PREFACE.

It seems somewhat singular that a subject of such special interest should never have been taken up, but, so far as I am aware, such is the case.

The present Pamphlet was prepared from notes and extracts casually made, as opportunity offered, during many years past, arranged for the purpose of two lectures for the St. Paul's Ecclesiological Society, and now somewhat extended. It is, however, but a sketch of the subject. In consideration of the purpose for which it was prepared, I have avoided controversial points as much as possible, and in the examples referred-to have chosen preferentially neighbouring localities, and also the more readily accessible authorities. Where foreign examples are noted, without reference to any authority, they are cited from my own observations. Those who desire more information on the subject generally will find much information in Dr. Rock's "Hierurgia" and "Church of our Fathers,"