Page:Outlines of European History.djvu/553

 TJie Crusades 469 to defend pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem from the attacks The of the infidel. They were assigned quarters in the king's palace ^"^^ ^^^ at Jerusalem, on the site of the former Temple of Solomon ; hence the name " Templars," which they were destined to render famous. The " poor soldiers of the Temple " were enthusiasti- cally approved by the Church. They wore a white cloak adorned with a red cross, and were under a veiy strict monastic rule which bound them by the vows of obedience, poverty, and celibacy. The fame of the order spread throughout Europe, and the most exalted, even dukes and princes, were ready to renounce the world and serve Christ under its black and white banner, with the legend Nofi nobis, Domine. The order was aristocratic from the first, and it soon became incredibly rich and independent. It had its collectors in all parts of Europe, who dispatched the " alms " they received to the Grand Master at Jerusalem. Towns, churches, and estates were given to the order, as well as vast sums of money. The king of Aragon proposed to bestow upon it a third of his kingdom. The Pope showered privileges upon the Templars. They were exempted from tithes and taxes and were brought under his immediate jurisdiction ; they were released from feudal obliga- tions, and bishops were forbidden to excommunicate them for any cause. No wonder they grew insolent and aroused the jealousy and Abolition of hate of princes and prelates alike. Even Innocent III violently Templars ° upbraided them for admitting to their order wicked men who then enjoyed all the privileges of Churchmen. Early in the four- teenth century, through the combined efforts of the Pope and Philip the Fair of France, the order was brought to a terrible end. Its members were accused of the most abominable prac- tices, — such as heresy, the worship of idols, and the systematic insulting of Christ and his religion. Many distinguished Tem- plars were burned for heresy ; others perished miserably in dun- geons. The once powerful order was abolished and its property confiscated.