IV. All Mankind, from verse 26 to the end; this last division being
a call to mankind in general--the people of Israel, Priests and
servants of the Lord, Spirits and Souls of the Righteous, and all
"holy and humble men of heart," to praise the Lord and magnify Him
forever,--followed in Christian Worship by the _Gloria Patri_, as an
act of high praise of the holy, blessed and adorable Trinity, made
known to us by the Revelation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Benedicite was first placed in the English Prayer Book in the
year 1549, to be sung as an alternate to the Te Deum. It is usually
sung during Advent and Lent.
Benediction.--A Blessing, such as that given at the end of the
Communion Office and in the Marriage Service.
It is also the act of setting apart for sacred use that which is to
be used in the services of the Church. Reverential instinct teaches
that it is unbecoming to transfer from the shop to the Altar or
Church articles designed for holy use without first being set apart
for such purpose. Hence it is usual to bless by some appropriate
service Altar furniture, linen and other objects for holy use, that
they may be set apart from all unhallowed and common uses. Such is
the meaning of the consecration of our churches, and when new
articles are added it seems but fitting {35} that they also should
be set apart for sacred use, and this is done by an office of
Benediction. The Benediction can only be pronounced by a Bishop or
Priest.
Benedictus.--The canticle beginning "Blessed be the Lord God of
Israel," used after the Second Lesson at Morning Prayer. It is the
song uttered by Zacharias on the naming of St. John Baptist and is
found in St. Luke I:68-80. The Benedictus has been used as a
responsory canticle to the Gospel Lessons from very ancient times
as the daily memorial of the Incarnation. As such it is the proper
respond to the Second Lesson, the _Jubilate_ being simply an
alternate, to be used when the Benedictus occurs in the Lesson for
the day. During Advent it is to be sung entire; at other times only
four verses may be used.
Betrothal.--That portion of the Marriage Service in which the man
and the woman join hands and give their troth (_i.e._, truth or
promise of fidelity) each to the other. This is the Marriage Vow
and is usually said at the foot of the chancel steps, the marriage
proper (with the ring) taking place at the Altar Rail.
Bible, The English.--The English Version of the Bible as we now
have it, commonly called the "Authorized Version" was set forth A.
D. 1611. It was the work of many hands and of several generations.
The translation made by William Tyndale, A.D. 1525, is regarded as
the foundation or primary version, as the versions that followed
were substantially reproductions of it. Three successive stages
may be recognized in the work of translation; (1) The publication
of the Great Bible in 1540; (2) The Bishop's Bible of 1568 and 1572
in the reign of Elizabeth, and (3) The publication {36} of the King's
Bible in 1611 in the reign of James I. Thus the form in which the
English Bible has now been read for more than 300 years was the
result of various revisions made between 1525 and 1611. This old
and familiar version of the Bible was revised A.D. 1881 by a large
body of English and American scholars, but their revision has never
become very popular. (See LECTIONARY, also SCRIPTURES IN PRAYER
BOOK).
Bidding Prayer.--The 55th canon of the English Church in 1603
enjoined a Bidding Prayer in the form of an Exhortation to be used
before all sermons, each petition or exhortation beginning, "Let us
pray for," or "Ye shall pray for," to which the people responded.
The term "Bidding" is from the old Saxon word "Bede," meaning
_prayer_. The Litany and, also, the Prayer for the Church Militant
in the Communion Office bear some resemblance to the Bidding Prayer,
especially in the enumeration of the objects prayed for. The Bidding
Prayer is now very rarely used, although attempts have been made to
revive its use, especially in purely preaching services.
Biretta.--A black cap of peculiar shape worn by the clergy in outdoor
processions and services and sometimes in Church. When worn by a
Bishop the color is purple.
Bishop.--The highest of the three Orders of the Sacred Ministry
(Bishops, Priests and Deacons). It is derived from the Greek word
_Episcopos_, the transition being, Episcopus, Biscop, Bishop; the
"p" melting into "b." The word means _overseer_. The functions
of a Bishop are to rule his Diocese, ordain to the Ministry,
administer Confirmation, consecrate Church {37} buildings, etc. The
Bishops are the successors of the Apostles and bear the same office.
