26. Then shall follow the Psalms in order as they are appointed. And at the end of every Psalm throughout the Year, and likewise at the end of Benedicite, Benedictus, Magnificat, and Nunc dimittis, shall be repeated.
This rubric forbids the substitution of any selected Psalms for those of the day, other than those appointed in the Table of Proper Psalms. The only exception to this rule is made by the recent provision, in the Order how the rest of Holy Scripture is appointed to be read, viz. "Upon occasions to be appointed by the Ordinary, other Psalms may, with his consent, be substituted for those appointed in the Psalter."
27. Then shall be read distinctly with an audible voice the First Lesson, taken out of the Old Testament, as is appointed in the Calendar, except there be proper Lessons assigned for that day: He that readeth so standing and turning himself, as he may best be heard of all such as are present. And after that, shall be said or sung, in English the Hymn called Te Deum Laudamus, daily throughout the Year.
The order to 'read distinctly and with an audible voice so as best to be heard of all such as are present,' is an essential part of this rubric, and enjoins that careful attention should be paid to the accurate enunciation of the words and to adequate loudness of voice. It must be remembered that the variety of Scripture lessons makes this the more important, as the people cannot be supposed to be equally familiar with all.
The direction to the reader to turn, indicates a change from the previous position, specially appropriate to prayer and praise, and a transition to a part of the Service intended to teach, and, therefore, directly addressed to the people. The expression, 'and turning himself as he may best be heard,' justifies his going to the chancel entrance, or into the nave of the church, and reading there, with or without the use of a lectern.
The alternative between the use of the Te Deum and Benedicite may be governed by the direction given in the Prayer-Book of 1549, viz. to use Te Deum "daily throughout the year, except in Lent, all which time in place of Te Deum shall be used Benedicite."
28. Note, That before every Lesson the Minister shall say, Here beginneth such a Chapter, or Verse of such a Chapter of such a Book; And after every Lesson, Here endeth the First, or the Second Lesson.
29. Or this Canticle, Benedicite, &c.
30. Then shall be read in like manner the Second Lesson, taken out of the New Testament. And after that, the Hymn following; except when that shall happen to be read in the Chapter for the Day, or for the Gospel on St. John Baptist's Day.
No liberty is here given for the omission of the Benedictus at any other times than those here specified, viz. "when it shall be read in the chapter for the day, or for the Gospel on S. John Baptist's day."