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Holy Rule Of Saint Benedict
CHAPTER XXII How the Monks Are to Sleep
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Let the brethren sleep singly, each in a separate bed. Let them receive
the bedding befitting their mode of life, according to the direction of
their Abbot. If it can be done, let all sleep in one apartment; but if
the number doth not allow it, let them sleep in tens or twenties with
the seniors who have charge of them. Let a light be kept burning
constantly in the cell till morning.
Let them sleep clothed and girded with cinctures or cords, that they
may be always ready; but let them not have knives at their sides whilst
they sleep, lest perchance the sleeping be wounded in their dreams; and
the sign having been given, rising without delay, let them hasten to
outstrip each other to the Work of God, yet with all gravity and
decorum. Let the younger brethren not have their beds beside each
other, but intermingled with the older ones; and rising to the Work of
God, let them gently encourage one another on account of the excuses of
the drowsy.
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