The History of the Knights Templar by Charles G ... - Masonic Renewal

HUGH DE
PAYENS.
A.D. 1129HUGH DE PAYENS, having now laid in Europe the foundations of the great
monastic and military institution of the Temple, which was destined shortly to spread its
ramifications to the remotest quarters of Christendom, returned to Palestine at the head of
a valiant band of newly-elected Templars, drawn principally from England and France.
On their arrival at Jerusalem they were received with great distinction by the king, the
clergy, and the barons of the Latin kingdom, a grand council was called together, at
which Hugh de Payens assisted, and various warlike measures were undertaken for the
extension and protection of the christian territories.
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ROBERT DE
CRAON.
A.D. 1136.Hugh de Payens died, however, shortly after his return, and was succeeded
(A.D. 1136) by the Lord Robert, surnamed the Burgundian, (son-in-law of Anselm,
Archbishop of Canterbury,) who, after the death of his wife, had taken the vows and the
habit of the Templars. * He was a valiant and skilful general, † but the utmost exertions of
himself and his military monks were found insufficient to sustain the tottering empire of
the Latin Christians.
The fierce religious and military enthusiasm of the Mussulmen had been again aroused
by the warlike Zinghis and his son Noureddin, two of the most famous chieftains of the
age, who were regarded by the disciples of Mahomet as champions that could avenge the
cause of the prophet, and recover to the civil and religious authority of the caliph the lost
city of Jerusalem, and all the holy places so deeply venerated by the Moslems. The one
was named Emod-ed-deen, "Pillar of religion;" and the other Nour-ed-deen, "Light of
religion," vulgarly, Noureddin. The Templars were worsted by overpowering numbers in
several battles; and in one of these the valiant Templar, Brother Odo de Montfaucon, was
slain. ‡ Emodeddeen took Tænza, Estarel, Hizam, Hesn-arruk, Hesn-Collis, &c. &c., and
closed his victorious career by the capture of the important city of Edessa. Noureddin
followed in the footsteps of the father: he obtained possession of the fortresses of Arlene,
Mamoula, Basarfont, Kafarlatha; and overthrew with terrific slaughter the young Jocelyn
de Courtenay, in a rash
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attempt to recover possession of his principality of Edessa. * The Latin kingdom of
Jerusalem was shaken to its foundations, and the oriental clergy in trepidation and alarm
sent urgent letters to the Pope for assistance. The holy pontiff accordingly commissioned
St. Bernard to preach the second crusade.
EVERARD
DES
BARRES.
A.D. 1146The Lord Robert, Master of the Temple, was at this period (A.D. 1146)