AS SANTAS-REGRAS
Bem, existe uma tradução das Santas-Regras para o nosso português, mas é coisa demais para digitar, ( e não tenho um scanner para fazer OCR) Nesse caso deixo aqui intocável a tradução de Judith Upton-Ward . Se você o tiver, ou conhecer alguém que a possui já digitada, por favor me mande via e-mail.
Mas para não haver problemas de falta de informação, eu fiz uma visão geral em poruguês extraídos de fragmentos de vários livros.
The Primitive Rule of the Templars
Trans. Mrs. Judith Upton-Ward (Reprinted by kind permission of the author)
This translation of the original, or primitive, Rule of the Templars is based on the 1886 edition of Henri de Curzon, La Régle du Temple as a Military Manual, or How to Deliver a Cavalry Charge. It represents the Rule given to the fledgling Knights of the Temple by the Council of Troyes, 1129, although "it must not be forgotten that the Order had been in existence for several years and had built up its own traditions and customs before Hugues de Payens' appearance at the Council of Troyes. To a considerable extent, then, the Primitive Rule is based upon existing practices." (Upton-Ward, p. 11)
This translation is excerpted from Judith Upton-Ward's The Rule of the Templars, Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 1992, and is reprinted here with permission. The Rule of the Templars includes an introduction by Upton-Ward; it also contains the Templars' Primitive Rule and the Hierarchical Statutes; regulations governing penances, conventual life, the holding of ordinary chapters, and reception into the Order; and an appendix by Matthew Bennett, "La Régle du Temple as a Military Manual, or How to Deliver a Cavalry Charge." The book is highly recommended to those interested in the Templars or any other military order. It is now available in paperback.
The notes to the Primitive Rule, supplied by Mrs. Upton-Ward in The Rule of the Templars, are not included below. They are of considerable interest and should be consulted by those wishing to study the Rule in more detail, however.
The Primitive Rule
Here begins the prologue to the Rule of Temple
1. We speak firstly to all those who secretly despise their own will and desire with a
pure heart to serve the sovereign king as a knight and with studious care desire to wear,
and wear permanently, the very noble armour of obedience. And therefore we admonish you,
you who until now have led the lives of secular knights, in which Jesus Christ was not the
cause, but which you embraced for human favour only, to follow those whom God has chosen
from the mass of perdition and whom he has ordered through his gracious mercy to defend
the Holy Church, and that you hasten to join them forever.
2. Above all things, whosoever would be a knight of Christ, choosing such holy orders, you
in your profession of faith must unite pure diligence and firm perseverence, which is so
worthy and so holy, and is known to be so noble, that if it is preserved untainted for
ever, you will deserve to keep company with the martyrs who gave their souls for Jesus
Christ. In this religious order has flourished and is revitalised the order of knighthood.
This knighthood despised the love of justice that constitutes its duties and did not do
what it should, that is defend the poor, widows, orphans and churches, but strove to
plunder, despoil and kill. God works well with us and our saviour Jesus Christ; He has
sent his friends from the Holy City of Jerusalem to the marches of France and Burgundy,
who for our salvation and the spread of the true faith do not cease to offer their souls
to God, a welcome sacrifice.
3. Then we, in all joy and all brotherhood, at the request of Master Hugues de Payens, by
whom the aforementioned knighthood was founded by the grace of the Holy Spirit, assembled
at Troyes from divers provinces beyond the mountains on the feast of my lord St Hilary, in
the year of the incarnation of Jesus Christ 1128, in the ninth year after the founding of
the aforesaid knighthood. And the conduct and beginnings of the Order of Knighthood we
heard in common chapter from the lips of the aforementioned Master, Brother Hugues de
Payens; and according to the limitations of our understanding what seemed to us good and
beneficial we praised, and what seemed wrong we eschewed.
4. And all that took place at that council cannot be told nor recounted; and so that it
should not be taken lightly by us, but considered in wise prudence, we left it to the
discretion of both our honourable father lord Honorius and of the noble patriarch of
Jerusalem, Stephen, who knew the affairs of the East and of the Poor Knights of Christ, by
the advice of the common council we praised it unanimously. Although a great number of
religious fathers who assembled at that council praised the authority of our words,
nevertheless we should not pass over in silence the true sentences and judgements which
they pronounced.
5. Therefore I, Jean Michel, to whom was entrusted and confided that divine office, by the
grace of God served as the humble scribe of the present document by order of the council
and of the venerable father Bernard, abbot of Clairvaux.
