|
This canonical system of twelve Psalms, of which we have spoken, they
render easier by such bodily rest that when, after their custom, they
celebrate these services, they all, except the one who stands up in the
midst to recite the Psalms, sit in very low stalls and follow the voice of
the singer with the utmost attention of heart. For they are so worn out
with fasting and working all day and night that, unless they were. helped
by some such indulgence, they could not possibly get through this number
standing up. For they allow no time to pass idly without the performance of
some work, because not only do they strive with all earnestness to do with
their hands those things which can be done in daylight, but also with
anxious minds they examine into those sorts of work which not even the
darkness of night can put a stop to, as they hold that they will gain a far
deeper insight into subjects of spiritual contemplation With purity of
heart, the more earnestly that they devote themselves to work and labour.
And therefore they consider that a moderate allowance of canonical prayers
was divinely arranged in order that for those who are very ardent in faith
room might be left in which their never-tiring flow of virtue might spend
itself, and notwithstanding no loathing arise in their wearied and weak
bodies from too large a quantity. And so, when the offices of the canonical
prayers have been duly finished, every one returns to his own cell (which
he inhabits alone, or is allowed to share with only one other whom
partnership in work or training in discipleship and learning has joined
with him, or perhaps similarity of character has made his companion), and
again they offer with greater earnestness the same service of prayer, as
their special private sacrifice, as it were; nor do any of them give
themselves up any further to rest and sleep till when the brightness of day
comes on the labours of the day succeed the labours and meditations of the
night.
|
|