Templar Funeral Service.

TEMPLAR FUNERAL SERVICE .

A few weeks ago you favoured your readers with the American Service . It is difficult to see how they have improved on the following Ancient Service , which I find in the pages of a contemporary . In this , as in everything Masonic , the ancient working is the best . —A .

[ When a Templar died he was dressed in his habit , his legs crossed in imitation of the posture of our Lord when hanging on the cross , placed in a wooden coffin , and buried . The burial took place at midnight with the most solemn ceremonies . [ For a description of these we are indebted to an early number of Blackwood ' s Magazine .

The walls of the chapel were covered with black cloth , and on a trestle in the centre was placed the coffin containing the mortal remains of tbe departed Knight . Nine skeletons stood near the coffin , each bearing a lamp , which threw a dim religious light over the lower part of the spacious edifice , leaving the

higher portion in deep shadow . Upon the upper end of the coffin lid lay a ehaplet of white roses , below which were the insignia of the order , and the sword of the deceased Templar ; and upon a table near the coffin was a skull surrounded by seven large candlesticks , moulded like sphinxes , but bearing no lights .

The Grand Master , followed by seven of the Preceptors , seven of tbe Knights , and seven of the Serving Brethren , * all bearing tapers , ancl attired in black , with scarf ' s of crape , now entered the chapel one by one and silently as shadows . The brethren placed themselves opposite to the skeletons and the coffin , and were addressed by ihe Grand Masterwhoin few

, , words , informed them that the purpose of their assemblage was to hold a judgment on the Knight , whose mortal remains lay before them . " It is midnight , " the Grand Master continued , " ancl the grave is ready ; our brother has finished his earthly probation . Let us look back upon his life ,

aud see how he has stood tbe test . If any of you can accuse the deceased of wrong let him stand forth ancl declare it . " A deep , unbroken silence prevailed throughout the assembly , ancl , after a long pause , the Senior Preceptor advanced to the head of the coffin , begged permission to speak , and thus began : —

" Grand Master and Brethren , —It belongs not unto man but unto God to judge the dead . He alone can reward aud punish . He alone can look into our souls , and know our most secret doings . Therefore , Grand Master ! wert thou to call upon us even thrice to accuse our departed brother , thou woulclst call iu vainfor we are all brethren in Christ our Lord . "

, "It is my bounden duty , " resumed the Grand Master , " again to ask you . Brethren ! We are free members of the Order . Speak , if ye have aught to speak agaiust the departed . " Again he paused , but the death-like stillness remained . unbroken . Then the

Grand Master exclaimed , with a loud voice , As there is no accuser , there can be no judgment . Does no man accuse tlie dead ?" And all the Templars , kneeling clown , answered , " God is our judge . " The Grand Master then raised an iron hammer , slruclc iciili it three hcavg blows upon

an iron cross placed at the head of the coffin , and called aloud , " Open the gate of death . " The Serving Brethen then rolled up the tapestry which covered the floor on tlie left side of the trestle , ancl discovered an open grave close to the coffin . The the three junior Serving Brethren decked the brink of the grave with garlands of reel and white roses :

and , while they were thus employed , the Grand . Master said , " Preceptor , give answer to my questions . When will God judge the dead ?" First Preceptor . On the day of judgment . Grand Master . Who will be man ' s accuser ? Second Preceptor . His conscience .

Grand Master . Who his defender ? Third Preceptor . No one . Grand Master . Who will have mercy on him ? Fourth Preceptor . No one . Grand Master . No one ? Fifth Preceptor . God is our judge .

Grand Master . Is not God almighty ? Sixth Preceptor . Almighty and all just . Grand Master . Hear then , brethren ! God is Almighty ancl all just , therefore obey His laws . Seventh Preceptor . The grave is ready ; commit our brother to his mother earth .

Again the Grand Master struclc the iron cross thricewith Ms hammer , and the brotherhood knelt around the grave , and kissed the earth in silence . T he Servino- Brethren then removed the coffin-lid

aud exposed to view the body of the deceased Templar in a white shroud . The bauds ancl feet were tied with cords , the temples were adorned with a ehaplet of laurel and vine leaves—on the breast lay a golden cross , sparkling with jewels , and on the heart a bunch of fresh-culled violets . " Serving Brethren" said the Grand Master" give

, , heed to my commands , and answer to my questions . What means the ehaplet of laurel and vine leaves ?" First Serving Brother . It means that man was born to honour ancl enjoyment . Grand Master . Better things await him in a better world . The laurel and the vine decay and perish .

Strip the dead of such vain distinctions . " The Serving Brother took the ehaplet from the temples of the deceased . Grand Master . What means the sparkling cross ? Second Serving Brother . It means that man striveth after wealth and splendour . Grand Master . How did man come into the world ?

Third Serving Brother . Naked ancl poor . Grand Master . Qnen must he return to his mother earth naked and poor as he was born . Strip the dead of such vain adornment . The Serving Brother took the cross from the breast of tbe deceased . Grand Master . "Why are his hands and feet bound

with cords ? Fourth Serving Brother . To show that in this life man is the slave of sin . Grand Master . Death has overcome the dominion of sin . Eelease the frecdman from his earthly bondage .

The Serving Brother did as he was commanded . Grand Master . What means the bunch of violets on his heart ? Fifth Serving Brother . It is the emblem of humility , and the offering of brotherly love to the departed ,