The Names of the Fathers who Attended the Council
6. First was Matthew, bishop of Albano, by the grace of God legate of the Holy Church of
Rome; R[enaud], archbishop of Reims; H(enri), archbishop of Sens; and then their
suffragans: G(ocelin], bishop of Soissons; the bishop of Paris; the bishop of Troyes; the
bishop of Orlèans; the bishop of Auxerre; the bishop of Meaux; the bishop of Chalons; the
bishop of Laon; the bishop of Beauvais; the abbot of Vèzelay, who was later made
archbishop of Lyon and legate of the Church of Rome; the abbot of Cîteaux; the abbot of
Pontigny; the abbot of Trois-Fontaines; the abbot of St Denis de Reims; the abbot of
St-Etienne de Dijon; the abbot of Molesmes; the above-named B[ernard], abbot of Clairvaux:
whose words the aforementioned praised liberally. Also present were master Aubri de Reims;
master Fulcher and several others whom it would be tedious to record. And of the others
who have not been listed it seems profitable to furnish guarantees in this matter, that
they are lovers of truth: they are count Theobald; the count of Nevers; Andrè de
Baudemant. These were at the council and acted in such a manner that by perfect, studious
care they sought out that which was fine and disapproved that which did not seem right.
7. And also present was Brother Hugues de Payens, Master of the Knighthood, with some of
his brothers whom he had brought with him. They were Brother Roland, Brother Godefroy, and
Brother Geoffroi Bisot, Brother Payen de Montdidier, Brother Archambaut de Saint-Amand.
The same Master Hugues with his followers related to the above-named fathers the customs
and observances of their humble beginnings and of the one who said: Ego principium qui et
loquor vobis, that is to say: 'I who speak to you am the beginning,' according to one's
memory.
8. It pleased the common council that the deliberations which were made there and the
consideration of the Holy Scriptures which were diligently examined with the wisdom of my
lord H[onorius], pope of the Holy Church of Rome, and of the patriarch of Jerusalem and
with the assent of the chapter, together with the agreement of the Poor Knights of Christ
of the Temple which is in Jerusalem, should be put in writing and not forgotten,
steadfastly kept so that by an upright life one may come to his creator; the compassion of
which Lord [is sweeter] than honey when compared with God; whose mercy resembles oine, and
permits us to come to Him whom they desire to serve. Per infinita seculorum secula. Amen
Here Begins the Rule of the Poor Knighthood of the Temple
9. You who renounce your own wills, and you others serving the sovereign king with horses
and arms, for the salvation of your souls, for a fixed term, strive everywhere with pure
desire to hear matins and the entire service according to canonical law and the customs of
the regular masters of the Holy City of Jerusalem. 0 you venerable brothers, similarly God
is with you, if you promise to despise the deceitful world in perpetual love of God, and
scorn the temptations of your body: sustained by the food of God and watered and
instructed in the commandments of Our Lord, at the end of the divine office, none should
fear to go into battle if he henceforth wears the tonsure.
10. But if any brother is sent through the work of the house and of Christianity in the
East--something we believe will happen often--and cannot hear the divine office, he should
say instead of matins thirteen paternosters; seven for each hour and nine for vespers. And
together we all order him to do so. But those who are sent for such a reason and cannot
come at the hours set to hear the divine office, if possible the set hours should not be
omitted, in order to render to God his due.
The Manner in which Brothers should be Received
11. If any secular knight, or any other man, wishes to leave the mass of perdition and
abandon that secular life and choose your communal life, do not consent to receive him
immediately, for thus said my lord St Paul: Probate spiritus si ex Deo sunt. That is to
say: 'Test the soul to see if it comes from God.' Rather, if the company of the brothers
is to be granted to him, let the Rule be read to him, and if he wishes to studiously obey
the commandments of the Rule, and if it pleases the Master and the brothers to receive
him, let him reveal his wish and desire before all the brothers assembled in chapter and
let him make his request with a pure heart.
On Excommunicated Knights
12. Where you know excommunicated knights to be gathered, there we command you to go; and
if anyone there wishes to join the order of knighthood from regions overseas, you should
not consider worldly gain so much as the eternal salvation of his soul. We order him to be
received on condition that he come before the bishop of that province and make his
intention known to him. And when the bishop has heard and absolved him, he should send him
to the Master and brothers of the Temple, and if his life is honest and worthy of their
company, if he seems good to the Master and brothers, let him be mercifully received; and
if he should die in the meanwhile, through the anguish and torment he has suffered, let
him be given all the benefits of the brotherhood due to one of the Poor Knights of the
Temple.
13. Under no other circumstances should the brothers of the Temple share the company of an
obviously-excommunicated man, nor take his own things; and this we prohibit strongly
because it would be a fearful thing if they were excommunicated like him. But if he is
only forbidden to hear the divine office, it is certainly possible to keep company with
him and take his property for charity with the permission of their commander.
