Chapter 40. Of the Measure of Drink

EVERY one hath his proper gift from God, one after this manner, another after that. And therefore it is with some misgiving that we appoint the measure of other men’s living. Yet considering the infirmity of the weak, we think that one pint of wine a day is sufficient for each: but let those to whom God gives the endurance of abstinence know that they shall have their proper reward. If, however the situation of the place, the work, or the heat of summer require more, let it be in the power of the Superior to grant it; taking care in every thing that surfeit or drunkenness creep not in. And although we read that wine ought by no means to be the drink of monks, yet since in our times monks - cannot be persuaded of this, let us at least agree not to drink to satiety, but sparingly : because ‘‘ wine maketh even the wise to fall away.”’ But where the necessity of the place alloweth not even the aforesaid measure, but much less, or none at all, let those who dwell there bless God and not murmur. This above all we admonish, that there be no murmuring among them,