" RULE OF POOR KNIGHTHOOD OF TEMPLE " 63
brother has it for his own use, it may not be accepted without
permission. A gift to one member may be taken from him
by the Master and given to another, and, if so, the brother
to whom it was originally presented is not to feel aggrieved.
" Yea, let him know assuredly that if he be angry at such
a thing, he strives against God." Even a letter may not be
sent or received without authority. If permission is granted
to receive a letter, the Master or other officer in charge has
the right to require that it be read in his presence.
Boasting of one's failings is strictly condemned. " Since
every idle word is known to beget sin, what can be said
before the strict judge by those who brag of their own
failures? The prophet truly shows that, for the sake of
silence, we ought sometimes to refuse to speak even good
words, and how much more then, because of the punishment
of this sin, should we refuse to take the risk of speaking evil
words. Therefore do we forbid and sternly prohibit any
brother to talk, either with a brother or any others, of the
weaknesses he has shown in the world or in military affairs.
Nor shall he speak of the delights of the flesh he has had
with wretched women. Should he happen to hear any other
relate things of this kind, he should force him to keep silence,
or, at least, depart from him as soon as he can and not listen
to such conversation."
The brethren may not engage in sports such as hawking
" for it is not consonant with religion to be 'so addicted to
worldly delights "$ instead, the brethren should seek to
c< hear God's precepts, be constant in prayer, and daily confess
one's sins with sighs and tears. Let no brother presume to
accompany a man who engages in sport, either with a hawk
or any other bird ". Nor may the brethren " dare to shoot
in the woods with a long-bow or cross-bow, nor to accompany
anyone who follows such a practice, unless to guard him from
the perfidious infidel". But "the prohibition does not
extend to the roaring lion, because he goeth about seeking