On Not Receiving Children
14. Although the rule of the holy fathers allows the receiving of children into a
religious life, we do not advise you to do this. For he who wishes to give his child
eternally to the order of knighthood should bring him up until such time as he is able to
bear arms with vigour, and rid the land of the enemies of Jesus Christ. Then let the
mother and father lead him to the house and make his request known to the brothers; and it
is much better if he does not take the vow when he is a child, but when he is older, and
it is better if he does not regret it than if he regrets it. And henceforth let him be put
to the test according to the wisdom of the Master and brothers and according to the
honesty of the life of the one who asks to be admitted to the brotherhood.
On Brothers who Stand Too Long in Chapel
15. It has been made known to us and we heard it from true witnesses that immoderately and
without restraint you hear the divine service whilst standing. We do not ordain that you
behave in this manner, on the contrary we disapprove of it. But we command that the strong
as well as the weak, to avoid a fuss, should sing the psalm which is called Venite, with
the invitatory and the hymn sitting down, and say their prayers in silence, softly and not
loudly, so that the proclaimer does not disturb the prayers of the other brothers.
16. But at the end of the psalms, when the Gloria patri is sung, through reverence for the
Holy Trinity, you will rise and bow towards the altar, while the weak and ill will incline
their heads. So we command; and when the explanation of the Gospels is read, and the Te
deum laudamus is sung, and while all the lauds are sung, and the matins are finished, you
will be on your feet. In such a manner we command you likewise to be on your feet at
matins and at all the hours of Our Lady.
On the Brothers' Dress
17. We command that all the brothers' habits should always be of one colour, that is white
or black or brown. And we grant to all knight brothers in winter and in summer if
possible, white cloaks; and no-one who does not belong to the aforementioned Knights of
Christ is allowed to have a white cloak, so that those who have abandoned the life of
darkness will recognise each other as being reconciled to their creator by the sign of the
white habits: which signifies purity and complete chastity. Chastity is certitude of heart
and healthiness of body. For if any brother does not take the vow of chastity he cannot
come to eternal rest nor see God, by the promise of the apostle who said: Pacem sectamini
cum omnibus et castimoniam sine qua nemo Deum videbit. That is to say: 'Strive to bring
peace to all, keep chaste, without which no-one can see God.'
18. But these robes should be without any finery and without any show of pride. And so we
ordain that no brother will have a piece of fur on his clothes, nor anything else which
belongs to the usages of the body, not even a blanket unless it is of lamb's wool or
sheep's wool. We command all to have the same, so that each can dress and undress, and put
on and take off his boots easily. And the Draper or the one who is in his place should
studiously reflect and take care to have the reward of God in all the above-mentioned
things, so that the eyes of the envious and evil-tongued cannot observe that the robes are
too long or too short; but he should distribute them so that they fit those who must wear
them, according to the size of each one.
19. And if any brother out of a feeling of pride or arrogance wishes to have as his due a
better and finer habit, let him be given the worst. And those who receive new robes must
immediately return the old ones, to be given to the squires and sergeants and often to the
poor, according to what seems good to the one who holds that office.
On Shirts
20. Among the other things, we mercifully rule that, because of the great intensity of the
heat which exists in the East, from Easter to All Saints, through compassion and in no way
as a right, a linen shirt shalt be given to any brother who wishes to wear it.
On Bed Linen
21. We command by common consent that each man shall have clothes and bed linen according
to the discretion of the Master. It is our intention that apart from a mattress, one
bolster and one blanket should be sufficient for each; and he who lacks one of these may
have a rug, and he may use a linen blanket at all times, that is to say with a soft pile.
And they will at all times sleep dressed in shirt and breeches and shoes and belts, and
where they sleep shall be lit until morning. And the Draper should ensure that the
brothers are so well tonsured that they may be examined from the front and from behind;
and we command you to firmly adhere to this same conduct with respect to beards and
moustaches, so that no excess may be noted on their bodies.
On Pointed Shoes' and Shoe-Laces
22. We prohibit pointed shoes and shoe-laces and forbid any brother to wear them; nor do
we permit them to those who serve the house for a fixed term; rather we forbid them to
have shoes with points or laces under any circumstances. For it is manifest and well known
that these abominable things belong to pagans. Nor should they wear their hair or their
habits too long. For those who serve the sovereign creator must of necessity be born
within and without through the promise of God himself who said: Estote mundi quia ego
mundus sum. That is to say: 'Be born as I am born.'
How They Should Eat
23. In the palace, or what should rather be called the refectory, they should eat
together. But if you are in need of anything because you are not accustomed to the signs
used by other men of religion, quietly and privately you should ask for what you need at
table, with all humility and submission. For the apostle said: Manduca panem tuum cum
silentio. That is to say: 'Eat your bread in silence.' And the psalmist: Posui ori meo
custodiam. That is to say: 'I held my tongue.' That is, 'I thought my tongue would fail
me.' That is, 'I held my tongue so that I should speak no ill.'
