Dewchurch Vicarage.
At the church of South Stoke, near Arundel, I have heard the clerk respond
after the Gospel: "Thanks be to God for the Holy Gospel."
At Southwick, near Brighton, the rector was wont (about four years since)
to stand up at the "Glory" in the Litany.
The Bishop of London believes bowing the head when the doxology, or
ascription of praise, is pronounced, to be a novelty in our Church (Letter
to the Knightsbridge Churchwarden, March 28, 1854). I remember an old woman
regularly attending the services of Exeter Cathedral, who was wont always
to curtsy at the "Glory." And in _The Guardian_ of April 25, W. G. T.
alludes to a parish in Staffordshire where the custom prevails. And A. W.
says:
"In the western counties of England there are many parishes where the
custom of bowing at the 'Gloria' has been universally observed by the
poor from time immemorial. I could mention parishes in Worcestershire
or Herefordshire where it has always prevailed."
It should be observed, that the custom is not to bow at the "Glory" only,
but whenever, in the course of the service, the names of the Three Persons
of the Blessed Trinity are mentioned. See Isaiah, vi. 2, 3.
I have heard sermons commenced in the name of the Holy Trinity, and ended
with "the Glory," the preacher repeating the former part and the
congregation the latter. I believe this is agreeable to very ancient use.
Can any one say whether it has anywhere been retained in our own Church?