Bombay.
_Sitting during the Lessons_ (Vol. ii., p. 246.).--The rubric directing the
people to stand while the Gospel is read in the Communion service, was
first inserted in the Scotch Common Prayer Book, A. D. 1637. The ancient
and more reverential practice of standing whenever any portion of God's
word is read, had not fallen into entire disuse as late as 1686, as will
appear from the following extract from _The Life of Bishop Wilson_, by
Cruttwell, prefixed to the folio edition of his works. It occurs (p. 4.)
under certain heads of advice given to that holy bishop, at the time he was
ordained deacon, by his much-esteemed friend, Archdeacon Hewetson:--
"Never to miss the church's public devotions twice a day, when
unavoidable business, or want of health, or of a church (as in
travelling), does not hinder. In church to behave himself also very
reverently; nor ever turn his back upon the altar in service time, nor
on the minister, when it can be avoided; _to stand at the lessons and
epistle as well as at the gospel_, and especially when a psalm is sung:
to bow reverently at the name of Jesus whenever it is mentioned in any
of the church's offices; to turn towards the east when the Gloria Patri
and the creeds are rehearsing; and to make obeisance at coming into,
and going out of the church, and at going up to, and coming down from,
the altar; are all ancient, commendable, and devout usages, and which
_thousands_ of good people of our Church practise at this day, and
amongst them, if he deserves to be reckoned amongst them, Thomas
Wilson's dear friend."