On the Reading of the Lesson
24. Always, at the convent's dinner and supper, let the Holy Scripture be read, if
possible. If we love God and all His holy words and His holy commandments, we should
desire to listen attentively; the reader of the lesson will tell you to keep silent before
he begins to read.
On Bowls and Drinking Vessels
25. Because of the shortage of bowls, the brothers will eat in pairs, so that one may
study the other more closely, and so that neither austerity nor secret abstinence is
introduced into the communal meal. And it seems just to us that each brother should have
the same ration of wine in his cup.
On the Eating of Meat
26. It should be sufficient for you to eat meat three times a week, except at Christmas,
All Saints, the Assumption and the feast of the twelve apostles. For it is understood that
the custom of eating flesh corrupts the body. But if a fast when meat must be forgone
falls on a Tuesday, the next day let it be given to the brothers in plenty. And on Sundays
all the brothers of the Temple, the chaplains and the clerks shall be given two meat meals
in honour of the holy resurrection of Jesus Christ. And the rest of the household, that is
to say the squires and sergeants, shall be content with one meal and shall be thankful to
God for it.
On Weekday Meals
27. On the other days of the week, that is Mondays, Wednesdays and even Saturdays, the
brothers shall have two or three meals of vegetables or other dishes eaten with bread; and
we intend that this should be sufficient and command that it should be adhered to. For he
who does not eat one meal shall eat the other.
On Friday Meals
28. On Fridays, let lenten meat be given communally to the whole congregation, out of
reverence for the passion of Jesus Christ; and you will fast from All Saints until Easter,
except for Christmas Day, the Assumption and the feast of the twelve apostles. But weak
and sick brothers shall not be kept to this. From Easter to All Saints they may eat twice,
as long as there is no general fast.
On Saying Grace
29. Always after every dinner and supper all the brothers should give thanks to God in
silence, if the church is near to the palace where they eat, and if it is not nearby, in
the place itself. With a humble heart they should give thanks to Jesus Christ who is the
Lord Provider. Let the remains of the broken bread be given to the poor and whole loaves
be kept. Although the reward of the poor, which is the kingdom of heaven, should be given
to the poor without hesitation, and the Christian faith doubtless recognises you among
them, we ordain that a tenth part of the bread be given to your Almoner.
On Taking Collation
30. When daylight fades and night falls listen to the signal of the bell or the call to
prayers, according to the customs of the country, and all go to compline. But we command
you first to take collation; although we place this light meal under the arbitration and
discretion of the Master. When he wants water and when he orders, out of mercy, diluted
wine, let it be given sensibly. Truly, it should not be taken to excess, but in
moderation. For Solomon said: Quia vinum facit apostatare sapientes.ÃÃ ÄÄThat is to
say that wine corrupts the wise.
On Keeping Silence
31. When the brothers come out of compline they have no permission to speak openly except
in an emergency. But let each go to his bed quietly and in silence, and if he needs to
speak to his squire, he should say what he has to say softly and quietly. But if by
chance, as they come out of compline, the knighthood or the house has a serious problem
which must be solved before morning, we intend that the Master or a party of elder
brothers who govern the Order under the Master, may speak appropriately. And for this
reason we command that it should be done in such a manner.
32. For it is written: In multiloquio non effugies peccatum. That is to say that to talk
too much is not without sin. And elsewhere: Mors et vita in manibus lingue. That is to
say: 'Life and death are in the power of the tongue.' And during that conversation we
altogether prohibit idle words and wicked bursts of laughter. And if anything is said
during that conversation that should not be said, when you go to bed we command you to say
the paternoster prayer in all humility and pure devotion.
On Ailing Brothers
33. Brothers who suffer illness through the work of the house may be allowed to rise at
matins with the agreement and permission of the Master or of those who are charged with
that office. But they should say instead of matins thirteen paternosters, as is
established above, in such a manner that the words reflect the heart. Thus said David:
Psallite sapienter. That is to say: 'Sing wisely.' And elsewhere the same David said: In
conspectu Angelorum psallam tibi. That is to say: 'I will sing to you before the angels.'
And let this thing be at all times at the discretion of the Master or of those who are
charged with that office.
On the Communal Life
34. One reads in the Holy Scriptures: Dividebatur singulis prout cuique opus erat. That is
to say that to each was given according to his need. For this reason we say that no-one
should be elevated among you, but all should take care of the sick; and he who is less ill
should thank God and not be troubled; and let whoever is worse humble himself through his
infirmity and not become proud through pity. In this way all members will live in peace.
