Course 4, Chapter 8: Christianity visible. — The Office, continued

1. Of what are the matins composed?

The matins are composed of psalms, hymns, an thems, lessons, versicles and responses.*

2. What are the psalms?

The psalms are sacred canticles composed by David.

3. What is a hymn?

A hymn is a canticle in honor of God or the saints. The custom of singing hymns at prayers dates back to the origin of Christianity. They are sung standing, to show that our hearts must be raised to God, whilst our lips publish his praises.

4. \ hat is an anthem?

The word anthem signifies alternate chant, which is sung by two choirs, that respond to each other, thereby producing a holy emulation.

5. What are the lessons?

The lemons are composed of extracts from the Scriptures, the explanations of the fathers of the church, and the life of the paint ariose feast is celebrated, thereby presenting us a complete course of instruction. Thus the Scripture presents us the law, the commentaries of the holy fathers are the explanation, and the life of the saints is its illustration.

6. What are the versicles?

The versicles are short sentences taken from the holy Scriptures, by which the church proposes to < xcite our attention. For this reason they are sung by a single voice.

7. What are the responses?

The responses are the words which follow the lessons, and which express the determination we feel to put in practice the teaching contained in the let-sons, and to follow the example of the saints laid before us.

8. How do the matins terminate?

The matins terminate with the Te Deum, the admirable canticle composed by St. Ambrose and St. Augustin, which we sing in order to thank God for those mysteries of our Lord which took place during the night.

9. Which are those mysteries?

The principal are his birth, his last discourse to his apostles, his agony in the garden of Olives, and his resurrection.

10. What are the lauds?

The lauds are the last part of the office of the night. They are composed of four psalms and one canticle, to signify the sanctification of our five senses, and to warn us not to profane them during the day.