On the Extinction of the Order of the Templars

...would oppose. See Jean de Bussieres, History of the Franks, book 9, page 228. Paulus Langius in the Chronicle of Citiz original: "Chronicon Citizense", page 784, edited by Pistorius. William of Tyre, page 820. The words of Barthélemy de Chasseneuz cited by Philipp Camerarius in Leisurely Hours original: "Horae Subcisivae," a collection of historical and philosophical essays, page 340. Bruetius's Annals for the year 1118. A Bundle of Times original: "Fasciculus temporum", page 75. Osiander, Ecclesiastical History, century 14, book 1, chapter 3. Zwinger, in the Theater of Human Life, provides a completely opposite description of the Templars' dress, as he asserts that the habit of the Templars was a black cloak with a white cross attached, volume IV, page 4131. What reason moved him to depart from the common opinion of the authors—at least those I have been able to inspect—I cannot fathom The author is pointing out that most sources describe the Templars wearing white cloaks with red crosses, whereas Theodor Zwinger uniquely claims they wore black with white crosses.

All witnesses testify universally that the Templars, both before and after the formal confirmation of the Order, excelled for a long time in such integrity of character and such fervor of piety that they not only turned the love of all people toward themselves, but even led great men, princes, and dukes to leave behind everything—all the wealth and honors that fortune had quite splendidly granted them—to join these devoted men. Jacques de Vitry A prominent 13th-century bishop and historian of the Crusades, page 1084. Godefridus in his Chronicle for the year 1118. Their piety toward pilgrims, who were their "kin in the faith," shone forth remarkably. For they received them most kindly into their guest-house and led them safely with an armed hand through the holy city and its holy places. See the words of Chasseneuz cited by Camerarius in Leisurely Hours, page 340. Godefridus in his Chronicle for the year 1307.

They vigorously cultivated bravery alongside piety, as Jacques de Vitry testifies: “The Templars,” he says, “became so formidable to the enemies of Christ’s faith that one would pursue a thousand, and two would pursue ten thousand A biblical allusion to Deuteronomy 32:30, used here to describe supernatural military success; they did not ask how many enemies there were, but rather where they were when the call to arms sounded. They were lions in war, gentle lambs at home; in the field they were fierce soldiers, in the Church like hermits and monks, and they were harsh toward the enemies of Christ...”