And we forbid anyone to embrace excessive abstinence; but firmly keep the communal life.
On the Master
35. The Master may give to whomsoever he pleases the horse and armour and whatever he
likes of another brother, and the brother to whom the given thing belongs should not
become vexed or angry: for be certain that if he becomes angry he will go against God.
On Giving Counsel
36. Let only those brothers whom the Master knows will give wise and beneficial advice be
called to the council; for this we command, and by no means everyone should be chosen. For
when it happens that they wish to treat serious matters like the giving of communal land,
or to speak of the affairs of the house, or receive a brother, then if the Master wishes,
it is appropriate to assemble the entire congregation to hear the advice of the whole
chapter; and what seems to the Master best and most beneficial, let him do it.
On Brothers Sent Overseas
37. Brothers who are sent throughout divers countries of the world should endeavour to
keep the commandments of the Rule according to their ability and live without reproach
with regard to meat and wine, etc. so that they may receive a good report from outsiders
and not sully by deed or word the precepts of the Order, and so that they may set an
example of good works and wisdom; above all so that those with whom they associate and
those in whose inns they lodge may be bestowed with honour. And if possible, the house
where they sleep and take lodging should not be without light at night, so that shadowy
enemies may not lead them to wickedness, which God forbids them.
On Keeping the Peace
38. Each brother should ensure that he does not incite another brother to wrath or anger,
for the sovereign mercy of God holds the strong and weak brother equal, in the name of
charity.
How the Brothers Should Go About
39. In order to carry out their holy duties and gain the glory of the Lord's joy and to
escape the fear of hell-fire, it is fitting that all brothers who are professed strictly
obey their Master. For nothing is dearer to Jesus Christ than obedience. For as soon as
something is commanded by the Master or by him to whom the Master has given the authority,
it should be done without delay as though Christ himself had commanded it. For thus said
Jesus Christ through the mouth of David, and it is true: Ob auditu auris obedivit mihi.
That is to say: 'He obeyed me as soon as he heard me.'
40. For this reason we pray and firmly command the knight brothers who have abandoned
their own wills and all the others who serve for a fixed term not to presume to go out
into the town or city without the permission of the Master or of the one who is given that
office; except at night to the Sepulchre and the places of prayer which lie within the
walls of the city of Jerusalem.
41. There, brothers may go in pairs, but otherwise may not go out by day or night; and
when they have stopped at an inn, neither brother nor squire nor sergeant may go to
another's lodging to see or speak to him without permission, as is said above. We command
by common consent that in this Order which is ruled by God, no brother should fight or
rest according to his own will, but according to the orders of the Master, to whom all
should submit, that they may follow this pronouncement of Jesus Christ who said: Non veni
facere voluntatem meam, sed ejus que misit me, patris. That is to say: 'I did not come to
do my own will, but the will of my father who sent me.'
How they should Effect an Exchange
42. Without permission from the Master or from the one who holds that office, let no
brother exchange one thing for another, nor ask to, unless it is a small or petty thing.
On Locks
43. Without permission from the Master or from the one who holds that office, let no
brother have a lockable purse or bag; but commanders of houses or provinces and Masters
shall not be held to this. Without the consent of the Master or of his commander, let no
brother have letters from his relatives or any other person; but if he has permission, and
if it please the Master or the commander, the letters may be read to him.
On Secular Gifts
44. If anything which cannot be conserved, like meat, is given to any brother by a secular
person in thanks, he should present it to the Master or the Commander of Victuals. But if
it happens that any of his friends or relatives has something that they wish to give only
to him, let him not take it without the permission of the Master or of the one who holds
that office. Moreover, if the brother is sent any other thing by his relatives, let him
not take it without the permission of the Master or of the one who holds that office. We
do not wish the commanders or baillis, who are especially charged to carry out this
office, to be held to this aforementioned rule.
On Faults
45. If any brother, in speaking or soldiering, or in any other way commits a slight sin,
he himself should willingly make known the fault to the Master, to make amends with a pure
heart. And if he does not usually fail in this way let him be given a light penance, but
if the fault is very serious let him go apart from the company of the brothers so that he
does not eat or drink at any table with them, but all alone; and he should submit to the
mercy and judgement of the Master and brothers, that he may be saved on the Day of
Judgement.
On Serious Faults
46. Above all things, we should ensure that no brother, powerful or not powerful, strong
or weak, who wishes to promote himself gradually and become proud and defend his crime,
remain unpunished. But if he does not wish to atone for it let him be given a harsher
punishment. And if by pious counsel prayers are said to God for him, and he does not wish
to make amends, but wishes to boast more and more of it, let him be uprooted from the
pious flock; according to the apostle who says: Auferte malum ex vobis. That is to say:
'Remove the wicked from among you.' It is necessary for you to remove the wicked sheep
from the company of faithful brothers.
