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nocturn; now of late time a few of them have been daily said (and oft repeated) and the rest utterly omitted. Moreover, the number and hardness 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 business to find out what should be read, than 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 Calendar for that purpose, which is plain and easy to be understanded, wherein (so much as may be) the reading of holy scripture is so set forth, that all things shall be done in order, without breaking one piece thereof from another. For this cause be cut off Anthems, 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 certain rules are here set forth, which as they be few in number, so they be plain and easy to be understanded. So that here you have an Order for Prayer (as touching the reading of holy scripture) much agreeable to the mind and purpose of the old Fathers, and a great deal more profitable and commodious than that which of late was used. It is more profitable, because here are left out many things, whereof some be untrue, some uncertain, some vain and superstitious: and is ordained nothing to be read but the very pure word of God, the holy scriptures, or that which is evidently grounded upon the same: and that in such a language and order, as is most easy and plain for the understanding, both of the readers and hearers. It is also more commodious, both for the shortness thereof, and for the plainness of the Order, and for that the rules be few and easy. Furthermore, by this Order, the Curates shall need none other books for their public service, but this book and the Bible: by the means whereof the people shall not be at so great charge for books as in time past they have been.

And where heretofore there hath been great diversity in saying and singing in churches within this realm: some following Salisbury Use, some Hereford Use, some the use of Bangor, some of York, and some of Lincoln; now from henceforth, all the whole realm shall have but one Use. And if any would judge

c understanden 1552.

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this way more painful, because that all things must be read upon the book, whereas before, by the reason of so often repetition, they could say many things by heart: if those men will weigh their labour with the profit din knowledge which daily they shall obtain by reading upon the book, they will not refuse the pain, in consideration of the great profit that shall ensue thereof.

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And forsomuch as nothing can almost be so plainly set forth, but doubts may rise in the use and practising of the same: to appease all such diversity, (if any arise,) and for the resolution of all doubts, concerning the manner how to understand, do, and execute the things contained in this book, the parties that so doubt, or diversly take any thing, shall always resort to the bishop of the diocese, who by his discretion shall take order for the quieting and appeasing of the same: so that the same order be not contrary to any thing con

tained in this book.

not contrary to any thing contained in this book. And if the bishop of the diocese be in any

doubt, then may he send for the resolution thereof unto the archbishop.

Though it be appointed in the afore written Preface, that all things shall be read and sung in the church, in the English tongue, to the end that the congregation may be thereby edified: yet it is not meant, but when men say Matins and Evensong privately, they may say the same in any language that they themselves do understand.

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And all priests and deacons shall be bound to say daily the Morning and Evening Prayer, either privately or openly, except they be letted by preaching, studying of divinity, or by some other urgent cause.

And the curate that ministereth in every parish church or chapel, being at home and not being otherwise reasonably letted, shall say the same in the parish church or chapel where

f Morning and Evening Prayer 1552.

The Table and Kalendar, expressing the Order of the Psalms and Lessons to be said at Matins and Evensong, throughout the year, except certain proper Feasts, as the Rules following more plainly declare.

he ministereth, and shall toll a bell thereto, a convenient time before he begin, that such as be disposed may come to hear God's word, and to pray with him.

The Order how the Psalter is appointed to be read.

THE Psalter shall be read through once every month: and because that some months be longer than some other be, it is thought good to make them even by this means.

To every month, as concerning this purpose, shall be appointed just thirty days.

And because January and March have one day above the said number, and February, which is placed between them both, hath only 28 days, February shall borrow of either of the months of January and March one day, and so the Psalter which shall be read in February, must be begun the last day of January, and ended the first day of March.

And whereas May, July,

August, October and December have 31 days apiece, it is ordered, that the same Psalms shall be read the last day of the said months which were read the day before: so that the Psalter may be begun again the first day of the next months ensuing.

Now to know what Psalms shall be read every day, look in the Kalendar the number that is appointed for the Psalms, and then find the same number in this Table, and upon that number shall you see what Psalms shall be said at Matins and Evensong.

And where the 119th Psalm is divided into 22 portions, and is over long to be read at one time, it is so ordered that at one time shall not be read above four or five of the said portions, as you shall perceive to be noted in this Table.

And here is also to be noted, that in this Table, and in all other parts of the service, where any Psalms are appointed, the number is expressed after the Great English Bible, which from the 9th Psalm unto the 148th Psalm (following the division of the Hebrews) doth vary in numbers from the common Latin translation.

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