That they are not now called Apostles will appear from the following
statement: "When the Apostles, in anticipation of their approaching
death, appointed their successors in the superintendence of the
several churches which they had founded, as Timothy at Ephesus and
Titus at Crete, the title of _Apostolos_ was reserved by way of
reverence to those who had been personally sent by Christ Himself;
_Episcopos_ was assigned to those who succeeded them in the highest
office of the Church, as _overseers of Pastors_ as well as of
_flocks_; and _Presbuteros_ became the distinctive appellation of
the _second order_, so that after the first century, _no writer has
designated the office of one of this second order by the term
Episcope. This assertion cannot be controverted, and its great
significance is self-evident_." (See HOLY ORDERS, EPISCOPACY, also
MINISTRY).
Bishop's Charge--Title I, Canon 19, Sec. IX of the Canons of the
General Convention makes the following provision: "It is deemed
proper that every Bishop of this Church shall deliver, at least
once in three years, a charge to the Clergy of his Diocese, unless
prevented by reasonable cause. And it is also deemed proper that,
from time to time, he shall address to the people of his Diocese
Pastoral Letters on some points of Christian doctrine, worship or
manners." In his charge the Bishop has opportunity to speak on great
questions of the day and to emphasize that which he deems to be for
the best interests of the Church. In addition to his charge, the
Bishop is required to make an Annual Address to his Diocese in
council {38} assembled, in which he reviews the State of the
Diocese, and sets forth his official acts for the year.
Bishop Coadjutor--When a Bishop of a Diocese, by reason of old age
or other permanent cause of infirmity, or by reason of extent of
territory, is unable to discharge his Episcopal duties, one Bishop
may be elected by and for the Diocese to assist him in his work.
The title of such assistant is "Bishop Coadjutor." In case of the
death of the Bishop, the Bishop Coadjutor succeeds him in his office
and becomes Bishop of the Diocese.
Bishop, Election of.--The provisions made by the general canons of
the American Church for the election of a Bishop are as follows:
The Bishop of a Diocese is elected by the Clergy and Laity of the
Diocese in council assembled. (The method of election is different
in different Dioceses.) On a Bishop being chosen, certificates of
his election and also testimonials of his being worthy must be
signed by a constitutional majority of the convention by whom he is
elected. These, together with the approbation of his testimonials
by the House of Deputies in General Convention and its consent to
his consecration are then presented to the House of Bishops. If the
House of Bishops consent to his consecration, the Presiding Bishop
notifies the Bishop-elect of such consent. If the Bishop-elect
accepts, the Presiding Bishop then takes order for his consecration,
either by himself and two other Bishops, or by three Bishops whom
he may appoint for that purpose. In case the election takes place
during a recess of the General Convention and more than three months
before the meeting of the {39} next General Convention, then the
above certificates of election and testimonials must be submitted
to the Standing Committees of the different Dioceses. If a majority
of the Standing Committees consent to the proposed consecration,
the Presiding Bishop is notified of the fact, and the same is
communicated to all the Bishops of this church in the United States
(except those whose resignations have been accepted), and if a
majority of the Bishops consent to the consecration, the Presiding
Bishop takes order for the consecration of the Bishop-elect. It is
further ordered that "no man shall be consecrated a Bishop of this
Church until he shall be thirty years old."
Bishop, Missionary--A Bishop elected by the House of Deputies of
the General Convention, on nomination by the House of Bishops,
and consecrated to exercise Episcopal functions in States or
Territories, or parts thereof, not organized into Dioceses.
Missionary Bishops are in the same manner nominated, elected and
consecrated for the work of the Church in foreign fields.
Bishop, The Presiding.--(See PRESIDING BISHOP).
Bishop, Resignation of.--(See JURISDICTION, RESIGNATION OF).