47. Moreover the Master, who should hold in his hand the staff and rod- the staff with
which to sustain the weaknesses and strengths of others; the rod with which to beat the
vices of those who sin--for love of justice by counsel of the patriarch, should take care
to do this. But also, as my lord St Maxime said: 'May the leniency be no greater than the
fault; nor excessive punishment cause the sinner to return to evil deeds.'
On Rumour
48. We command you by divine counsel to avoid a plague: envy, rumour, spite, slander. So
each one should zealously guard against what the apostle said: Ne sis criminator et
susurro in populo. That is to say: 'Do not accuse or malign the people of God.' But when a
brother knows for certain that his fellow brother has sinned, quietly and with fraternal
mercy let him be chastised privately between the two of them, and if he does not wish to
listen, another brother should be called, and if he scorns them both he should recant
openly before the whole chapter. Those who disparage others suffer from a terrible
blindness and many are full of great sorrow that they do not guard against harbouring envy
towards others; by which they shall be plunged into the ancient wickedness of the devil.
Let None Take Pride in his Faults
49. Although all idle words are generally known to be sinful, they will be spoken by those
who take pride in their own sin before the strict judge Jesus Christ; which is
demonstrated by what David said: Obmutui et silui a bonis. That is to say that one should
refrain from speaking even good, and observe silence. Likewise one should guard against
speaking evil, in order to escape the penalty of sin. We prohibit and firmly forbid any
brother to recount to another brother nor to anyone else the brave deeds he has done in
secular life, which should rather be called follies committed in the performance of
knightly duties, and the pleasures of the flesh that he has had with immoral women; and if
it happens that he hears them being told by another brother, he should immediately silence
him; and if he cannot do this, he should straightaway leave that place and not give his
heart's ear to the pedlar of filth.
Let None Ask
50. This custom among the others we command you to adhere to strictly and firmly: that no
brother should explicitly ask for the horse or armour of another. It will therefore be
done in this manner: if the infirmity of the brother or the frailty of his animals or his
armour is known to be such that the brother cannot go out to do the work of the house
without harm, let him go to the Master, or to the one who is in his place in that office
after the Master, and make the situation known to him in pure faith and true fraternity,
and henceforth remain at the disposal of the Master or of the one who holds that office.
On Animals and Squires
51. Each knight brother may have three horses and no more without the permission of the
Master, because of the great poverty which exists at the present time in the house of God
and of the Temple of Solomon. To each knight brother we grant three horses and one squire,
and if that squire willingly serves charity, the brother should not beat him for any sin
he commits.
That No Brother May Have an Ornate Bridle
52. We utterly forbid any brother to have gold or silver on his bridle, nor on his
stirrups, nor on his spurs. That is, if he buys them; but if it happens that a harness is
given to him in charity which is so old that the gold or silver is tarnished, that the
resplendent beauty is not seen by others nor pride taken in them: then he may have them.
But if he is given new equipment let the Master deal with it as he sees fit.
On Lance Covers
53. Let no brother have a cover on his shield or his lance, for it is no advantage, on the
contrary we understand that it would be very harmful.
On Food Bags
54. This command which is established by us it is beneficial for all to keep and for this
reason we ordain that it be kept henceforth, and that no brother may make a food bag of
linen or wool, principally, or anything else except a profinel.
On Hunting
55. We collectively forbid any brother to hunt a bird with another bird. It is not fitting
for a man of religion to succumb to pleasures, but to hear willingly the commandments of
God, to be often at prayer and each day to confess tearfully to God in his prayers the
sins he has committed. No brother may presume to go particularly with a man who hunts one
bird with another. Rather it is fitting for every religious man to go simply and humbly
without laughing or talking too much, but reasonably and without raising his voice and for
this reason we command especially all brothers not to go in the woods with longbow or
crossbow to hunt animals or to accompany anyone who would do so, except out of love to
save him from faithless pagans. Nor should you go after dogs, nor shout or chatter, nor
spur on a horse out of a desire to capture a wild beast.
On the Lion
56. It is the truth that you especially are charged with the duty of giving your souls for
your brothers, as did Jesus Christ, and of defending the land from the unbelieving pagans
who are the enemies of the son of the Virgin Mary. This above-mentioned prohibition of
hunting is by no means intended to include the lion, for he comes encircling and searching
for what he can devour, his hands against every man and every man's hand against him.
