The Knights Templars.

wounded , to confirm the virtuous , for by the performance of these high duties you will be assured of attaining to everlasting bliss in the mansions of the Redeemer in heaven . " The Knight then helming , went to the ,, church door , and showed himself to the people . An emblematic rneanino- was attached to each

piece of armour . The Sword , cross-hilted , Avas an emblem of the tree upon which the Saviour died for the sins of the Avorld . It taught the Knight in humble imitation of that great Captain , to surrender up life

in the cause of suffering humanity , and to keep pure and unsullied the sword of the spirit Avhich was Avithin him . With it , nerved with , a sense of justice and in the cause of heaven , he was to destroy all the enemies of religion . The sAvord

had yet another purpose . It v ? as called the " Arms of Mercy , " for it became a true Knight and faithful follower of Christ , first to attempt the conquest of his enemies by deeds of mercy , rather than by force of arms . The blade , tAvo edged ,

reminded him to maintain religion and chivalry , and to contend only for the support of these two chief pillars of the Temple of Honour . Upon the hilt it was customary for the Knight to have his

seal engraved , so that AA'hen he affixed it to a deed , his good faith was guaranteed not only by the seal , but by the cross of the hilt , and the naked blade pointing to Heaven , which he thereby took as a witness to his act . Should the Knight have been

struck doAvn in battle and Avomided to the death , the cross-hilt , in his last agony , shed a gladness on his soul by the mystic tidings it conveyed of another and a brighter Avorld , where the crown incorruptible aAvaited the good and faithful Knight .

The sword was often used in the middle ages iu place of a crucifix , and to kiss the hilt Avas a solemn and sacred pledge of fidelity . The Helmet was an emblem of modesty and shamefacedness , for a true Knight Avas not

arrogant and boastful ; he left words to fools , ancl let his deeds alone proclaim his merit . The Helmet was a defence for the head , ancl therefore a most important piece of armour , called aptly by the Apostle the helmet of " salvation . "

j-he Lance , from its straightness , AA-as an emblem of Truth , ever pointing to HeaA en . Headed with steel , which nothing could resist , it typified the power of Truth ; strength Avhich nothing could withstand .

The Mace , in the hands of the coui * ageous Knight , Avas a formidable Aveapon , smashing down the strong , and spreading confusion among the enemy . It Avas , therefore , a fit emblem of force and the poAver of courage .

The Hauberh was an emblem of the spiritual panoply which should protect a man , and a soldier ofthe Cross , from the vices to which his nature was liable .

The Spurs emblemised sharp and prevailing diligence , and as the rowels urged on the steed to greater speed , so they remembered the Knight to press forward and participate in deeds of honour and of virtue .

The Gorget Avas the sign of obedience , for as the gorget encircled the neck to protect it from Avounds , so the virtue of obedience kept a Knight within the commands of his sovereign and the order of chivalry . Thus neither treason nor any

foe to virtue could corrupt the oath taken in knighthood . The Coat of Mail was the svmbol of a fortress

erected against vice ; for as castles Avere surrounded by Avails and ditches , the coat of mail was closed in all its parts , and defended tha Knight against treason , disloyalty , pride , and every other evil passion . '

The Shield displayed the office of the Knight , for as he placed his shield between himself and his enemy , so he formed a barrier between the despotism of a king and the Aveakness of a people , interposing to preserve ' peace and tranquillity

Furthermore , as the stroke of a sword fell upon the shieldand saved the Knight , so did the good knight present his body as a defence to his own lord , or to the poor in peril . The Scarf , composed of blue and white colours ,

emblemizecl the truthfulness and unflinching fidelity , ancl the chaste and prudent deportment of the Knight . The Banner represented his word , which was never to be abandoned , and never sullied .

The Saddle and Horse . —The saddle Avas an emblem of safety in courage , for as by the saddle a Knight sat safe on his charger , so courage was his best security in the battle-field . The great size ofthe saddle emblemizecl the greatness of the

chivalric charge . As the head of the horse goes before its rider , so reason Avas to pervade all the actions of the Knight- As the armour at the head of the horse defended the horse , so reason kept the