Bishop's Visitation.--Title I, Canon 19, Sec. X of the general
canons of the American Church provides that, "Every Bishop in this
Church shall visit the Churches within his Diocese at least once
in three years, for the purpose of examining the state of his
Church, inspecting the behavior of his Clergy, administering the
Apostolic rite of Confirmation, ministering the word, and, if he
think fit, administering {40} the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
to the people committed to his charge." It is usual, however, for
the American Bishops to visit the Parishes of their Dioceses at
least once a year.
Bishopric.--The office or jurisdiction of a Bishop.
Black.--One of the Church colors; to be used only on Good Friday
and at funerals. This usage applies to the Stole as well as to the
Altar hangings. (See CHURCH COLORS).
Blessed Virgin Mary.--The title which the Church has always given
to the Mother of our Lord, and by which all devout churchmen speak
of her of whom the angel declared, "Blessed art thou among women."
"Not even the glorified Saints who have attained to the purity and
bliss of Heaven are raised to higher blessedness and purity than
that saintly maiden was whom Elizabeth was inspired to call 'the
Mother of my Lord.' This sanctity of the Blessed Virgin through her
association with her Divine Son has always been kept vividly in
view by the Church."
The perpetual Virginity of the lowly Mother of our Lord has always
been a very strong tradition among all devout Christians; a belief
which is prompted by reverence for the great mystery of the
Incarnation, and confirmed by the universal consent of the Church.
The term "brethren" of our Lord, which occurs in the New Testament
means simply kindred, according to the Jewish use of the word.
Two days are set apart to the honor of the Blessed Virgin, viz.,
The Feast of the Annunciation, March 25th, and the Feast of the
Purification, February 2d. (See articles on these Festivals.) {41}
Blessing of Peace, The.--The Benediction at the end of the Communion
Service, beginning, "The Peace of God," etc. This beautiful Benediction
is peculiar to the Anglican Liturgy, both as to form and place.
Reverence and a devout mind will not permit any one to leave the
Church before this Blessing is pronounced.
Board of Managers.--The executive committee which has charge of the
general Missions of the American Church, and which, when the Board
of Missions is not in session, exercises all the corporate powers
of THE DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY (which see).
Board of Missions.--The legislative branch of THE DOMESTIC AND
FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY (which see) and which holds its sessions
during the General Convention.
Bounden Duty.--It is thus the Prayer Book expresses the obligation
of all the Confirmed to attend and participate in the Holy Communion
whenever it is celebrated. The words occur in the Prayer of
Consecration.
Bowing.--The late Canon Liddon, in one of his sermons, said, "The
reverence of the soul is best secured when the body, its companion
and instrument, is reverent also." This truth pervades all the
Church's worship. Besides kneeling and standing, _bowing_, also, was
always and is still customary in the devotions of the true disciple.
Thus in regard to bowing towards the Altar, the 7th canon of the
English Church of 1640, which enjoins the custom, declares, "doing
reverence and obeisance both at their coming in and going out of
churches, chancels, or chapels was a most {42} ancient custom of the
Primitive Church in the purest times." Bowing at the Name of Jesus
is a very old and Scriptural custom according to the spirit of St.
Paul's words in Phil. 2:10. "At the Name of Jesus every knee should
bow," and is enjoined by the 18th canon of 1604 in these words,
"When in the time of divine service the Lord Jesus shall be
mentioned, due and lowly reverence shall be done by all persons
present." Bowing at the _Glorias_ was first introduced about 325 A.D.
as a protest against Arianism, a heresy which denied the Divinity
and coequality of God the Son.
Breaking of the Bread--One of the New Testament Names for the HOLY
COMMUNION (which see) and one of the four marks of the Church's
unbroken continuity. (Acts 2:42.)
