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included in it . It is certain that in systems of religion derived from a corruption of Masonry , as Druidism , the number three was invested with a sacred character , as in the honour given to the inisletoe and numerous other instances . The

reverence for the triangular form amongst Masons was also very significant . But this question must be left for future consideration . The course of the sun was tlie subject of various allegories and symbols in the earliest ages of many nations ; and

their place in Masonry is therefore very probable . There is also reference , in the E . A . degree , to the first period in a man's life and culture . The three periods , corresponding to the three degrees in Crafc Masonry , are thus described by

Alga-z-zali , tlie Arabian philosopher : " The first , or infantile stage in intellectual development is that of pure sensation ; the second , which begins at the age of seven , is that of understanding ; the third is reason , by means of which the intellect

perceives the necessary , the possible , the absolute , and all those higher objects which transcend the understanding . "

Candidates for admission to the second degree were formerly asked frHow old are you ? '' and the answer was " not yet seven ; " because they had not yet passed beyond that Masonic teaching whicli is analogous to that whicli is learnt by children from

their first perception of things until the age of seven , viz ., Knowledge of an entirely practical character , obtained by the exercise of our senses , by perseverance , " line upon line , " and by the proper use and ordering of our time ; and the first

rales of right and wrong under the guidance of our natural conscience . All this is signified by the character of the working tools used in the E . A . degree The names given by Pythagoras to Masons in

the three degrees were : 1 . Aconstici ( hearers ); 3 . Matheniatici ( scholars ); 3 . Physici . The hearers , even in their lodges , were to be silent , ancl to retain their thoughts within the secret recesses of their hearts . This is still

symbolised by the mode of wearing the apron in the E . A . degree It is also implied in thc charge of the second degree , where permission to offer sentiments and opinions on subjects regularly introduced in tlie lectures is for the first time given .

Masonry discourages mere system -mongers , and accordingly guides ns in the first instance to such jsraciicy . 1 works and duties , and snch acquaintance

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with sound principles of moral truth and virtue as may strengthen our minds agaiust error , when ive come to the exercise of our contemplative , intellectual , ancl speculative faculties . { To be continued . )

The Knights Templars.

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS .

By ANTHONY ONEAL HAYE .. CHAPTER II . ( Continued from page 168 . ) RISE OP THE OBDEB . Dc Pay ens founds the Order . —His associates . —Approved

of by the Patriarch and King , who " bestows on them gifts . —Thc Knights Hospitallers . Every exigency calls into play a dormant faculty —every emergency produces a hero . The dangers Avhich threatened the pilgrims became every day

more imminent , till they arrested the attention of Hugo de Parens , a valiant soldier of the First Crusade . He was a man of rare courage , piety , and benevolence , and had distinguished himself on many occasions by acts of charity as well as of

daring bravery . His heart bled within him as he heard of the slaughtered pilgrims , aud he resolved to devote himself entirely to their help , which was the cause of Christ . This resolution he imparted to eight friends—noblemen belonging to the first families of Europe , and who had given their all to equip men for the Crusade , deeming the sacrifice

but little , so tbat the Holy City might be the possession of the Christians . They applauded his design , and , fired with religious ardour , cast in their lots with his . Their names ivere Godfrey de Saint Aldemar , or Saint Omer , a man of

distinguished courage and wisdom ; Roral , Gundemar , Godfrey Bisol , Payens de Montidier , Archibald de St . Aman , * Andrew de Montbar , and the Count de Provence . They formed themselves into an association , having for its objects the clearing of

the highways of robbers , affording hospitality to the sick , and the protection of pilgrims travelling to the Sepulchre . This association united the characteristics of a monk with that of a soldier , the members devoting themselves to a chaste and

pious life , so that , by means of their swords , and by clearing the thorns from the path of the pilgrims to the tomb of the Lord , they might themselves win an entrance to His joys and presence in Heaven . For their patron saint thev