Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Brief History Of The Religious And Military Order Of The Knights Templars Of St. John Of Jerusalem.
The year 1131 was distinguished by the death of that great protector of the military orders , Baldwin , King of Jerusalem , who was succeeded in the throne by his son-in-law , Fulk , Count of Anjou , who married the princess Melisinda , the king ' s eldest daughter . The various differences which agitated the Christian princes in Palestine on the death of Baldwin , afforded occasion to the infidels to make considerable incursions upon the frontiers . The Saracens were
in possession of Ascalon , and thaf city gave them the opportunity of distressing the Christians , particularly the pilgrims , in a very powerful manner . None but soldiers resided in Ascalon , for all of its inhabitants received constant pay from the caliphs of Egypt , as an encouragement to exercise their depredations . The court of Jerusalemafter several consultations upon the means
, of suppressing this evil , determined on fortifying and garrisoning the city of Beersheba , which is situated but six leagues from' Ascalon . This place was defended by the Hospitallers and the Templars , who resided constantly on the frontiers , and were always engaged in enterprizes against the infidels . Their valour was so conspicuous , and the successes with which it was crowned were so brilliant and
important , that the institutions were almost idolized throughout the Christian world . All sorts of persons were ambitious of the honour of being enrolled under their banners , or of contributing in some measure to their support . Superstition went so far , and obtained such fast hold of the public mind , that it was considered almost
as dangerous to the salvation of the soul to depart without having worn the habit of one of the orders , or done something towards supporting their cause . By this general sentiment in their favour , the Hospitallers and the Templars soon acquired enormous and extensive possessions . At an advanced age Raymond , count of Barcelona and Provence , entered among the Knihts of the Temple ; and being unable to
g visit their bospitium at Jerusalem , he sent large contributions thither , and died in the temple at Barcelona , after fulfiling all the exercises of his profession . Alphonsus I . king of Navarre and Arragon , having no issue , left by . will both" those crowns , to the military orders . On his death , . in irjjthe nobles of those kingdoms proceeded to the election of a new
, sovereign , without regarding the testament of the deceased . Being divided in their sentiments , at length each kingdom chose its own prince . Raymond Berenger , son of the Templar just mentioned , became in consequence of this arrangement king of Arragon ; and Ramire , ah illustrious grandee of Navarre , took the crown , of that'kingdom . But the Hospitallers and the Templars did not quietly acquiesce in
these appointments . They sent their deputies into Spain , where they met with an indifferent reception . The king of Navarre gave them no favour . ; but Raymond agreed that in case of dying without issue , his crown should devolve to the orders ; and in the mean timepresented them with considerable grants of land for their support .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Brief History Of The Religious And Military Order Of The Knights Templars Of St. John Of Jerusalem.
The year 1131 was distinguished by the death of that great protector of the military orders , Baldwin , King of Jerusalem , who was succeeded in the throne by his son-in-law , Fulk , Count of Anjou , who married the princess Melisinda , the king ' s eldest daughter . The various differences which agitated the Christian princes in Palestine on the death of Baldwin , afforded occasion to the infidels to make considerable incursions upon the frontiers . The Saracens were
in possession of Ascalon , and thaf city gave them the opportunity of distressing the Christians , particularly the pilgrims , in a very powerful manner . None but soldiers resided in Ascalon , for all of its inhabitants received constant pay from the caliphs of Egypt , as an encouragement to exercise their depredations . The court of Jerusalemafter several consultations upon the means
, of suppressing this evil , determined on fortifying and garrisoning the city of Beersheba , which is situated but six leagues from' Ascalon . This place was defended by the Hospitallers and the Templars , who resided constantly on the frontiers , and were always engaged in enterprizes against the infidels . Their valour was so conspicuous , and the successes with which it was crowned were so brilliant and
important , that the institutions were almost idolized throughout the Christian world . All sorts of persons were ambitious of the honour of being enrolled under their banners , or of contributing in some measure to their support . Superstition went so far , and obtained such fast hold of the public mind , that it was considered almost
as dangerous to the salvation of the soul to depart without having worn the habit of one of the orders , or done something towards supporting their cause . By this general sentiment in their favour , the Hospitallers and the Templars soon acquired enormous and extensive possessions . At an advanced age Raymond , count of Barcelona and Provence , entered among the Knihts of the Temple ; and being unable to
g visit their bospitium at Jerusalem , he sent large contributions thither , and died in the temple at Barcelona , after fulfiling all the exercises of his profession . Alphonsus I . king of Navarre and Arragon , having no issue , left by . will both" those crowns , to the military orders . On his death , . in irjjthe nobles of those kingdoms proceeded to the election of a new
, sovereign , without regarding the testament of the deceased . Being divided in their sentiments , at length each kingdom chose its own prince . Raymond Berenger , son of the Templar just mentioned , became in consequence of this arrangement king of Arragon ; and Ramire , ah illustrious grandee of Navarre , took the crown , of that'kingdom . But the Hospitallers and the Templars did not quietly acquiesce in
these appointments . They sent their deputies into Spain , where they met with an indifferent reception . The king of Navarre gave them no favour . ; but Raymond agreed that in case of dying without issue , his crown should devolve to the orders ; and in the mean timepresented them with considerable grants of land for their support .