the SURSUM CORDA of the Daily
services. (See RESPONSIVE SERVICES.) {267}

Vespers.--One of the SEVEN CANONICAL HOURS (which see). It was from
the ancient offices of Vespers and Compline that the present service
of Evening Prayer was compiled. This service is sometimes now called
Vespers and also EVEN SONG (which see).

Vessels, Sacred.--The vessels used in celebrating the Holy Communion
are so called, from the sacred purpose for which they are intended.
These sacred vessels are the Chalice, Paten and Flagon, which should
be made of silver or gold only--the best that we have for so sacred
a purpose.

Vestments.--It has been pointed out that "The clergy and all who act
ministerially in divine service are clad in surplices and other
vestments, not that they may have a decent and uniform appearance
in sight of the congregation, but as wearing robes distinctive of
their office in ministering before Him whom they worship." In this
statement we have a rationale, so to speak, of the use of vestments,
and it is a very striking fact that such use has universally
prevailed in the Historic Churches from the most ancient times.
(See EUCHARISTIC VESTMENTS.) Of the vestments thus worn in the
Church's services there are first the Eucharistic Vestments, namely:

THE AMICE, is a broad linen band richly embroidered, first placed
on the head and then dropped on the shoulders as a covering for the
neck and is intended to symbolize the Helmet of Salvation. It also
symbolizes the linen cloth with which the Jews blindfolded our Lord.

THE ALB, a long white linen garment with narrow sleeves tied at the
waist by a white cord. It is {268} emblematic of purity and innocence
and also of the ministerial office. It also represents the white
garment in which Herod clothed our Saviour.

THE GIRDLE, used to confine the Alb at the waist, is emblematic of
the work of the Lord, to perform which the sacred ministers gird
up, as it were, their loins. The girdle, and also the stole and
maniple are intended to represent the cords and fetters with which
the officers bound Jesus in His Passion.

THE MANIPLE is a scarf like a short stole, worn on the left arm
over the sleeve of the Alb by the Celebrant. It is made of silk,
with a fringe and embroidered with three crosses.

THE STOLE (which see). When used at the Celebration it is worn
crossed on the breast and kept in place by the girdle. Like the
girdle and maniple, it symbolizes the ropes or bands wi