How They May Have Lands and Men
57. This kind of new order we believe was born out of the Holy Scriptures and divine
providence in the Holy Land of the Fast. That is to say that this armed company of knights
may kill the enemies of the cross without sinning. For this reason we judge you to be
rightly called knights of the Temple, with the double merit and beauty of probity, and
that you may have lands and keep men, villeins and fields and govern them justly, and take
your right to them as it is specifically established.
On Tithes
58. You who have abandoned the pleasant riches of this world, we believe you to have
willingly subjected yourselves to poverty; therefore we are resolved that you who live the
communal life may receive tithes. If the bishop of the place, to whom the tithe should be
rendered by right, wishes to give it to you out of charity, with the consent of his
chapter he may give those tithes which the Church possesses. Moreover, if any layman keeps
the tithes of his patrimony, to his detriment and against the Church, and wishes to leave
them to you, he may do so with the permission of the prelate and his chapter.
On Giving Judgement
59. We know, because we have seen it, that persecutors and people who like quarrels and
endeavour to cruelly torment those faithful to the Holy Church and their friends, are
without number. By the clear judgement of our council, we command that if there is anyone
in the parties of the East or anywhere else who asks anything of you, for faithful men and
love of truth you should judge the thing, if the other party wishes to allow it. This same
commandment should be kept at all times when something is stolen from you.
On Elderly Brothers
60. We command by pious counsel that ageing and weak brothers be honoured with diligence
and given consideration according to their frailty; and, kept well by the authority of the
Rule in those things which are necessary to their physical welfare, should in no way be in
distress.
On Sick Brothers
61. Let sick brothers be given consideration and care and be served according to the
saying of the evangelist and Jesus Christ: Infirmus fui et visitastis me. That is to say:
'I was sick and you visited me'; and let this not be forgotten. For those brothers who are
wretched should be treated quietly and with care, for which service, carried out without
hesitation, you will gain the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore we command the Infirmarer to studiously and faithfully provide those things
which are necessary to the various sick brothers, such as meat, flesh, birds and all other
foods which bring good health, according to the means and the ability of the house.
On Deceased Brothers
62. When any brother passes from life to death, a thing from which no one is exempt, we
command you to sing mass for his soul with a pure heart, and have the divine office
performed by the priests who serve the sovereign king and you who serve charity for a
fixed term and all the brothers who are present where the body lies and serve for a fixed
term should say one hundred paternosters during the next seven days. And all the brothers
who are under the command of that house where the brother has passed away should say the
hundred paternosters, as is said above, afrer the death of the brother is known, by God's
mercy. Also we pray and command by pastoral authority that a pauper be fed with meat and
wine for forty days in memory of the dead brother, just as if he were alive. We expressly
forbid all other offerings which used to be made at will and without discretion by the
Poor Knights of the Temple on the death of brothers, at the feast of Easter and at other
feasts.
63. Moreover, you should profess your faith with a pure heart night and day that you may
be compared in this respect to the wisest of all the prophets, who said: Calicem salutaris
accipiam. That is to say: 'I will take the cup of salvation.' Which means: 'I will avenge
the death of Jesus Christ by my death. For just as Jesus Christ gave his body for me, I am
prepared in the same way to give my soul for my brothers.' This is a suitable offering; a
living sacrifice and very pleasing to God.
On the Priests and Clerks who Serve Charity
64. The whole of the common council commands you to render all offerings and all kinds of
alms in whatever manner they may be given, to the chaplains and clerks and to others who
remain in charity for a fixed term. According to the authority of the Lord God, the
servants of the Church may have only food and clothing, and may not presume to have
anything else unless the Master wishes to give them anything willingly out of charity.
On Secular Knights
65. Those who serve out of pity and remain with you for a fixed term are knights of the
house of God and of the Temple of Solomon; therefore out of pity we pray and finally
command that if during his stay the power of God takes any one of them, for love of God
and out of brotherly mercy, one pauper be fed for seven days for the sake of his soul, and
each brother in that house should say thirty paternosters.
On Secular Knights who Serve for a Fixed Term
66. We command all secular knights who desire with a pure heart to serve Jesus Christ and
the house of the Temple of Solomon for a fixed term to faithfully buy a suitable horse and
arms, and everything that will be necessary for such work. Furthermore, we command both
parties to put a price on the horse and to put the price in writing so that it is not
forgotten; and let everything that the knight, his squire and horse need, even horseshoes,
be given out of fraternal charity according to the means of the house. If, during the
fixed term, it happens by chance that the horse dies in the service of the house, if the
house can afford to, the Master should replace it. If, at the end of his tenure, the
knight wishes to return to his own country, he should leave to the house, out of charity,
half the price of the horse, and the other half he may, if he wishes, receive from the
alms of the house.
