The Knights of Saint John  known as the Knights of Malta were bound by the Augustinian rule which involved  monastic vows  of chastity, poverty and obedience. They were also expected to observe the eight obligations represented by the symbol of the eight-pointed cross. The eight-pointed became the emblem of the Order and it is now well known as the Maltese cross.

The eight obligations were:

To live in truth.   To have faith.      To be sincere.   To give proof of humility.

To love justice.   To be merciful.   To endure persecution.  To repent from sins

The 8 points of  the Cross were said to represent the knightly virtues of:

TACT    PERSEVERENCE    GALLENTRY   LOYALTY   DEXTERITY    EXPLICITNESS   OBSERVATION  SYMPATHY

The eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Knights of Malta also had Eight Langs (languages)

Aragon:   Auvergne:  Castile:   England:    France:  Germany:   Italy:   Provence: