th which our
Lord was bound to the pillar when He was scourged.

THE CHASUBLE is a circular cloak worn over the Alb and hanging from
the shoulders. It is universally called "the Vestment" because it
is _the_ characteristic Eucharistic robe of all Christendom and has
been so from the earliest age of the Church. The rationale is thus
given: "The over-vesture or chasuble as touching the mystery
signifieth the purple mantle that Pilate's soldiers put upon Christ
after that they had scourged Him. And as touching the Minister, it
signifieth charity, a virtue excellent above all others."

Other vestments worn by the clergy are the cassock, the surplice,
biretta, hood, and when assisting at the Holy Communion, the
Dalmatic and Tunicle; and by Bishops, the chimere, rochet, mitre
and cope (this last {269} may also be worn by a Priest); each of
which is described under its proper head, to which the reader is
referred.

Vestry.--The name given to the room attached to or within the church
building, used for vesting in, or in which the vestments are kept.
From the old custom of parish meetings be held in it, such meetings
were called the Vestry; a name that has since been applied to the
representatives of the parish elected annually to manage its
financial and secular affairs. It is to be noted that there is
nothing to be found in the Primitive Church corresponding to the
modern Vestry. This fact may explain why it is that the Vestry
System, as such, is ever presenting problems difficult to solve.
The "Vestry Problem" has commanded the attention of the General
Convention from time to time, but so far nothing has been presented
for its solution. The purpose and duties of the Vestry as commonly
understood may be stated as follows: It is the duty of the Wardens
and Vestry (it ought to be always with the advice of the Bishop) to
consider and determine upon the election of a minister when the
Rectorship is vacant; to see that the minister is well and properly
supported, sufficiently and punctually paid; to make and execute all
contracts for the erection of church edifices, rectories and other
church buildings; to provide for their furnishing and repair and due
preservation; to hold all Church property as Trustees of the Parish,
and as such generally to transact all temporal and financial
business of the Parish. (For the duties of Wardens, see Church
Wardens.)

Via Media.--A Latin term, meaning _middle course_ {270} as between
two e