Sur les devoirs des chevaliers de Malte : deux ouvrages de la première moitié du XVIIIe siècle

Abstract

The spiritual aspect of the life of a Knight of St. John was of primary importance, as the ceremony of the profession of a Knight makes amply clear. However, many Knights, young and old alike, out of negligence or ignorance, often neglected their religious duties and led a worldly life. This situation worried other Knights who, having studied the Rule, recorded their observations and reflections and printed their works for the benefit of their brethren. One such work, published anonymously in Paris in 1712, was translated into Italian and published in Rome a year later. A second edition of the Italian version was published in Malta in 1758. Another work, written by the French Knight Luc de Boyer d'Argens was published at the Hague in 1739. The latter work differs from the former in that it not only dwells on the spiritual duties of the Knights but also on other duties that are of a more mundane nature, such as the knowledge they are expected to possess. It also contains some practical advice. The author concludes his work by reflecting on the ultimate duty of a Knight: that of sacrificing his life in the interests of the Order.