I. Ancient History of the Main Body

II. Ancient History of the Main Body--Sixth Language

III. Sixth Language, Scottish Branch, 1124-1834

IV. Ireland, 1834-1902

V. England, 1842-1902

VI. Australia

VII. America, 1841-1902

VIII. Scotland, 1834-1902

In presenting this small volume to our readers, we make no pretence of having written anything new, in so far as the ancient portion thereof is concerned. What we have endeavoured to do, and we hope with some measure of success, has been to collect information, suitable for our purpose, from all available sources, and present it to our readers in chronological order; and in a concise and readable style. For said information we are indebted to many authors, the majority of whom have long since "crossed that bourne from which no traveller can return."

As for the modern portion our information has been taken from the most reliable sources, and with the exception of a very few instances, from the original documents, which The Imperial Parent Grand Black Encampment of the Universe have kindly placed in our hands for this purpose. We are also indebted to No. 24 Encampment (Ancient St. John's, Glasgow) for allowing us free access to some of the most ancient documents existing, in connection with our Ancient and Illustrious Order of Knights of Malta.

Our sole object in undertaking this task, has been the hope of educating our Companions in the history of the Knighthood to which they belong; believing that the more a man knows of a good cause, the more he will appreciate it, and the more he will sacrifice for it.

It has been said that "knowledge is power," and if our efforts be instrumental in diffusing even a little knowledge; then we know our labours shall not have been in vain.

THE AUTHOR.