The Knights Templars.

was expectc d from him as a belted knight . Furthermore , even according to William of Tyre ' s account , a most barbarous murder had been committed ; and it is very questionable that the Templars would place much faith in the reality of the

conversion of one Avho had murdered his benefactor , purloined his goods , and Avhen captured sought to escape death by renouncing his religion . ( To le continued . )

Gleanings By "Elihoenai."

GLEANINGS BY "ELIHOENAI . "

THE FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES . Conscience—the most divine and noblest of all senses—is implanted to regulate our highest poAvers , our affections , and deliberate designs of action ; by it Ave discern Avhat is graceful and

becoming , beautiful and honourable in the affections of the soul , in our conduct of life , our Avords , and actions . The mind feels most joy in performing , and reflecting upon such duties as it recommends . What is approved of by this sense Ave count right and beautiful , and call Virtue . Virtue , therefore , arising from the most divine sense must

necessarily be , and is , the best and most beautiful of all human attributes , and , as a natural sequence , that science Avhich pre-eminently teaches virtue to its initiates is the highest of all human sciences . Virtue inculcates glory to God in the highest ,

peace on earth , and goodwill toAvards men ; inspires a high relish for moral excellence , and a strono- endearment of heart toAvards all in Avhorn we discern eminent virtues , and raises joyful love , esteem , and veneration Avhen Ave observ e it in others . Without it a man does not live . He

merely passes away his allotted time on earth , but of the joys or SOITOAVS of life , even of life itself , he has no conception . In the fulfilment of its precepts our chief good consists . It being the foundation of morality , and the pleasures of

morality being the highest and most enduring , virtue may be said to be the very foundation of eternal happiness both here and in the Eternal Lodge , AAdiere all the brethren hope to meet . It implants kind affections , urges us on to beneficent

a ? tions , and is a qualification of the mind subservient to our happiness , and denotes any habit that perfects the powers of the soul . Its constituents are Disposition , Skill , Application , and Force . Corresponding to these constituents , it is divided into four Cardinal Virtues , Avhich are well knoAvn—A iz ., Prudence , Fortitude , Temperance , and Justice .

Prudence is a cautious habit of consideration and forethought , discovering what may be advantageous or hurtful in life , Avhich must be gained and retained by experience and frequent meditation . No one can attain to true solid

prudence-Avhose heart is not improved by moral virtue , andwith a high sense of moral excellence , and Avhohas not imbibed the more generous sentiments of goodness . Crafty Avorldly prudence will be of noavail when Ave come to be Aveighed in the balance ; .

that cautious forethought which looks to the good of all—not of self alone—will then avail . It is also the guide , or directory in every duty , rnoreespecially iu Modesty , Economy , and Caution . Fortitude strengthens the soul against all toils or dangers Ave may be exposed to in the discharge

of our duty . It represses ail vain excessive fears , and makes us superior to all accidents of our mortal state ; is grounded on the knowledge , that no external advantages can be compared in point of happiness Avith the possession of virtue , and of

gaining the approbation of our hearts and of God , and teaches us that as death is our lot , an early death with virtue and honour is to be preferred to the longest sensual life , and also to persevere in all our properly chosen ] 3 ursuits . It is the

foundation of true grandeur and elevation of the mind , and is shown by three things—viz ., a high relish of moral excellence in superiority to all externalaccidents , and in tranquillity free from passion ; Among its branches are reckoned Constancy and Patience , Levity of Temper also , aud Clemency .

Temperance restrains and regulates the loAver appetites towards sensual pleasures . In this virtue most prominently appears the grace and beauty of manners—that simplicity which ever attracts , and the better knoivn the better loved ;

It moderates the mind , makes us modest , frugal , and contented , and teaches us to prefer duty to amusement , to avoid dissipation Avhich Aveakens the mind and disables us from prosecuting our businesses .

Justice is the Sovereign Cardinal Virtue , to which all the others should be subservient . It consists in constantly regarding the common interest , and in being subservient to it , giving cr performing to each one Avhatever is due . It

includes all the kind dispositions of the heart by Avhich friendship is maintained , Avhich lead us to contribute to the common good , and teacheth us to keep the designs of our heart in moderation , to deal impartially Avith man , to do unto others even