in many respects, rivaled, the Hospitalers in power and influence.

 

The Hospitalers encouraged this new Association, granted it means, and, in various ways, assisted to give it character and permanency.

 

The members of this new Order were originally called Soldiers of the Pilgrims.

 

They wore a white mantle over their military dress, as their distinctive insignia, to which was afterwards added a red cross (a symbol of martyrdom), emblazoned on the left breast. Their helmets, in token of humility, had no crest, and their beards remained uncut.*

 

Their banner was of white linen, striped with black, and ornamented with a red cross.

 

Hugh de Paynes, the founder, traveled over a great part of Christendom, in order to make known the objects of the Association, and add to the members.

 

On his return, in 1129, he brought with him three hundred young men of noble families.

 

The Constitution of the Templars, as did that of the Hospitalers, required chastity and obedience‑"and the Ancient Templars are said to have been so outrageously virtuous, that they held it a tempting of Providence to look a fair woman in the face, and scrupled to kiss their own mothers."t

 

From the foregoing historical facts, our Companion Sir Knights will be %ble to gather some truths, which should have due weight in considering the ancient usages of the Order. We shall not undertake to advise a change in the present dress or regalia of the Order, and certainly not to introduce our ancient brethren'@ Ces Mill.' liirnry 4( Cbtvank

 

t Southerland ORDIRS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

 

‑dread of lovely woman, but we would like to see Sir Knights ‑vtisfied with a regalia approximating more nearly to that Vueiently used.

 

There seems to be no definite understanding as ''the proper dress of a Knight Templar when on parade.

 

We have seen hats and plumes, chapeaux and plumes, of all shapes emd colors, and yet we find that, as a token of humility, our aacient brethren wore no plume or crest of any kind upon their belmets. Why, then, should we seek to do so? The first important support given to this new Association, came from the thaoas Bernard Clairvause, who ably advocated the second *asade.. He gave his special patronage and personal influence $a behalf of the Templars, and was the means of greatly enrich ing their treasury, and adding to their ranks.

 

There were many `gentlemen who, not willing to devote themselves to the servile daties of the Hospital, were nevertheless inclined to devote themselves to the cause of the pilgrimage, and these preferred to join the Templars, as theirs was more strictly a military Order.

 

Before the second Crusade, the Templars had repeatedly distinguished themselves in battle ; indeed, there existed a generous Avalship between them and the Hospitalers, and, in no instance, were either known to shun danger or falter in battle. On the watrary, the Brotherhoods were always foremost in battle, and ss[o wonder that they were soon regarded as the strong arm in The Paynim war.

 

The second Crusade was mainly furnished by France and Germany, and consisted of upward of two hundred thousandwe can not say men, for certain it is that a part of these soldiers, in the second Paynim war, were ladies. There were bands of high born dames, headed by Eleanor, of Guienne, the toneort of the French King.

 

These modern Amazons put on military insignia, and appeared in the parades, but history has ‑failed to award them any further distinction in arms. For this, liowever, an apology might be found by the women's rights party of the present day, as, it might truly be said, that but iew laurels were won in the second Crusade, even by the veteran 'seldiers.

 

In the few noted battles in this Crusade, the Hos ‑pitalers and Templars most distinguished themselves.

 

Conrad SH

 

MODERN FREEMASONRY.

 

and the French King, who had the united forces, besieged Damascus, and, but for treachery, occasioned by a wrangle for authority over it when taken, the Brotherhood world have achieved a victory. The treachery spoken of was the work of the Latin Christians of Syria and Palestine, who had learned that Conrad and the King of France had determined to give the government of Damascus to the Count of Flanders, Thierri Soon after the failure of the siege, the two leaders of the army became disgusted with the conduct of the Christians of Syria and Palestine, and, with the remnant of their followers, returned to their homes. having done but little more than " march up the hills, and then march down again." Raymond Du Puis had been Grand Master of the Hospitalers near forty years, and had never yet seen his Knights flee in battle.

 

In 1158, the greatest battle since the taking of Jerusalem, was fought on the plains of Putaha, between the Turkomans and Christians. This was the last witnessed by the venerable Grand Master and here, too, he was permitted to behold the undaunted bravery of the Brotherhood, and the victory of the Christian army, after the fall of six thousand Turkomans.

 

Raymond Du Puis died in the sanctuary of his Order, A.D. 1160,'beloved by all Knights and Christians. ‑ Auger De Bulben, a Knight of Dauphiny, succeeded Raymond, by the unanimous voice of the Brotherhood, who lived to fill the office but about three years.

 

The next Grand Master was Arnaud De Comps.

 

He was advanced in years when his brethren chose him as their head, and lived but a short time, and was succeeded by Gilbert De Sailly.

