The Canticles have been sung in the Services for many centuries.
Benedictus and Benedicite are found in the Holy Communion Service—supposed to date about 600—of the Gallican Church; in the Day Hours Benedictus was sung at Lauds; Magnificat at Vespers; Nunc dimittis at Compline; Te Deum at Mattin-Lauds; Benedicite and Jubilate at Lauds on Sundays.
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The rearrangement of the Day Hours in 1549 gave an opportunity to associate the Canticles more closely with the Lessons.
We show in another chapter the connection which exists between the Lessons of the Old and New Testaments, and the alternative Canticles provided for each, both at Morning and Evening Prayer.
Meanwhile it will be well to learn the following table.
MAP OF THE LESSONS AND THEIR CANTICLES.
Character of the Lesson Mattins Evensong
O. T. Creation and Providence Benedicite Cantate*
Need of Redemption Te Deum Magnificat laudamus