Brotherhood of St. Andrew.--The name of an organization of men in
the Church, the object of which is the spread of Christ's Kingdom
among men. The members have two rules for their guidance (1) The
Rule of Prayer; to pray daily that the object of the Society may be
accomplished, and (2) The Rule of Service; to make an earnest effort
each week to bring at least one man within the hearing of the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. This organization has proved to be very popular
and has grown rapidly in power and influence. It began as a Parish
organization in St. James' Church, Chicago, in 1883, and proved to
be so effective in winning men to the service of the Church, that
other parishes heard of it; took up the same line of work; so that
there are now 1,173 active chapters with a membership of 12,000 men.
The Brotherhood has also been organized in {43} Canada, in England,
Scotland, and even in Australia, and in every place it is proving
to be a great help and blessing to the Church. This work was
prompted by the example of the Apostle St. Andrew. (See ANDREW,
FEAST OF ST.)
Burial.--The Burial Office set forth in the Prayer Book is intended
for the Church's own people, and therefore it cannot be used over
an unbaptized adult, because not being baptized he is not a member
of the Church. It cannot be used over an excommunicated person
because he has been cut off from the Church's privileges. It cannot
be used over one who has committed suicide, even if a member of the
Church, for by this act he has voluntarily removed himself "from
the sphere of its sanctions," and to whom all branches of the
Church as well as our own have ever denied the use of this Office.
The reason for these prohibitions may be learned when we consider
that the Burial Office is founded on the fact of our incorporation
into Christ's Mystical Body, on which is founded our hope of the
General Resurrection. The whole service is colored by this belief
and is illustrated and confirmed by the Lesson read from St. Paul's
Epistle to the Corinthians, setting forth the doctrine that our
Lord's Incarnation is the source of all spiritual life and,
therefore, the source of eternal life in the world to come.
The proper place for the use of the Burial Office is the Church and
it ought not to be used in houses except for great cause.
Burse.--A square pocket or case, in which the corporal and pall are
kept when not in use. {44}
C
Calendar.--The word "calendar" is derived from the Latin word
_calo_, meaning, to reckon. From this the first day of every Roman
month was called _Calends_, hence Calendar. Calendars are known to
have been in use at a very early date. One is still extant that was
formed as early as A.D. 336, and another drawn up for the Church
in Carthage dates from A.D. 483. The origin of Christian Calendars
is clearly coeval with the commemoration of martyrs, which began at
least as early as the martyrdom of Polycarp, A.D. 168. The Church
Calendar is set forth in the introductory portion of the Prayer
Book, consisting of several Tables giving the Holy Days of the
Church with their Proper Lessons, and also the ordinary days of the
year with the Daily Lessons. It is well to note that the Calendar
as thus set forth is the detailed law of the Church for the daily
Worship of God. There is so much stated and implied in this law it
is well worth our careful study, and the reader is referred to this
introductory portion of the Prayer Book. (See CHRISTIAN YEAR).
Candidate.--The name commonly given to one who is preparing for Holy
Baptism or Confirmation. The name is also applied to one who seeks
admission to the Sacred Ministry, and is therefore enrolled as a
"Candidate for Holy Orders."
Candlemas.--A popular name for the Feast of the Purification,
observed on February 2d, from the custom of lighting up churches
with tapers and lamps in remembrance of our Lord having been
declared {45} on this day by Simeon to be "a light to lighten
the Gentiles." (St. Luke 2:25-32.)
Canon.--A Greek word meaning _rule_, and in the usage of the Church
has various applications, as follows:
1. THE CANON OF SCRIPTURE means those books of Scripture which the
Church has received or accepted as inspired, and therefore declares
them to be canonical, to distinguish them from profane, apocryphal
or disputed books.
2. CANON LAW means the body of ecclesiastical laws enacted by the
Church for the rule and discipline of its clergy and people. There
are ecumenical canons, including the Apostolic canons of unknown
date, and the canons of the undisputed General Councils; the canons
of the English Church which are regarded as binding in this country
where they do not conflict with enactments of the American Church;
the General canons of the American Church, and the Diocesan canons
enacted by the various Dioceses.
3. THE CANON OF THE LITURGY, by which is meant the rule for the
celebration of the Holy Communion by which it is always to be
offered. This includes the Prayer of Consecration, which was formerly
called the "Canon of the Mass."
