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

discovered in that church. He has kindly referred the letter to me for consideration, but I
have not thought it advisable to delay the publication of the present work for the purpose
of procuring them.
Mr. Willement has also drawn my attention to a very distinct impression of the reverse of
the seal of the Temple described in page 106, whereon I read very plainly the interesting
motto, "TESTIS SVM AGNI.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Origin of the Templars--The pilgrimages to Jerusalem--The dangers to which pilgrims
were exposed--The formation of the brotherhood of the poor fellow-soldiers of Jesus
Christ to protect them--Their location in the Temple--A description of the Temple--
Origin of the name Templars--Hugh de Payens chosen Master of the Temple--Is sent to
Europe by King Baldwin--Is introduced to the Pope--The assembling of the Council of
Troyes--The formation of a rule for the government of the Templars Page 1
CHAPTER II.
Regula Pauperum Commilitonum Christi et Templi Salomonis.
The most curious parts of the rule displayed--The confirmation of the rule by the Pope--
The visit of Hugh de Payens, the Master of the Temple, to England--His cordial
reception--The foundation of the Order in this country--Lands and money granted to the
Templars--Their popularity in Europe--The rapid increase of their fraternity--St. Bernard
takes up the pen in their behalf--He displays their valour and piety 15
p. xiv
CHAPTER III.
Hugh de Payens returns to Palestine--His death--Robert de Craon made Master--Success
of the Infidels--The second Crusade--The Templars assume the Red Cross--Their gallant
actions and high discipline--Lands, manors, and churches granted them in England--
Bernard de Tremelay made Master--He is slain by the Infidels--Bertrand de Blanquefort
made Master--He is taken prisoner, and sent in chains to Aleppo--The Pope writes letters
in praise of the Templars--Their religious and military enthusiasm--Their war banner
called Beauseant--The rise of the rival religio-military order of the Hospital of St. John
36
CHAPTER IV.
The contests between Saladin and the Templars--The vast privileges of the Templars--
The publication of the bull, omne datum optimum--The Pope declares himself the