The Rule of Life

20 1 Pt 2:11). 12 Therefore, let your food be (cf. l Pt 2:11) moder- ate: such that prevents hunger, but does not fill your stomach. Food should not be prepared in an exquisite way, using vegeta- bles, herbs, roots and relishes. You will not eat meat (the sick, the weak, aged, and travelers excepted). However, butter or some fat will be allowed to be used for condiment. But, outside your houses, what will have been put before you, with God’s blessing, you will eat moderately (cf. Lk 10:8). 2. Your ordinary drink ought to be water. Should you have any other drink, it will be up to the Superior to allow you to drink it sparingly, with the exception of vodka, which is absolutely pro- hibited to you. 13 Away from the community meal or outside of the house, it is not allowed for anyone to eat or drink anything without the Superior’s permission. Frequently think: food is des- tined for the stomach, but the stomach is destined for worms. By limiting yourselves to a small amount of food, you will render your nature satisfied, your spirit – vigorous. Certainly water and bread were the staple food at the beginning of humankind. When man thus feasted, he lived longer. The abundance of meals now brings about sicknesses, shortens life, opens up hell. Certainly, that one who feasted splendidly daily was buried in hell (Lk 16:19ff. The story of the rich man and Lazarus). Be content, therefore, with little and simple food and drink. Do not murmur on this account against anyone. If the Superior would see in the Lord that he can provide something beyond two courses – espe- cially at the time of great celebrations and the monthly recre- ation 14 – then this is left to his prudence, since his authority will 12 The original is an apparent misquote: “Mortify your members which are of heaven.” 13 This prohibition was stressed by Fr. Stanislaus also on April 10, 1701 in the first addition to his Testament (cf. Positio , p. 498). Probably shortly after, in Praecepta he specifies that the use of vodka is forbidden to Marians both at home and outside “under the loss of Divine blessing” (cf. Ibid., p. 502, n. 5). This absolute abstinence from strong alcoholic drinks was in striking contrast with the prevalent customs of the Polish society of that time. Fr. Stanislaus saw how much moral, physical and material evil was caused by these customs. Hence he tried to oppose them at least by the example of his abstinence and that of his religious.