word, _dekalogos_, meaning the Ten Words or discourses.
They are divided into two tables; the first four commandments set
forth our duty towards God, and the last six our duty towards man.
The reading of the Ten Commandments in the Communion Office is
peculiar to our Liturgy and were added in the year 1552, together
with the response after each commandment, "Lord, have mercy upon us
and incline our hearts to keep this law." While the commandments
were originally introduced to our Liturgy as a warning and safeguard
against the lawlessness of extreme Puritans, they are, nevertheless,
helpful to all as a preparation for the right reception of the Holy
Communion; leading the congregation to an examination of their
"lives and {78} conversation by the rule of God's commandments." The
translation of the Decalogue used in the Communion Office is not
that of the present Authorized version, but that of the "Great
Bible" of 1539-40, which was retained because the people had grown
familiar with it. To the Commandments is added our Lord's Summary
of the Law, which may be read at the discretion of the Minister.

Decani.--A term used to designate the south side of the choir, (the
right side as we face the Altar) that being the side where the Dean
sits.

Dedication, Feast of.--The annual commemoration of the consecration
of a Church building is so called. From ancient authors we
learn that when Christianity became prosperous and flourishing,
churches were everywhere erected and were solemnly consecrated,
the dedications being celebrated with great festivities and
rejoicing. The rites and ceremonies used upon these occasions
were a great gathering of Bishops and others from all parts, the
celebration of divine offices, singing of hymns and psalms, reading
the Holy Scriptures, sermons and orations, receiving the Blessed
Sacrament, prayers and thanksgivings, liberal alms bestowed on
the poor, gifts to the Church; and, in short, mighty expressions
of mutual love and kindness and universal rejoicing with one
another. These dedications from that time forward were always
commemorated once a year and were solemnized with great pomp and
much gathering of the people, the solemnity usually lasting eight
days.

The Feast of the Dedication is frequently kept in many parishes
now and its observance has been found {79} to be most helpful to
both Priest and People, recalling to mind the joy and gladness of
the day of the Consecration of their Ch