ΓΠΕ KNIGHTS TEKPLAHS. 13 their military exploits as hy the splendour of their birth, to obtain from the Pope the approbation of their order, and to dispose his holiness to send succour and subsidies against the enemies of the faith, reunited in their design to destroy us, and to invade our christian territories. " Well knowing the weight of your mediation with God and his vicar upon earth, as well as with the princes and powers of Europe, we have thought fit to confide to you these two important matters, whose successful issue canuot be otherwise than most agreeable to ourselves. The statutes wc ask of yon should be so ordered and arranged as to be reconcilable with the tumult of the camp and the profession of arms ; they must, in fact, be of such a nature as to obtain favour and popularity with the christian princes. " Do you then so manage, that we may, through you, have the happiness of seeing this important affair brought to a successful issue, and address for us to heaven the incense of your prayers." * Soon after the above letter had been despatched to St. Bernard, Hugh de Payens himself proceeded to Rome, accompanied by Geoffrey de St. Aldeniar, and four other brothers of the order, viz. Brother Payen de Montdidier, Brother Goral), Brother, Geoffrey Bisol, and Brother Archambauld de St. Amand. Tlieyj were received with great honour and distinction by Pope Hono-j rius, who warmly approval of the objects and designs of the holy fraternity. St. Bernard had, in the mean time, taken the affair greatly to heart ; he negotiated with the Pope, the legate, and tbe bishops of France, and obtained the convocation of a great ecclesiastical council at Troyes, (A. D . 1128,) which Hugh de Payens and his brethren were invited to attend. This council consisted of several archbishops, bishops, and abbots, among • Ret/. Constit. et Privilcg. OnHnit Cistern, p. H7.