The Knights Templars.

elapsed between the death of one Grand Master and the election of another , owing to the troubles of the Holy Land . During this interregnum the Order was governed by the Grand Prior , who bore the Master's seal .

On the morning of the day preceding the election of the Grand Master , all the brethren congregated in the chapel , where a solemn mass was sung for the repose of the soul of the deceased Grand Master . After this , the Grand Prior took

several of the most eminent brethren aside , and , on consultation , three or four of the worthiest Knights were directed to retire . The merits of these brethren for the office of Electing- Prior were then

fully discussed , the votes of the assembly taken , and the brother who had the most votes was appointed to the office . Another brother , of equal worth and piety , was assigned him for a colleague . The whole assembly then withdrew from the

chapel , and the Electing Prior and his assistant spent the remainder of the day and the followingnight in prayer before the High Altar .

Early next morning , the Knights again assembled in the chapel , where , after performing their usual devotions , the mass of the Holy Ghost was offered up . The Grand Prior then addressed the Electing Prior aud his companion ,

pointingonfc to them the serious duty that had devolved upon them , and charged them to proceed warily , and ever to invoke the aid of the Holy Spirit and ¦ the Blessed Virgin , to their councils . The Electing Prior and his assistant then retired , either to

the sacristy or a side chaj ^ el , while the brethren implored the blessing of the Holy Spirit upon their deliberations . The two brethren , after mature consideration , , chose other two ; these four

other two , and so on , till the council numbered twelve . These twelve , from among the Chaplains , chose one to represent the person of our Lord Jesus Christ , and to maintain peace and harmony in their councils , should they be led aivay into

dispute . The twelve , who required to belong to different provinces , and consisted of eight Knights ¦ and four serving brethren , typified the twelve Apostles . The number being complete , the electors returned to the chapel , and the Electing

Prior , kneeling at the feet of the Grand Prior , implored the prayers of the brethren and himself upon their deliberations . The Chaplain then offered up a prayer , the Grand Prior again reminded them of the charge committed to their care ,

and the electors retired . Should they be unanimous in fixing upon a Knight , their resolution was communicated at once to the assembled brethren ; but , as was too often the case , a division ensued , and the Electing Prior , returning to the chapel ,

implored the prayers of the brethren to the Holy Ghost that He might send them unanimity of council . The Prior then returned to his

companions , while the brethren engaged in earnest prayer . When the electors had finally agreed upon the brother to be appointed to the vacant Grand Mastership , they returned to the chapel , and the

Electing Prior intimated that they had fixed upon a brother to rule and direct the Order , in these words : — "Beloved Sirs , give praise and thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ , and to our dear Lady Mary , and to all the Saints , that we are agreed , and

have , according to your command , chosen , in the name of God , and under the Divine guidance of the Holy Ghost , a Master for our Order . Are ye content with what we have done ? " All then

answered , " In the name of God , we are . " The Electing Prior then asked , " Do you promise to yield him obedience so long as he lives ? " " Yea , with the aid of God , " replied the brethren . The Electing Prior , turning to the Grand Prior , said ,

" Prior , if God and we have chosen thee for the Master , wilt thou promise to obey the chapter so long as thou shalt live , and to maintain the good morals and good usages of the Order ? " The Prior made answer , " Tea , with the aid of God . "

The same questions were put , and similar replies elicited from others of the Knights ; and then the Electing Prior , turning to the brother they had chosen , said , " In the name of the Father and of

the Son and of the Holy Ghost , we have chosen you , brother , for our Master , and do choose . " Then , presenting him to the Grand Prior and the other brethren , he said , "Beloved Sirs and brethren , give thanks unto God . Behold our Master !"

The Chaplains , advancing towards the altar , chanted the " Te Deum , " while the brethren , with every demonstration of respect and gladness , bore him in their arms to the sanctuary , ancl placed him before the altar , where he knelt , with the brethren

around him , while the Chaplains intoned Kyrie Bleison , Pater _ lYoster , and other devotions . The election of the Grand Master required no ratification from the Pope , as was the case in the other Orders , the choice of the chapter being conclusive . ( To be continued . )