Feeemasoney And Christianity.

under its present principles , is adapted to every sect of Christians . It originated from the earliest era of Christianity , in honour to , or in compassion of , the religion and faith of Christians , before the poison of sectaries was diffused over the church , "

—( see also " Ashe ' s Manual , p . 164 . ) I cannot conclude without admitting' that , on looking back upon what I have written upon this important and inexhaustible subject , I find how poorly and inadequately I have fiulfilled the task

I set myself to perform ; however , I shall be more than repaid if , through my feeble efforts any doubting brother is brought to see that the true mission of Freemasonry is to aid in bringing about the fulfilment of that glorious message so

prominently brought to our notice at this festive season of the year ; " Glory to God on high , on earth Peace , Goodwill towards men . "

The Knights Templars.

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS .

By ANTHONY ONEAL HAYE , [ Continued from page 5 . ) CHAPTER XII . —continued . The Sultan now marched against Gabala , which ,

after a slight resistance , fell into his hands , and he advanced , upon Laodicea . This town possessed a noble harbour , and was composed of exceedingly handsome houses . It was surrounded by elegant villas , full of the rarest marbles . These villas

were attached to the most luxuriant gardens and groves . The inhabitants , upon the approach of Saladin , were filled with terror , and lost all courage . They refused to defend the town , and forsook the battlements , in spite of the

earnest entreaties of the Templars to strike one blow in their defence , It was the misfortune of the Templars , during the whole existence of the Order , to be associated , in moments of difficulty , with fools , cowards , or traitors , Finding the

citizens resolute in their intention to surrender to Saladin , the Templars retired with their followers to the citadel , which they successfully defended against the attacks of the infidel . After a gallant defence , they were forced to capitulate , and much

to the annoyance of Saladin , the terms of surrender placed them beyond his power . With colours advanced , and iu complete armour , they marched forth with the honours of war . The Mussulman destroyed all the gardens and villas , smashed the

The Knights Templars.

rare sculptures , and broke the other works of ai'fc in pieces . Sohirun , Bakas , Berzyeh , and other towns fell into the hands of Saladin , who then advanced upon Derbazac , a strong and important castle belonging to the Templars . On the 8 th

Regeb he commenced the attack . He used the greatest precautions in commencing the siege . He surrounded the place with a numerous body of troops , and caused to be constructed several enormous machines , which were to be used in the

attack . Round the walls , at certain distances , he placed wooden towers , from which his most skilful bowmen discharged flights of arrows that swept tlie battlements . Under cover of these towers , he ran forward huge battering rams , which speedily made an immense breach in the wall . Saladrn ordered an immediate assault when the breach was

practicable . His own body-guard headed the stormers , supported on either flank by crowds of archers . The Templars , however , hastened to man the breach , and instead of stone , presented a wall of glittering steel to the attackers . After a

bloody and prolonged contest , the Musselmen were driven back , leaving the ground covered with heaps of their slain . This retreat was seized upon by the Templars to repair the wall , and Saladin , on his part , shifted his attack to another

quarter . He now caused certain hurdles , covered with raw hides , to be constructed , which were run close to the walls , and an expert party of miners employed , under their cover , to undermine the principal tower , which was considered the key of the fortifications . The tower was built of the strongest masonry , and resisted for a long time all

the efforts of the workmen ro undermine it . The greater pai ^ t of the foundation was dug away , till the tower appeared at last as if suspended in the air . At length it fell , and carried away with it a huge part of the wall on either side , presenting a

large breach . Upon this , with loud cries , the Mussulmen rushed to the attack , and again the Templars formed an impassable wall . Again and again the assault was renewed , Saladin pouring on upon the devoted Templars fresh troops , while

his bowmen' shot their arrows , till they flashed in clouds upon the armour of the Knights . The din of battle was terrific . ' '• Allah , " shouted the Mussulmen , as they vainly attempted to pierce through the front ranks of the Knights . "

Beauseant ! ha , Beauseant V was the shout of the Templars as at every blow , an enemy bit the dust . The stones of the fallen tower were covered with