" Hugh the Sinner to the Knights of Christ in the Temple of Jerusalem, whose devotion makes them want to to sanctify themselves by living a religious life. Fight and win, and you will receive the crown in Christ Jesus our Lord. "
Comment by Helen J. Nicholson
Date: Probably 1119-1135. The identity the writer is unknown. This could be the theologian Hugh of St. Victor, Hugh of Payns or could be, first master of the Temple, even if the quality of Latin is considered to be too poor to Hugh of St. Victor and too good a rider as Hugh Payns. The writer has a good knowledge of the Bible, which suggests an education in the Church, but also opposes the traditional Christian idea that the only way to achieve salvation is to enter a monastery. He argues that the active life is equally pleasing to God, as the contemplative life. This suggests that the author is a knight.
The writer begins urging the Templars to remain in their current vocation. Citing the biblical texts, he explains that their function is essential to Christianity, the "body of Christ."
He goes on to explain that the devil is trying to undermine their vocation, suggesting that their motives are wrong. He justified the seizure of their booty and compared with the preachers, who are paid to preach the Gospel.
minarli Having failed in this way, then the devil tries to convince them that their calling has a less spiritual value of other vocations. If you want to progress in the spiritual life, they should leave and join a contemplative order, says the devil.
The author points out that what matters is the kind of life that leads to the order in which it already is, not what is the order in which you are located.
The writer argues a convincing case in support of active religious life, unusual for this period, when the contemplative life (a life of meditation and silent prayer without words) was the Christian ideal.
still arguing against the common belief, our writer says that the true Christian can find the necessary calm and peace in the activity of life.
The Templars must not think that God does not recognize their efforts, only because the Christians in Western Europe seem to have forgotten them.
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