The Rule of Saint Benedict

On Sunday let the brethren rise earlier for Matins, in which the following order is to be observed: when six psalms and the versicle have been sung, as we have before arranged, let all sit down in proper order and let four lessons be read from the book with their responsories, in the manner before prescribed. ‘To the fourth responsory only let the cantor add the Ghria, and when he begins it let all rise at once out of reverence. After these lessons six other psalms 158 follow in order with their antiphons and a versicle as before. Then let four other lessons be read with their responsories in the same way as the former, and then three canticles out of the Prophets, appointed by the abbot: these canticles are to be sung with Alleluia.

When the versicle has been said, and the abbot has

40 THE RULE OF ST. BENEDICT

given the blessing, four more lessons from the New "Testament are to be read, in the same order as before. After the fourth responsory let the abbot begin the hymn Te Deum laudamus, and when that is finished he shall read a lesson from the Gospel, with reverence and fear, whilst all stand. At the conclusion of this let all answer Amen, and let the abbot immediately go on with the hymn Te decet /aus ; after the blessing let them begin Lauds.

This method of singing Matins on Sundays is to be observed always, as well in summer as in winter, unless perchance (which God forbid) they get up late, and the lessons or responsories have to be somewhat shortened. Let great care be taken that this shall not happen ; but if it does, let him to whose carelessness it is due make full satisfaction to God in the

oratory.

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