Page:The Book of Common Prayer.djvu/28

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Concerning the Service of the Church
17

which they vnderstand not; so that they have heard with their ears only, and their heart spirit and mind have not been edified thereby.

And furthermore notwithstanding that the ancient Fathers have divided the Psalms into seaven portions, whereof every one was called a Nocturn: now of late time a few of them have been daily said, and the rest vtterly omitted.

Moreover the number and hardnes of the rules, called the Pie, and the manifold changings of the service, was the cause that to turn the book only was so hard and intricate a matter, that many times there was more busines to find out what should be read, then to read it, when it was found out.

These inconveniences therefore considered, here is set forth such an order, whereby the same shall be redressed. And for a readiness in this matter, here is drawn out a Kalendar for that purpose, which is plain and easie to be vnderstood; wherein (so much as may be) the reading of holy scripture is so set forth that all things shall be don in order, without breaking one piece from another. For this cause be cutt off Anthemes, Responds, Invitatories, and such like things as did break the continual course of the reading of the Scripture.

Yet because there is no Remedy, but that of necessity there must be some Rules: therefore certein Rules are here set forth; which, as they are few in number, so they are plain, and easie to be vnderstood. So that here you haue an Order for prayer, and for the reading of the holy Scripture, much agreable to the mind and purpose of the old Fathers, and a great deal more profitable, and commodious then that, which of late was vsed. It is more profitable; because here are left out many things, whereof some are vntrue, some vncertein, some vain and superstitious; and nothing is ordeined to be read, but the very pure word of God, the holy Scriptures, or that which is agreeable to the same; and that in such a language and order as is most easie and plain for