CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FOUR
ON THE LIFESTYLE
OF THE KNIGHTS OF THE TEMPLE
A ND NOW AS AN EXEMPLAR, or at least an embarrassment, for those of our knights who are apparently fighting not for God, but for the devil, we will briefly set forth the life and virtues of these knights of Christ: how they conduct themselves at home as well as in battle, how they appear in public, and how the knighthood of God and of the world differ from the one another.1
First, discipline is in no way lacking, and obedience is never despised. As Scripture testifies, the undisciplined son shall perish,1 and rebellion is as much a sin as witchcraft, to refuse obedience is like the crime of idolatry? They come and they go at the bidding of their superior.4 They wear what he gives them5 and do not presume to wear or to eat anything from another source.6 Both in raiment and in rations7 they shun every excess and have regard only for what is necessary. They live in cheerful community and sober company, without wives and without children. So that their evangelical perfection will lack nothing, they dwell united in one
The Rule of the Knights Templar has been edited by H. de Curzon, La Règle du Temple, Société de l'Histoire de France (Paris 1856). See also PL 166:853873 and G. Schnürer, Die Ursprüngliche Templerregel (Freiburg-im-Breisgau,
1903) 129-153. A new critical edition is in preparation.
Sir 22:3.
1 Sam 15:23.
Lk 7:8.
RB 55.
Cf. RB 51.
Cf. RB 29.7-9.
In Praise of the New Knighthood family8 with no personal property whatever,9 careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.10 You may say that the whole multitude has but one heart and one soul11 to the point that no one follows his own will, but seeks instead to follow the commander.12
They never sit in idleness or wander about aimlessly,13 but on the rare occasions when they are not on duty, they are always careful to earn their bread14 by repairing their worn armor and torn clothing, or simply by setting things to order. For the rest, they are guided by the common needs and by the will of their master.15
There is little distinction of persons among them,16 and deference is shown to ability, not to nobility.17 They rival one another in mutual consideration,18 and they carry one another's burdens, thus fulfilling the law of Christ.19 No arrogant word, no idle deed, no unrestrained laugh, not even the slightest whisper or murmur, is left uncorrected once it has been detected.20 They foreswear dice and chess, they abhor the hunt; they take no delight, as is customary, in the ridiculous cruelty of falconry.
Jesters, wizards, bards, bawdy minstrels and jousters, they despise and reject as so many vanities and deceitful follies.21 They cut their hair short, cognizant that, according to the Apostle, it is
Ps 67:7.
RB 55.16-18.
Eph 4:3.
11 Acts 4:32.
RB 4.60-61.
13 Cf. RB 48.1.
2 Thes 3:8.
RB 48.3, 11.
Rom 2:11.
17 RB 2.20-22; 63.1,7-8.
18 Rom 12:10; RB 72.4.
Gal 6:2.
RB 4.7.
Ps 39:5.
On the Lifestyle of the Knights of the Temple shameful for a man to cultivate flowing locks.22 They never dress, and seldom wash,23 their hair—content to let it appear tousled and dusty, darkened by chain mail and heat.
8. When a battle is at hand, they arm themselves interiorly with faith and exteriorly with steel rather than with gold. Thus armed and not embellished, they strike fear rather than incite greed in the enemy. They seek out strong, swift horses, rather than those which are dappled and well-plumed. They set their minds on fighting to win rather than on parading for show. They take no thought for glory but seek to be formidable rather than flamboyant. Then, too, they are not quarrelsome, reckless, or impulsively foolhardy, but they draw up their ranks deliberately, prudently, and providently, arraying themselves in the line of battle as we read about in the Fathers.24 Indeed, the true Israelites25 march into battle as men of peace.26
Yet once in the thick of battle, they set aside this earlier gentleness, as if to say, Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord; am I not disgusted with your enemies?11 These men charge the enemy, regarding the foe as sheep, never—no matter how outnumbered they are—as ruthless barbarians or as awesome hordes. Nor do they presume on their own strength,28 but trust for victory in the Lord of Saboath.29 They are mindful of the words of Maccabees,
It is simple enough for a multitude to be vanquished by a handful. It makes no difference in the sight of the God of heaven whether he grants deliverance by the hands of few or of many; for victory in war does not depend on a big army, but bravery is the gift from heaven.'30
1 Cor 11:14.
RB 36.8.
2 Mac 12:20; see also 8:23 and 1 Mac 4:41.
25 Jn 1:47.
Gen 42:31; Mt 5:9.
Ps 138:21.
28 Judg 7:2.
2 Mac 15:8; Jer 11:20.
IMac 3:18-19.
In Praise of the New Knighthood As they have on numerous occasions experienced, one man may pursue a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight.31
Thus in an astounding and unique manner they appear gentler than lambs, yet fiercer than lions. Consequently, I do not know if it would be more appropriate to refer to them as monks or as soldiers, or whether it would perhaps be better to recognize them as being both, for they lack neither monastic meekness nor military might. What can we say about this, except that this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.32 God has hand picked such troops, and from among the most valiant men of Israel he recruited from the ends of the earth servants to guard vigilantly and faithfully that sepulchre which is the bed of the true
Solomon; all bearing sword in hand, and superbly trained to war.33
Deut 32:30; 2 Mac 8:19-20.
32 Ps 117:23.
Song 3:7-8.