On the Commitment of Sergeants
67. As the squires and sergeants who wish to serve charity in the house of the Temple for
the salvation of their souls and for a fixed term come from divers regions, it seems to us
beneficial that their promises be received, so that the envious enemy does not put it in
their hearts to repent of or renounce their good intentions.
On White Mantles
68. By common counsel of all the chapter we forbid and order expulsion, for common vice,
of anyone who without discretion was in the house of God and of the Knights of the Temple;
also that the sergeants and squires should not have white habits, from which custom great
harm used to come to the house; for in the regions beyond the mountains false brothers,
married men and others who said they were brothers of the Temple used to be sworn in;
while they were of the world. They brought so much shame to us and harm to the Order of
Knighthood that even their squires boasted of it; for this reason numerous scandals arose.
Therefore let them assiduously be given black robes; but if these cannot be found, they
should be given what is available in that province; or what is the least expensive, that
is burell.
On Married Brothers
69. If married men ask to be admitted to the fraternity, benefice and devotions of the
house, we permit you to receive them on the following conditions: that after their death
they leave you a part of their estate and all that they have obtained henceforth.
Meanwhile, they should lead honest lives and endeavour to act well towards the brothers.
But they should not wear white habits or cloaks; moreover, if the lord should die before
his lady, the brothers should take part of his estate and let the lady have the rest to
support her during her lifetime; for it does not seem right to us that such confréres
should live in a house with brothers who have promised chastity to God.
On Sisters
70. The company of women is a dangerous thing, for by it the old devil has led many from
the straight path to Paradise. Henceforth, let not ladies be admitted as sisters into the
house of the Temple; that is why, very dear brothers, henceforth it is not fitting to
follow this custom, that the flower of chastity is always maintained among you.
Let Them Not Have Familiarity with Women
71. We believe it to be a dangerous thing for any religious to look too much upon the face
of woman. For this reason none of you may presume to kiss a woman, be it widow, young
girl, mother, sister, aunt or any other; and henceforth the Knighthood of Jesus Christ
should avoid at all costs the embraces of women, by which men have perished many times, so
that they may remain eternally before the face of God with a pure conscience and sure
life.
Not Being Godfathers
72. We forbid all brothers henceforth to dare to raise children over the font and none
should be ashamed to refuse to be godfathers or godmothers; this shame brings more glory
than sin.
On the Commandments
73. All the commandments which are mentioned and written above in this present Rule are at
the discretion and judgement of the Master.
These are the Feast Days and Fasts that all the Brothers should Celebrate
and Observe
74. Let it be known to all present and future brothers of the Temple that they should fast
at the vigils of the twelve apostles. That is to say: St Peter and St Paul; St Andrew; St
James and St Philip; St Thomas; St Bartholomew; Sts. Simon and Jude St James; St Matthew.
The vigil of St John the Baptist; the vigil of the Ascension and the two days before, the
rogation days; the vigil of Pentecost; the ember days; the vigil of St Laurence; the vigil
of Our Lady in mid-August; the vigil of All Saints; the vigil of Epiphany. And they should
fast on all the above-mentioned days according to the commandments of Pope Innocent at the
council which took place in the city of Pisa. And if any of the above-mentioned feast days
fall on a Monday, they should fast on the preceding Saturday. If the nativity of Our Lord
falls on a Friday, the brothers should eat meat in honour of the festival. But they should
fast on the feast day of St Mark because of the Litany: for it is established by Rome for
the mortality of men. However, if it falls during the octave of Easter, they should not
fast.
These are the Feast Days which should be Observed in the House of the
Temple
75. The nativity of Our Lord; the feast of St Stephen; St John the Evangelist; the Holy
Innocents; the eighth day of Christmas, which is New Year's Day; Epiphany; St Mary
Candlemas; St Mathias the Apostle; the Annunciation of Our Lady in March; Easter and the
three days following; St George; Sts Philip and James, two apostles; the finding of the
Holy Cross; the Ascension of Our Lord; Pentecost and the two days following; St John the
Baptist; St Peter and St Paul, two apostles; St Mary Magdalene; St James the Apostle; St
Laurence; the Assumption of Our Lady; the nativity of Our Lady; the Exaltation of the Holy
Cross; St Matthew the Apostle; St Michael; Sts Simon and Jude; the feast of All Saints; St
Martin in winter; St Catherine in winter; St Andrew; St Nicholas in winter; St Thomas the
Apostle.
76. None of the lesser feasts should be kept by the house of the Temple. And we wish and
advise that this be strictly kept and adhered to: that all the brothers of the Temple
should fast from the Sunday before St Martin's to the nativity of Qur Lord, unless illness
prevents them. And if it happens that the feast of St Martin falls on a Sunday, the
brothers should go without meat on the preceding Sunday
.
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