CHAPTER XLI: At what hours the Brethren are to take their Refections.
Of the measure of drink.
Every one hath his proper gift from God, one thus, another thus." [184] Therefore it is not without some misgiving, that we appoint the measure of other men's victuals. Yet considering the condition of those in weak health, we think that one pint of wine will be sufficient for each one every day. But let those upon whom God bestows the gift of abstinence know, that they shall receive the proper reward. It, however, the situation of the place, labour, or the heat of summer, require more, let the Prior do what he thinketh good; ever having a care that fullness, or gluttony creep not in. And although we read [185] :that wine is not at all the drink of Monks," yet, because in these our times, they will not be so persuaded, let us at least agree to this, not to drink to satiety, but sparingly, "Because wine maketh even the wise to fall away." [186] Where, however, the poverty of the place will not allow the appointed measure, but much less, or perhaps none at all, let those who live there praise God and murmur not. This we admonish above all things, that there never be any murmuring. __________________________________________________________________
[184] I Cor. vii. 7.
[185] In Vitis Patrum. Verba Senior: v. 4. 31.
[186] Eccli. xix. 2. __________________________________________________________________
At what hours the Brethren are to take their Refections.
From the holy Feast of Easter until Whitsuntide, let the Brethren take their refection at the sixth hour, and their supper at night. But from Whitsuntide, throughout the whole summer, let them fast on Wednesdays and Fridays till the ninth hour, unless they have to labour in the fields, or the extremity of the heat oppress them; but on other days let them dine at the sixth hour. This hour for dinner shall be continued at the discretion of the Abbot, if they have work in the fields, or the heat of summer be great. Let him so moderate and dispose all things that souls may be saved, and that what the Brethren do, may be done without just complaint. But from the thirteenth of September till the beginning of Lent, let the Brethren always take their meal at the ninth hour.
From the beginning of Lent till Easter, they shall take their meal in the evening; yet, let things be so ordered, that there be no need of lamps during the refection, but that all be done by daylight. At all times let the hour for supper and for dinner be so arranged that all things be done by daylight. __________________________________________________________________