The Modern Order Of "Knights Templar" In The British Dominions.

Encampment , U . S ., over the Great Priories of the British Dominions does not seem the most advisable move to conduce to this end . The analogy drawn between the " Grand Encampment" and " Convent General" is not strictly applicable . The federal alliance of the Great Priories , like that of nations for mutual support and convenience , cannot interfere with the complete independence of each . The " Grand Encampment " is the nationality of the U . S . Templars , as the Great Priories are to their own nations , '

and the U . S . Grand Commanderies similar to the Provincial Priories . Perhaps , in a purely technical sense , the " Grand Encampment" ancl " Convent General" are to some extent nearly alike , but this arises from the incongruous position into which Templary has drifted ; in reality no nationality should possess any body higher than a Great Priory , or any officer superior to a Great Prior ; there should be only one Grand Masterchosen by the Knihts of all nationalitieswho should preside over the whole

, g , Templar Order . There never was , and there cannot be , two Grand Masters of the same Order of Chivalry ; it might be well if the Grand Encampment abated somewhat of its pretensions to superiority over the Great Priories . Convent General , composed of these Great Priories , cannot enter into foreign relations without their mutual consent .

Haiing thus endeavoured to give a general idea of Templary , I would say to all those whose prejudices cause them to vilify and throw obloquy on the memory of the Ancient Knights , ancl who believe that their persecution ancl downfall was merited , that to judge of the true spirit of the Order we must not look upon those instances where the rude ancl licentious habits of the tune mixed up a portion of evil with its genuine character , but turn our eyes to the splendid examples of noble acts performed

by that famous soldiery , whose chivalrous feelings , raised to a pitcli of enthusiasm , inspired them to such deeds of courage and devotion in defence of the Christian faith ancl its followers that they were looked upon ivith wonder and admiration by the whole world , and whose subsequent fate was as undeserved as it was terrible . The accusations against them were as preposterous ancl ridiculous as they were false ancl maliciousonlfitted for the i ancl superstition of the ancl meant as

, y gross gnorance age , a cloak to conceal the real designs of their persecutors , actuated by an intensity of jealous hatred and cupidity at the haughty pride , ambition , and enormous wealth of the Knights , ivhich had corrupted the pure principles on ivhich the Order was originally founded .

The Papal Bull was published in May , 1312 , and the Order , which had fought and bled in the cause of the Cross for two centuries , extinguished by the Pope , although he avowed that the proof had failed so as to carry definite judgment . Lr conclusion , it may not be out of place to add a short list of such historical ivorks , ^ relating to the Order , as are easily attainable , the perusal of which will assist in dispelling the erroneous impressions disseminated by many of the Masonic magazines and monitors

, purposing to give its true history and usages : — " Secret Societies of the Middle Ages , " Article Templars , published in Library of Entertaining Knowledge , 1837 . " Addison's Knights Templars , " English edition , 1842 , in preference to the later one of 1853 , or to the American edition by Macoy , in ivhich Addison's text has been in laces altered to suit the American Masonic systemancl therefore calcu

many p , - lated to mislead the Historic Templar Student . , "Anthony O'Neal Hayes' History of the Knights Templars , from their ris in the Third Crusade , " as also his " Persecution of the Knights Templars . " Edinburgh , 1865 ..

|| Burns' Sketch of the History of the Knights Templar . " Edinburgh , 1837 . "Sketch of the Knights Templar ancl St . John , with notes on the Masonic ¦ temp lars , " by Eichd . Woof , F . S . A ., Worcester , London , 1865 . "Porter ' s History of the Knights of Malta . " 1858 . These works will be found sufficient to give an accurate idea of the Orders of tbe -temple and Hospitallers of St . John , or Knights . of Malta . Laprairie , Prov ; of Quebec , Canada , 20 th May , 1878 .