The Knights Templars.

Templars , while the whole space unoccupied by the Knights , was crowded with the numerous serving brethren , aud the dependents of the Order . The whole assembly was clad iu complete armour , a hint to the messengers , that the Templars were

prepared , with the strong hand of might , to defend what they should consider their rights . Undismayed by this formidable array of the bravest knights in Palestine , the two barons boldly delivered their message , which the Grand Master

received with haughty contempt , ill concealed by an appearance of courtesy towards the messengers , and of respect for the king . But when they insisted upon obtaining possession of the person of Du Mesnil , Odo haughtily rose , as if to put an end to the conference , saying , " Inform Almeric , King

of Jerusalem , that we of the Temple are not subject to his jurisdiction , nor of that of his officers . We acknowledge no superior on earth but our Eather the Pope , and he alone can take cognizance of this offence , if an offence , ' demanding other

punishment than our laws provide for , it be . At the same time , our Brother Walter has , in this expedition , been guilty of a grave breach of discipline , for which he shall be punished . We have had him arrested and put in irons , and he will

forthwith be sent to Rome , to receive the sentence of the Pope . But till the Sovereign Pontiff fixes his punishment , we dare any one at his peril to do him violence , as , in the circumstances , he must be considered as under the personal protection of the Pope . " ( To be continued . )

An Analysis Of Ancient And Modern Freemasonry.

AN ANALYSIS OF ANCIENT AND MODERN FREEMASONRY .

BY > J < BEO . WILLIAM J . HUGHAN , 18 ° . Memher of the German Union of Freemasons , Knight Comp . of the Royal Order of Scotland , § "c . ( Continued from page 28 S . ) In order to see how far the present Society

accords with the original , it will be necessary to take a glance at the constitution of the latter and examine what remains of its simple grandeur . As the various ancient fraternities were united in lodges , had laws framed for their mutual benefit

and protection , enacted severe penalties for violating any of their privileges , became ultimately a monopoly , protected by Popes , kings , and parliaments , and for centuries preserved a general

uniformity in all their customs , it will be requisite only to understand any one particular branch to possess a key to the whole body . We choose the British section for that purpose , and commence with '' ' ' Mother Kilwinning , " under the guidance

of its historian , Bro . David Murray Lyon , of Ayr . The origin of this lodge—as it is with all such—is unknown . There is abundance of evidence to prove its great age , and also to confirm a belief in its being one of the earliest Operative lodges in

the world . The charter of the " Masters , Freemen , and Fellow Craft Masons of Pearth , " dated Dec . 24 th , 1658 , declare it to be the first in Scotland .

The " Statutis and Ordinancies , twentie-awcht day of December , the year of God I V ° four scoir , nynetene yeiars / ' gave commission " to the Warden and Deacon of Killwynniug , as secund loge , " and to Edinburgh as "the first and

principall lndge in Scotland "; but whether this latter position was on account of greater antiquity does not appear , only , as the words " neidfull and expedient " are prefaced to its title , we consider it to have been granted as a mark of distinction for

the capital of the country ( See Laane ' s "History of Freemasonry , " and Bro . Lyon ' s notes in the FREEMASONS' MAGAZINE ) . Bro . Lyon distinctly gives it as his opinion that

the "Mother Kilwinnin g" was never more nor less than a society of architects and artisans , incorporated for the regulation of the business of the building trade and the relief of indigent brethren , until the development early in the eighteenth

century of the Speculative Masonry . We quite agree with our talented brother ' s opinion , and think the character ascribed to this lodge , will describe every other that existed before 1717 ; its minutes commence 20 th of December , 1642—of

those preserved—but the former ones , unfortunately , have been devoured by time and fire . The signatures of some 40 members are appended to the first minute , as also their marks . Many of the latter are very curious and interesting .

The name and mark of each Fellow Craft or Master had to he entered on the minute-book . A . D . 1647 , the fees for admission were " Prentice , 20 s . ; Felloes of Craft , 40 s . Scots , with 4 s . additional ptdd for the mark . " Regular fines

were imposed for non-attendance . The Earl of Cassillis was elected Deacon A . D . 1672 , and a depute Deacon was appointed at the same time ( the noble Craftsman , however , was only an ap-