 

Down to this period the Hospitalers and Templars had moved on in harmony, hand in hand, in all battles. But the King of Jerusalem, having conceived a plan for subjugating . Egypt, mainly with a view to the immense treasure to be thus gained, applied to the Hospitalers and Templars to second his scheme, promising to share with them the spoils.

 

The Grand Master of the Hospitalers readily gave his consent, but his will was subject to the Council or Chapter.

 

This body was much divided, for it had to be admitted that the contemplated in vasion had no connection with their duties, either as Christian 29 sights or Hospitalers, but the temptation was too strong to ~It3'egisted, and the majority decided in favor of the invasion at the King. Large sums were borrowed to meet the expenses, *#d the Grand Master proceeded to hire mercenaries, until his force became a formidable one in numbers. The Templars Vtwmptly spurned the bribe tendered them, as the cause was in no way connected with their duty, and, moreover, because the !invasion would be in direct violation of a treaty signed by the A'ing, and approved by the Hospitalers and Templars. This Wcwdition of Amaury, the.Kipg, proved a total failure, as he bean deceived and out‑maneuvered by the Turkoman and ptian commanders. The expedition returned in 1169. The afad Master, Gilbert, became so universally unpopular, because 4( faise reasons which he had used to obtain the consent of the Council to this unfortunate expedition, that he was forced to resign his office.

 

Gastus was next chosen Grand Master of the Hospitalers, but his government lasted only a few months, vW Joubert, of Syria, was chosen as his successor.

 

About this time, their enemies had made such inroads upon the Christian possessions, that the King of Jerusalem became alarmed, far fear of the total expulsion of the Christians from Palestine, sod sent out an able messenger to beseech the Western Princes to; send another Crusade; and historians say that he left his .kjAgdom under the care of the Hospitalers and Templars, conjglutly, and repaired to Constantinople to solicit the immediate aid of the Emperor Manuel. And now a new enemy appeared, in the person of an Armenian Prince, Milon by name, who, according to some historians, is represented as having been a Templar, while others speak of him as an apostate Hospitaler, who renounced his covenant, to prosecute a claim he had to the ,Aomeignty of his country. It seems that the Latins had favored * pretensions of another aspirant, and this so incensed him spinst the entire Christian band at Jerusalem, that he sought tW most dastardly means of revenge. He entered into a league with the Infidels, and proceeded to overrun the Principality of Autioeh with fire and sword, and soon appeared on the frontiers of Judea. This apostate Knight practiced greater cruelties than wan the Turkomans.

 

Against the Hospitalers and Templare ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

 

31 feeling indignant at the impudent request, and the unwise course pursued by the King, ran upon the envoy and slew him with hit sword. The King was enraged at this conduct, and demandel of the Templars that Du Mesnil be instantly given into his hands. This the Templars refused to do, alleging that their guilty brother could only be tried by their own laws, and the head of the Church, at Rome.

 

This answer of Odo, the Grand Master of the Templars, was in strict conformity with the privileges granted by the Popes of Rome, nor was it givers with a view to shield the murderer, for he was already in irons, awaiting his legal trial.

 

But this defiance of kingly power was not likely to find favor in palaces, and certainly not in the one at Jerusalem, for, in defiance of Odo's will, the King took Du Mesnil and threw him into prison, from which it is not likely he would have escaped, but for the death of the King, which soon after occurred, 1173.

 

Amaury was succeeded by his son, Baldwin IV., who was not only under age, but a sickly and indolent youth. Raymond, Count of Tripoli, was appointed regent until the King arrived of age.

 

This Prince bad several battles with Saladin, in the first of which he won a great victory, and caused his enemy to make his escape upon the back of a dromedary ; but his triumph was of short duration, as he suffered a terrible defeat at Jacob's Ford, on the Jordan.

 

In this battle the entire Christian army fled, except the Templars and Hospitalers, 'who alone maintained the battle, and, being so few, comparatively, they were mowed down, neither seeking or receiving quarter. The Grand Master of the Hospitalers, Joubert, now in his old age, was covered with wounds, and bravely fought until he saw nearly all his Knights perish, and then threw himself into the Jordan, and succeeded in swimming across it.

 

The Grand Master of the Templars was borne down and captured by the enemy. Saladin offered to exchange him for one of his relations, but the fearless Grand Master refused the proposition, alleging that it would disgrace the Order, who were pledged to conquer or die; ░‑)r their head to set the example of surrender with the hope of being exchanged. It is said, that in this battle, a Templar, named James De Maille, mounted on a white horse, ,32

 

MODERN FREEMASONRY.

 

fought so bravely, that the Saracens gave him the title of Saint George, and hoping thereby to acquire his great courage, actually drank his blood.

