The Rule of St. Benedict · 15 of 69

Chapter 19: Concerning the art of singing

Whereas we believe that there is a divine presence, and that the eyes of the Lord look down everywhere upon the good and the evil: chiefly then, without any doubt, we may believe that this is the ease when we are assisting at divine service. Therefore let us always be mindful of what the prophet says: “Serve the Lord in all fear”; and again, “Sing wisely”; and, “in the sight of the angels I will sing unto thee.” Therefore let us consider how we ought to conduct ourselves before the face of the divinity and his angels; and let us so stand and sing that our voice may accord with our intention.