The Knights Templars.

to be in a low tone of voice . If during prayers and sleep , anyone , not having had an opportunity through the day to speak with the Master or some of the brethren upon military matters , or concerning the state of the house , they might then do so ,

remembering that "in many words thou shalt avoid sin , " and " life and death ai'e in the hands of the tongue . " They were , therefore , to avoid scurrility and idle words moving to laughter , and , on going to bed , if auyone had uttered a foolish

saying , he was enjoined , in all humility , and with purity of devotion , to repeat the Lord ' s Prayer-( Chapter 18 . ) They were not required when fatigued to rise to matins , if they first obtained the consent of the Master , or Superior , to remain in bed . In such a case they were to repeat thirteen

prayers instead . ( Chapter 35 . ) When in the field , after being dismissed to their quarters , no knight , esquire , or servant was to go to the quarters of other knights to see or speak to them without the consent of the Superior . It was furthermore

strictly commanded that no one should make peace or war of his own free will , but should wholly incline himself to the will of the Master , so that he mi ght , following the saying of the Lord , " I came not to do mine own will , but the

will of Him that sent me . " ( Chapter 33 . ) When the Master , or anyone deputed by him , ordered anything to be done , it was to be done at once , as though it had been enjoined from Heaven , " as the truth itself says , ' In the bearing of the ear he hath obeverl me . ' "

Chapter 42 forbids and condemns all tales related b y brethren of follies or irregularities committed in the world . It was forbidden them to speak of the irregularities of other men , or of the delights of the flesh with miserable women .

If by chance anyone should hear another discourse of such things , he was to bid him be silent , or , with the swift foot of obedience , depart from him as soon as he was able , and not lend the ear of his heart to the vendor of idle tales . Chapter 43

provides that no one shall receive a gift and apply it to his own use , without the consent of the Master , nor must he grieve though it be given to another .

( Chapter 46 . ) "We are all of opinion that none of yon should dare to follow the sport of catching one bird with another ; for it is not agreeable unto religion for you to be addicted unto worldly delights , but rather willingly to hear the precepts of the Lord , constantly to kneel down in prayer ,

and daily to confess your sins before God , with sighs and tears . Let no brother , for the above special reason , presume to go forth with a man following snch diversions with a hawk , or with any other bird . " Hawking was forbidden

probably on account of the high price of the birds , it being a favourite amusement of secular knights . ( Chapter 47 . ) " Forasmuch as it becometh all religion to behave decently and humbly without laughter , and to speak sparingly but sensibly ,,

and not in a loud tone , we especially command and direct every professed brother that he do not venture to shoot in the woods , either with a long bow or a cross bow and for the same reason , that he venture not to accompany another who shall

dothe like , except it be for the purpose of protecting him from the perfidious infidel , neither shall he dare to hollo or to talk to a dog , nor shall he spur his horse with a desire of securing the game . " In fact , every species of chase was forbidden to

the-Templars , except that of the lion " who goeth about seeking whom he may devour , and whose hand is against everyone , and everyone ' s hand against him . " This licence may , however , be but a figure of speech , and the lion a metaphor of

Satan or the Saracens . Amusements could not be rigorously forbidden them , and they were allowed to tilt among themselves , but only with headless lances . They were , however , forbidden to take part in tournaments or public joustings .

They were furthermore permitted to run races with their horses , but for no higher wagers that a headless crossbow bolt , or some such trifle . Chess and draughts were strictly forbidden , nor were they permitted to play at any other game for a stake .

Chapter 64 provides for brethren journeying through the different provinces , "that they be careful in lodging with men of good repute , and living so that no reproach may be cast upon the good name of the Order . "

Great attention was paid to the sick . By Chapter 52 , a watchful care was to be bestowed upon them , and their wants to be attended to as if Christ himself was the sufferer , bearing in mind the blessed words of the Gospel , " I was sick and

ye visited me . " The sick were to be carefully and patiently fostered , for by such is a heavenly reward acquired . By Chapter 53 , their wants were diligently and faithfully to be by supplied nourishingfood , such as flesh and fowl to be provided them till they recovered . ( Chapter 63 . ) "It behoves you to support , with pious consideration , all old