OF MONASTERIES, &C. 133 



The monastic institution of which we have been 

 speaking, was first divided into two distinct orders ; 



Theinfirmarius who was to take care of the infirma- 

 ry, and of the sick monks who were carried thither, and 

 was to provide for them while living, and wash and pre- 

 pare their bodies when dead. He likewise shaved all 

 the monks belonging to the convent. 



The refectionarins, who looked after the hall, provided 

 table-cloths, napkins, towels, dishes, plates, spoons, and 

 all other necessaries for it ; even servants to wait and 

 tend there. He had likewise the keeping of the cups, 

 salts, ewers, and all the silver utensils whatsoever, be- 

 longing to the house, except the church plate. 



A bursar, who received all the common rents and rev- 

 enues of the monasteries, and paid all the common 

 expences ; these made up their accounts every year, on 

 the day after Michaelmas day. 



The chaunter, who had the care of the choir service, 

 and not only presided over the singing men, organist, 

 and choristers ; but provided books for them, paid them 

 their salaries, and repaired the organs. He had also the 

 custody of the seal, and kept the chapterbook ; and pro- 

 vided parchment and iuk, for the writers or scriptores: 

 also colours for the limners of books, for the library. 



Scriptores, or writers, in every great abbey, had a large 

 room, called the scriptorium ; where the monks made 

 it their sole business to transcribe books for the use of 

 the library. Sometimes, indeed, they wrote the ledger- 

 book of the house, and the books used in divine service ; 

 but they generally Avere employed in transcribing the 

 works of the fathers, classic histories, &c .: and so zea- 

 lous were they for this work, that they often got lands 

 given, and churches appropriated for carrying it on. 



The loquinarius, the nature of whose office is not very 

 clear ; but amongst the monks of Hales, who had pen- 

 sions, John Sylvester, kychyner, is placed before Thomas 

 Farr, cellarer. 



There were other officers, besides the fore-named. 

 There were the guardinarius, and portarius; who seem 

 to have been above common janitors j because some of 

 them were advanced to be abbots. 



