THE TEMPLARS. o^ we have already traced in the thirteenth century between the Mendicant Orders and the secular clergy was but the repetition of that which had long existed with respect to the Military Or- ders. These from the first were the especial favorites of the Holy See, whose policy it was to elevate them into a militia depending solely on Rome, thus rendering them an instrument in extending its influence and breaking down the independence of the local churches. Privileges and immunities were showered upon them they were exempted from tolls and tithes and taxes of all kinds their churches and houses were endowed with the right of asylum their persons enjoyed the inviolability accorded to ecclesiastics they were released from all feudal obligations and allegiance ; they were justiciable only by Eome ; bishops were forbidden to excom- municate them, and were even ordered to refer to the Roman curia all the infinite questions which arose in local quarrels. In 1255, after the misfortunes of the crusade of St. Louis, alms given to their collectors were declared to entitle the donors to Holy Land indulgences. In short, nothing was omitted by the popes that would stimulate their growth and bind them firmly to the chair of St. Peter.* Thus it was inevitable that antagonism should spring up be- tween the secular hierarchy and the Military Orders. The Tem- plars were continually complaining that the prelates were en- deavoring to oppress them, to impose exactions, and to regain by various devices the jurisdiction from which the popes had relieved them ; their right of asylum was violated ; the priests interfered with their begging collectors, and repressed and inter- cepted the pious legacies designed for them ; the customary quar- rels over burials and burial-fees were numerous, for, until the rise of the Mendicants, and even afterwards, it was a frequent thing for nobles to order their sepulture in the Temple or the Hospital. To these complaints the popes ever lent a ready ear, and the favor- itism which they manifested only gave a sharper edge to the hos- tility of the defeated prelates. In 126-4 there was a threatened rupture between the papacy and the Temple. Etienne de Sissy, Marshal of the Order and Preceptor of Apulia, refused to assist
- Rymer, Fcedera, I. 30.— Can. 10, 11, Extra, in. 30.— Prutz, op. cit. pp. 38,
46, 48, 49, 51. 52, 53, 56-6*1, 64, 76, 78-9. III.-16
