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For among them (viz., the Egyptians) these offices which we are taught
to render to the Lord at separate hours and at intervals of time, with a
reminder from the converter, are celebrated continuously throughout the
whole day, with the addition of work, and that of their own free will. For
manual labour is incessantly practised by them in their cells in such a way
that meditation on the Psalms and the rest of the Scriptures is never
entirely omitted. And as with it at every moment they mingle suffrages and
prayers, they spend the whole day in those offices which we celebrate at
fixed times. Wherefore, except Vespers and Nocturns, there are no public
services among them in the day except on Saturday and Sunday, when they
meet together at the third hour (or the purpose of Holy Communion. For
that which is continuously offered is more than what is rendered at
intervals of time; and more acceptable as a free gift than the duties which
are performed by the compulsion of a rule: as David for this rejoices
somewhat exultingly when he says, "Freely will I sacrifice unto Thee;" and,
"Let the free will offerings of my mouth be pleasing to Thee, O Lord."
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