Name, the Christian.--The name received in Holy Baptism. In former
days people in general had only one name, as John, Henry, Mary,
etc., and were further known by their occupation or some other
distinctive word. But the names of trades, place, etc., thus _added
on_ to the Christian name, (_i.e._, _supra_ or _sur nomen_)
gradually became permanent _surnames_, so that now every person after
infancy and Baptism has two names, viz., a Christian name and a
surname. The Christian name we receive at our Christening, that is,
Christianing or Baptism or New Birth. It is _given_, not inherited.
It is a new name given to us in our Baptism because we then become
something new. It is given in Baptism to indicate a new relationship
to God by thus being brought into covenant with Him. We find many
examples in the Bible of new names given in connection with a change
of spiritual conditions. Thus Abram's name was changed to _Abraham_
when God made His covenant with him, and Jacob's name was changed
to _Israel_ when that covenant was renewed with him, which had been
made with Abraham. In the same way and for the same reason Christian
names have great significance. They are the sign that those who bear
them have been brought into covenant with God, that they have been
{195} made in their Baptism, "members of Christ, the children of God,
and inheritors of the kingdom of heaven." (See BAPTISM, HOLY; also
CHRISTIAN.)
Nativity of our Lord.--The Prayer Book title of the Festival of
Christmas is, "The Nativity of our Lord, or the Birthday of Christ,
commonly called CHRISTMAS DAY" (which see).
Nave.--The body of the Church building; that portion of it before the
choir or chancel, and between the aisles in which the congregation
sits. Derived from the Latin word _navis_ meaning a ship, and is
intended to symbolize "the ark of Christ's Church."
Neophyte.--A term applied in the primitive Church to the newly
baptized--"newly grafted" (which the word means) into Christianity.
It was customary for them to wear white garments at their Baptism
and for eight days after. The word is still frequently used.
New Birth.--The name which the New Testament Scriptures, and the
Church for nearly two thousand years have given to Holy Baptism,
which is the Laver of Regeneration, the new and spiritual Birth.
(See BAPTISM, HOLY; also REGENERATION.)
Nicea, Council of.--The first of the great ecumenical Councils, held
in Nice, or Nicea, A.D. 325. It was at this Council that what we
call the Nicene Creed was set forth although additional definitions
touching the Holy Ghost were inserted at the Second General Council
(the first held at Constantinople, A.D. 381) and therefore, this
form of the Faith is frequently called the Niceno-Constantinopolitan
Creed. It is to {196} be noted that this Council did not originate
the Creed or the Faith; it simply bore witness to it; its members
simply testified to what was always most surely believed among them
in their several Dioceses throughout the world. Thus the Nicene
Council simply reaffirmed the consentient voice and witness of the
Church in general. Or as St. Athanasius, who was a member of this
council, wrote concerning it, "About the Faith they wrote not 'It
seemed good,' but 'Thus believes the Catholic Church'; and therefore
they confessed how they believed, in order to show that their
sentiments were not novel, but Apostolical, and what they wrote
down was no discovery of theirs, but is the same as was taught by
the Apostles." (See COUNCIL.)
Nicene Creed.--The name commonly given to the longer of the two
Creeds set forth in the Prayer Book, from its being settled at the
COUNCIL OF NICEA (which see). It was introduced into the Liturgy,
A.D. 471. The rubric directs that it be specially recited in the
service on Christmas Day, Easter Day, Ascension Day, Whitsun Day
and Trinity Sunday; but it is always used at the Holy Communion
whenever celebrated. The Nicene is the Creed of worship; the
Apostles' the Creed of Instruction and of the Daily Offices.
Nocturns.--A name given to certain services which in ancient times
were held during the night. The Psalter was usually recited during
the three parts into which the night was divided. One of the seven
CANONICAL HOURS (which see).
Nonconformists.--A name given in England {197} to those who do not
conform to the usages and doctrines of the National Church. The
word as used now is practically synonymous with _Dissenter_.
Nones.--One of the seven CANONICAL HOURS (which see). The "ninth
hour," or 3 P. M.
North Side.--That part of the front of the Altar which is on the
right hand of the Cross, and consequently on the left of the
Celebrant as he faces the Altar; the side where the Holy Gospel is
read.
Nowell.--The old English name for Christmas; the same as _Noel_,
derived from _Natale_, meaning a birthday. It is also the old name
for a carol sung in praise of the Incarnation.
Nunc Dimittis.--The Latin title for the Song of Simeon, meaning "Now
lettest Thou (Thy servant) depart (in peace)," which is sung after
the Second Lesson at Evening Prayer in praise of the manifestation
of the Incarnate Word. It is to be found in St. Luke 2:29-32. The
Nunc Dimittis has been so used throughout the Church from the
earliest ages, being mentioned in the Apostolical Constitutions
(written in the early part of the Fifth Century) as an Evening
Canticle. There are English versions of it as early as the
Fourteenth Century. When the American Prayer Book was set forth in
1789, this beautiful hymn, for some reason, was omitted, but always
to the regret of intelligent and devout Church people. When,
however, the Prayer Book was revised in 1892 the Nunc Dimittis was
restored, so that now this ancient song continues to gladden the
hearts of the faithful and devout in the American Church as it did
the hearts of the faithful in the old time before them. {198}
O
Oblation.--The act of offering the memorial of the Body and Blood
of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, as is done in the second paragraph
of the Prayer of Consecration, entitled "The Oblation." Sometimes
this name is given to the whole office. The _Oblations_ are the Bread
and Wine placed on the Altar at the Offertory preparatory to their
Consecration.