4. CANON, the name given to a clergyman connected with a cathedral;
an officer of the cathedral staff; a member of the cathedral
chapter.
Canonical--Pertaining, or according to the Canons.
Canonical Hours.--Seven stated hours appointed for devotional
exercises, viz., Nocturns, Matins with Lauds, Prime, Tierce, Sext,
Nones, and Vespers with {46} Compline. Each of the Seven Hours is
said to commemorate some point in the Passion of our Lord, as set
forth in the old rhyme,
"At _mattins_ bound, at _prime_ reviled,
Condemned to death at _tierce_,
Nailed to the Cross at _sexts_, at _nones_
His blessed side they pierced.
"They take Him down at _vesper_-tide
In grave at _compline_ lay:
Who thenceforth bids His Church observe
The sevenfold hours alway."
Canonical Residence.--By this is meant that every clergyman of the
American Church is connected with some one or other of the various
Dioceses, and is always under some Bishop. His canonical residence
begins with his ordination, or from the Bishop's acceptance of his
letter of transfer from one Diocese to another. (See DIMISSORY
LETTER).
Canticle.--A word derived from the Latin _canticulus_, meaning a
little song, from _cantus_ a song. The term is applied to the
detached Psalms and Hymns used in the services of the Church, such
as the Venite, Benedictus, Magnificat, etc.
Cantoris.--Derived from _cantor_, meaning a singer, and is used to
designate the north side of the choir, where the precentor sits.
Architecturally and ecclesiastically, the Altar is always regarded
as the _east_ whether it is so in reality or not. North side,
therefore, is the left of the Altar as we face it.
Cardinal Virtues.--(See VIRTUES, THE CARDINAL).
Cassock.--A long black coat, fastened in front and {47} reaching to
the feet, worn by the clergy with or without robes and signifying
separation from the world. The cassock is also worn by choristers
and choirmen under their surplices.
Catechism.--A short instruction set forth in the Prayer Book, "to
be learned by every person before he be brought to be confirmed by
the Bishop." The word "catechism" is derived from a Greek word,
and means literally an instruction by word of mouth of such a kind
as to draw out a reply. As it now stands, the catechism is really
an "Unfinished Fragment." It was begun in 1549, under Edward VI. It
was afterwards gradually enlarged, the commandments being given in
full in 1552; the section on the Two Sacraments was added in 1604,
and the "Duty towards my neighbor" was revised in 1662. The
Catechism, as set forth in the Prayer Book, shows five general
divisions, (1) The Christian Covenant; (2) The Christian Faith;
(3) The Christian Duty; (4) The Christian Prayer or Worship, and
(5) The Christian Sacraments or Means of Grace. The rubric at the
end of the catechism provides that "The minister of every Parish
shall diligently, upon Sundays and Holy Days, or on some other
convenient occasions, openly in the Church, instruct or examine so
many children of his Parish sent unto him, as he shall think
convenient, in some part of this Catechism." The object of this
rubric is that the minister may have opportunity to prepare the
younger members of his flock for Confirmation. The Catechism from
its comprehensive exposition of duty and doctrine and its simple,
familiar style of question and answer is well adapted for the
purpose. And on {48} all the five points enumerated the children of
the Parish may be duly instructed in their preparation for Holy
Confirmation, if parents and guardians will be guided by the next
rubric which directs them to send their children to the Minister
for instruction.
Catechumen.--The name given to a convert of the early Church who
was being instructed in Christian doctrine preparatory to Holy
Baptism.
Cathedral.--The word "cathedral," derived from the Greek word
_cathedra_, meaning a seat, is the name given to the Church where
the Bishop's seat or throne is. As such, it is the chief church in
the Diocese and the centre of the Bishop's work. Around it are
gathered the educational and charitable institutions of the Diocese.
