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A candle shall be kept burning in the room until morning.


Let them sleep clothed and girded with belts or cords--
but not with their knives at their sides,
lest they cut themselves in their sleep--
and thus be always ready to rise without delay
when the signal is given
and hasten to be before one another at the Work of God,
yet with all gravity and decorum.

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CHAPTER XL
Of the Quantity of Drink

"Every one hath his proper gift from God, one after this manner and another after that" (1 Cor 7:7). It is with some hesitation, therefore, that we determine the measure of nourishment for others. However, making allowance for the weakness of the infirm, we think one hemina of wine a day is sufficient for each one. But to whom God granteth the endurance of abstinence, let them know that they will have their special reward. If the circumstances of the place, or the work, or the summer's heat should require more, let that depend on the judgment of the Superior, who must above all things see to it, that excess or drunkenness do not creep in.

Although we read that wine is not at all proper for monks, yet, because monks in our times cannot be persuaded of this, let us agree to this, at least, that we do not drink to satiety, but sparingly; because "wine maketh even wise men fall off" (Sir 19:2). But where the poverty of the place will not permit the aforesaid measure to be had, but much less, or none at all, let those who live there bless God and murmur not. This we charge above all things, that they live without murmuring.




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Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Benedict. 
Aspects of his Rule live on to this day in the tradition of all of our armed forces.
Keep in mind that when you read the Rule (that link down there) everything came from a long time ago, he died in AD 547.
http://www.kansasmonks.org/RuleOfStBenedict.html

Last edited by Veritas (07-11-2008 05:51 AM)