 

The disasters consequent on this defeat were well nigh fatal to Christianity in Palestine. The Christian army was disbanded, the whole country was overrun by the barbarians, the King was an inefficient, sickly monarch, .Ioubert was incapable of service by reason of his wounds and great age, and Odo, the Grand Master of the Templars, was in close captivity. Tinw were both Orders without a leader. In this eitiemity, the venerable Grand Master of the Hospitalers, over‑estimated his physical powers, by throwing himself at the head of a few chosen Knights into the castle of Margat, to defend it from a strong force sent against it.by Saladin.

 

The defense made by the Knights covered them with honor, as did all their battles. The otd Grand Master beheld the ramparts strewed with the bodies of his brave Knights, and, yet, true to the pledge of the Order, lie spurned the demand to capitulate.

 

At this the enemy became enraged, made a desperate attack, and succeeded in carrying the fortress.. 3oubert, though courting death, was compelled to behold the last of his companions hewn down at his post, and then found himself a captive, tb be thrown into a dungeon, where he was cruelly deprived of the very necessaries of life, and thus terminated his illustrious life, in 1177.

 

The Order elected Roger De Moulins, a Norman Knight, as his. successor.

 

About this time, a series of misunderstandings and petty quarrels rendered the military Orders nearly as hostile to each other as they were to the Infidels. Christian charity and true piety no longer held together the bonds of union, but instead thereof a spirit of rivalry, fed by a desire for office and distinction, created jealousy and hatred, until the cause which they had sworn to mantain was in danger of being lost. For remedy the King appealed to the Pope, who, well knowing that the welfare of Palestine depended mainly upon the united efforts of the Orders' of Knighthood, issued an order commanding them to abandon their feuds, and sign an article of recon,iliation, based upon their pledge to mantain the cause of ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD.

 

39 fanity in Palestine, etc., which they reluctantly obeyed, kh, for a time, restored harmony, but afterward seemed to redpen and make wider the breach.

 

in the period above to the year 1186, every thing bad ned unsettled in the kingdom whose crown thus changed New efforts had been made at the Courts of France Ingland for a new Crusade, with but partial effect, and the dealers and Templars continued to wrangle about place. !1611' the storm, so long threatened, burst upon the kingdom. had succeeded in making a traitor of the Count of Trit d, being thus aided by a willing tool at Jerusalem, marcharmy, composed of chosen men, into Palestine, in 1187, Wd siege to Acre.

 

The Grand Masters of the Hospitalers ~Wd:Templars threw themselves into the fortress with a strong 'ready of Knights, who now seemed to forget their quarrels, and unite for the safety of the kingdom.

 

The commanders deteruipned to give battle to Saladin, and, accordingly, marched out '`ore day, and fell upon the sleeping enemy.

 

For a time, conZ3 and confusion took possession of the Saracens, and tory seemed to declare in favor of the Christians, but the ttan presented himself in the midst of his panic‑stricken ldiers, and, by his well known voice, rallied them in battle y: The Knights, to a man, fought bravely and well. The d Master of the Hospitalers repeatedly charged 'the enemy skill and courage. but, at last, his horse received a deadly and, and fell, with his rider under him. The Hospitalers, ig him fall, formed around his body, which thus became the centre of mortal conflict between Christian and Saracen.

 

The ~OodT of the brave De Moulins was found buried under a pile of "dead, chiefly Turkomans and Saracens.

 

He was interred at with the honors of the Order, lamented by all the nation. ier, of Syria, Grand Prior of England and‑Colonel Gem I of the infantry of the Order, succeeded to the Grand chip .

 

To avert suspicion, Raymond, the traitor, proposed to Saladin ;tte should attack his own possessions, and accordingly laid Tiberias.

 

The town fell into the Sultan's hands. but Princess, being ignorant of her husband's treachery, retired s 34

 

MODERN FREEMASONRY.

 

with the garrison into the castle, and made preparations for resolute defense.

 

These facts were communicated by Raymond to the King, urging, at the same time, a large force to defend the important place.

 

The King adopted his perfidious advice, drained all his fortresses of the troops for their defense, and croa ded his ranks. with citizens and peasants, who were totally ipor. nt of war, and, thus prepared, took the field.

 

The traitor occupi;,d a. prominent position in this army.

 

On arriving near the po: ition of Saladin, Raymond prevailed with the King to select a position where he knew water could not be procured:. Within . wenty‑four hours, the King discovered his error, by perceiving that lie must either have water or suffer a defeat,and he ordered an attempt to be made to force a passage to the river. The Templars, with their accustomed bravery, volunteered to lead the van, ankrushing upon Saladin, they charged the Saracen line with so much effect that it was immediately broken.. But, at this eventful moment, when it was made the duty of the Count of Tripoli to follow and support the charge, the traitor turned his‑back and fled. His command returned to their former position, and thus the Templars were left at the mercy of the enemy, and were all slain or made captives.