178 THE KNIGHTS TEMPLARS
strength. There are numerous instructions about religious
exercises, the care of horses, the treatment of sick brethren,
and the distribution of -charity to the poor. Templars are
strictly enjoined to have no money whatsoever in their posses-
sion without authority. Brethren who in the course of their
duties must handle money and are so authorised are instructed
to keep an exact record of all their receipts and disbursements.
This is a matter of grave importance, for a brother found after
death to have unauthorised money in his possession may not
be treated as a member of the Order or receive Christian burial.
The Templars' kit consisted of two shirts, two pairs of pants
and tight-fitting breeches, a tunic, a jacket and a cape, two
mantles, and a cotton cap. In battle, the brethren wore a
hauberk and their legs were protected by chain mail 5 they had
iron shoes, iron shoulder pieces and an iron helm. Over this
they wore a surcoat, white for the knights and black for the
sergeants. Their weapons were a sword, a lance, a mace and
a dagger 5 they had a large shield, which, like the weapons of
offence, must not be painted or decorated in any way. On
the march their kit was packed in three bags, and, in addition
to weapons and spare clothing, the knight took with him a
measuring basin (for barley), two cups and flasks, a bowl, a
spoon, a bread knife, cooking cauldron, and two napkins.
The bedding consisted of a mattress, two blankets, a sheet,
and a heavy cover. The Templars slept in their shirts and
pants whether on the field or in the preceptory. The shirt
was encircled with a girdle which must always be kept
fastened.
The chaplains entered the Order for life or for a fixed
period. A priest who chose to devote himself to the Temple
for life might become a bishop, and the influence of the
Templars was such that the chaplains often obtained exceed-
ingly rapid promotion in the Church. Unlike the brethren,
the priests were cleanshaven and wore gloves. They were
given special privileges within the Order 5 their tight-fitting