It is the centre of Diocesan activities and of the mission work
carried on by the Cathedral clergy under the direction of the
Bishop. Of the Cathedral as an institution a recent writer has
said: "It must be granted that a Cathedral in its origin was
nothing more than a missionary creation, where the Bishop of a
partly unevangelized country placed his seat with his council of
clergy grouped around him, whose duty was to go forth into the
surrounding districts with the message of the Gospel, to plant
smaller churches which should be subordinate or parochial centres,
and to return again periodically to the Diocesan church as
headquarters, for the counsel, direction and inspiration of their
chief." (See DIOCESE).
Catholic.--The word "Catholic" was very early adopted as descriptive
of the Church founded by our Lord and His Apostles. It means
universal, or embracing all. In this sense the Church is catholic
in {49} these three things, (1) It is for all people; (2) It teaches
all the Gospel, and (3) It endures throughout all ages. This
distinguishes the Christian Church from the old Jewish Church which
was but temporal, local, national.
Again, the word Catholic is used as being descriptive of the
orthodoxy of any particular Church or individual as being in
agreement with the one, undivided Church which has expressed
itself in the Ecumenical or General Councils.
The word is, also, used to describe that which is believed on the
Authority of the Church, as for example, the doctrine of the Blessed
Trinity is a _catholic_ doctrine because it is the universally
accepted teaching of the Church and having the sure warrant of Holy
Scripture.
Thus we learn that the word _catholic_ is a very significant term
and sets forth the real nature of the Church and her teachings. It
enables us to test our own orthodoxy, to know whether we are loyal
and true, in accord with "the Faith once delivered to the Saints,"
and, without doubt, will save us from being "carried away with
every blast of vain doctrine."
This word, then, so greatly misunderstood, so wrongly used, yet
meaning what it does, ought to be used with thoughtful care. For
intelligent Churchmen the term "Catholic Church" should not mean,
nor be used to mean, simply the Roman Church, but rather that
glorious body in which we declare our belief when we say in the
Creed, "I believe in the Holy Catholic Church."
Celebrant.--He who celebrates the Holy Eucharist {50} whether
Bishop or Priest, is so called. A deacon cannot celebrate or
administer the Holy Communion.
Ceremonies.--(See RITES AND CEREMONIES).
Chalice.--The cup, made of precious metal, in which the wine is
consecrated at the Holy Communion and from which it is received by
the communicants. Derived from the Latin word _calix_, genitive,
_calicis_, meaning, a cup. (See VESSELS, SACRED).
Chalice Veil.--A square of silk embroidered and fringed, varying
in color according to the Church Season. It is used for covering
the chalice when empty.
Chancel.--That part of the Church building set apart as the place
of the Clergy and others who minister in the Church service. It
includes the Sanctuary where the Holy Communion is celebrated and
the choir where the other offices are said. The Chancel was
formerly, and is even now in many places, divided from the Nave
by a screen or lattice work (cancelli) and is raised by steps
above the level of the body of the Church.
Chancellor.--An officer of the Diocese, learned in the law, whose
duty it is to act as the legal counselor of the Bishop and of the
Standing Committee in matters affecting the interests of the
Church, as his professional counsel may be asked or required.
Chancellor is also the title of a Cathedral officer; the name is
also given to the head of a University.
Chantry.--A small chapel attached to a Parish Church where the
daily offices are said, _e_. _g_., the chantry of Grace Church,
New York. Anciently the chantry was an endowed chapel. {51}
Chasuble.--The vestment worn by the celebrant at the Holy Eucharist.
For full description see VESTMENTS.
Childermas.--The old English popular name for HOLY INNOCENTS DAY
(which see).
Chimere.--The garment worn by a Bishop, now usually of black satin,
but formerly of scarlet. It has lawn sleeves attached to it which
properly belong to the rochet, the white vestment worn underneath.
The derivation of the name is unknown.
Choir.--Properly speaking the word "choir" is an architectural term
used only of Cathedrals and is that part of the building which in
parish churches is called the chancel. It is usually separated from
the cathedral nave by a screen. The term is also used to designate
the body of singers appointed to render the music of the Church
services.
Choir, The Vested.--(See SURPLICED CHOIR).