Chapter Forty
CHAPTER FORTY
On the Quantity of Drink
“EVERY one hath his proper gift from God, one after this manner and another after that.” (1 Cor. 7:7). Thus, it is with some uneasiness that we determine the measure of consumption for others. Nevertheless, making allowance for the weakness of the infirm, we think one hemina of wine a day is sufficient for each man. But let those to whom God has given the strength for abstinence know that they will have their special reward. If the circumstances of the place, or the work, or the heat of summertime should require more, let that be at the discretion of the Superior who must above all things see to it that immoderation and drunkenness do not creep in.
Although we read that wine is not generally speaking proper for monks, yet, because monks in our times cannot be persuaded of this, let us at least agree to this, that we do not drink to satiety, but sparingly; because “wine maketh even wise men fall off.” (Sir. 19:2). But when the poverty of the place does not even permit the amount described above, but much less or none at all, let those who live there bless God and murmur not. This we charge above all: that they live without murmuring.