€€ RULE OF POOR KNIGHTHOOD OF TEMPLE " 6j
the infirmities of the weak and the rod to correct the faults
of delinquents with the zeal of rectitude—must strive, with
the advice of the Patriarch and with spiritual weapons, to
act in such a manner that, as blessed Maximus says, too much
lenity does not encourage the sinner nor too great severity
harden him in his sin ".
The brethren are to sleep clothed with shirts and breeches
at all times, and must never be without light during the
night. The Master is to decide what bed and bedclothes are
to be allowed, but the authors of the Rule consider that a
mattress, a blanket, and a linen sheet are adequate. If a
brother has no mattress, he should sleep on a carpet.
Disputes of all kinds are to be shunned as the plague, and
every brother is to strive " to avoid provoking another to
wrath, for the heavenly mercy of God requires the strong
as well as the weak to live together in holy brotherhood ".
A special warning is given against slander. " Let every one
of you carefully guard himself that he do not secretly
slander his brother or accuse him, but let him consider the
words of the Apostle, c Be not thou an accuser or a whisperer
among the people', If, however, he shall know with
certainty that his brother has offended, let him be rebuked
with peace and affection according to the commandment of
the Lord. If he will not listen, he (the erring brother)
should be taken to another brother. If he ignores both, let
him publicly be reproved before all in the assembly. For
they are indeed blind who cannot refrain from spitefulness,
by which the devil subtly ensnares them."
The last paragraph is a caution against the influence of
women. u We believe it dangerous to all religion to look
too much on the face of women, and therefore no brother is
to presume to kiss widow or virgin, mother or sister, or
aunt or any other women. Let the knights of Christ shun
feminine kisses, so that with a pure conscience and holy life
they may walk for ever in the sight of God."