those
portions of the ancient Formularies which were sanctioned by the
Holy Scriptures and by primitive usage. The first practical result
of this movement is seen in the First Prayer-book of Edward VI set
forth in English, and which was publicly used on Whitsun Day, June
9th, 1549. Afterwards many other revisions took place, until the
English Prayer-book, as it practically is now, was set forth in
1662; since which time only a few and unimportant changes have been
made. The American Prayer-book, adapted from the English Book was
set forth and ratified October 16th, 1789, and afterwards revised
in 1883-1892, as it now stands. (See RESPONSIVE SERVICE, FORMS, also
SCRIPTURES IN PRAYERBOOK.)

Prayers for the Dead.--Prayers for the departed are in accordance
with the devout instinct and loving heart of man, and are sanctioned
by all the Liturgies of the Primitive Church. In these we find
that the commemorations of the departed were not only general
commemorations, but that names of persons who were to be prayed
for were read out from the DIPTYCHS {217} (which see). The devout
mind does not argue about "Prayers for the Dead," he prays them.

"How can I cease to pray for thee? Somewhere
In God's great universe thou art to-day.
Can He not reach thee with His tender care?
Can He not hear me when for thee I pray?"

Precentor.--The name given to the choirmaster; one who is director
of the music in a choir.

Pre-Lenten Season.--The name commonly given to the weeks preceding
Lent covered by the three Sundays entitled, _Septuagesima_,
_Sexagesima_ and _Quinquagesima_. The Season is so called because
the services on these Sundays are intended to prepare us for the due
observance of Lent. (See SEPTUAGESIMA.)

Presbyter.--The original word for "Elder" in the New Testament
is _Presbuteros_, shortened in English to _Presbyter_; further
shortened to _Prester_, and finally to PRIEST (which see, also
ELDER).

Presentation of Christ.--A Festival of the Church observed on
February 2. It is a double Festival as we learn from its title
which reads, "The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, commonly
called the Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin." "This connection,"
says Blunt, "of the two events is, doubtless, to show the close
relation which the acts of the Blessed Virgin bore to the Incarnation
of our Lord; and that she is most honored by associating her with
her divine Son." The Festival is popularly called CANDLEMA