by the Apparitor, and a 'Charge' is then usually delivered by the Archdeacon; at the conclusion of which, the Clergy retire. The Churchwardens are next called on, who appear and make their Presentments, &c. They afterwards place in the hands of the Registrar of the Archdeaconry the annual Copies of the Register Books of Baptisms, Marriages, and Burials from their respective Parishes, written on parchment and attested by the Officiating Minister, as directed by 52 Geo. III. c. 146. s. 6. See page 161.

When business is ended, it is usual for the Clergy to meet the Archdeacon at dinner in accordance with previous arrangements, but this is optional.

The proceedings are similar at the Bishop's Visitations. The Fees, called Procuration Fees (which will be explained hereafter), are paid by the Incumbent, who also meets his own expences incident to his attendance at these Visitations. The Curate's expences are sometimes paid by the Incumbent, and sometimes by the Parish; the latter usually allow ten-shillings to cover all charges. In either case the payment is gratuitous, and cannot be demanded by the Curate as of right.

The expences of the Churchwardens are paid out of the Church Rate. They being in all 'respects bailiffs, and not mere receivers, their expences are allowed for business done on ac'count of the Parish.'-(10 Mod. 23.)

A non-licensed Curate, holding as he does but a temporary position, will not be cited to appear.

Scripture Readers.

IN Parishes very densely populated, and where the time and physical powers of the Incumbent and his Curates are not adequate to the efficient performance of the pastoral duties, the appointment of Lay-Assistants, called SCRIPTURE READERS, has in many instances proved extremely serviceable. Great precaution is of course necessary before entrusting so important a function to men whose qualifications have not the guarantee of Episcopal Ordination; and especial care is also required that they are found sufficiently humble-minded to submit to the directions of their superior in everything connected with their office, and not likely to presume upon the confidence reposed in them by taking upon themselves the circulation of tracts, or adopting any proceeding without authority or sanction. To aid particularly the Incumbents of the Metropolitan Parishes both with funds, and by the recommendation of persons properly qualified for such a duty, a SOCIETY was founded in 1844 under the patronage of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishops of London, and Winchester, known as the "Church of England SCRIPTURE READERS Association."* The Society has been in the habit of granting half of the READER's Sti

• The OFFICES of the Society are at No. 4, Trafalgar Square, London, where the "Instructions" for Candidates, and every information can be obtained.

QUALIFICATIONS, AND DUTY.

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pend; sometimes even the whole; and in all cases the amount is to be applied for, and renewed annually. In the "Instructions" put forth by the Association, it seems to be a primary qualification that'No one should offer himself as a SCRIPTURE 'READER unless he is solemnly convinced that his principles and habits of life are framed in accord'ance with the Word of God, and that his motive in seeking this occupation is a sincere and earnest ' desire to glorify God.' In addition to this, 'the moral and religious character of the Candidate are well enquired into, and his intelligent acquaintance with the Scriptures, both of the Old and New Testaments, and clear and distinct views of Divine Truth, tested by careful, and reiterated examination.' Every READER is expected to 'keep a regular Journal of each day's proceedings, noting carefully the parties visited, and mentioning the portions of Scripture read by them on each visit:' and it must comprise a plain narration of facts, briefly but accurately stated.' These Journals are from time to time to be laid before the Incumbent for his inspection, and at the end of each month brought to the Office of the 'ASSOCIATION' for the supervision of the Clerical Secretary.

The precise duty of the SCRIPTURE Reader is to visit the Poor in his appointed district for the purpose of reading to them the Scriptures, daily and systematically at the rate of six hours per diem, from week to week, and year to year, under the direction of the Incumbent;' and to assist also

in the Sunday Schools. For the satisfaction of the Society, in the annual application for the renewal of aid, a statement is required of What results have followed from the operation of the grant?' (See the ANNUAL Reports.)

The following Resolutions adopted at the formation of the SOCIETY will better explain the nature and objects of this' Association':

1. THAT it is highly desirable to give the fullest effect to the Parochial System, and to supply to the people those private ministrations which, in populous parishes, the Clergy of themselves are unable adequately to afford.'

2. That, in order to advance this great object, an ASSOCIATION be formed for the purpose of providing for the Metropolitan Parishes, in the Dioceses of London. and Winchester, LAY SCRIPTURE READERS, whose duty it shall be to read the Scriptures from house to house.'

3. That such LAY SCRIPTURE READERS shall be communicants in the Church of England-that they shall be selected by the Clergy of the respective districts, or by the Committee-that their Appointment shall be solely vested in the Committee, but that they shall be under the control of the Clergy, who may suspend them from performing their functions, on giving notice to the Committee-that in no case shall any READER be continued in any Parish or District against the will of its Incumbent or Officiating Minister-and that the sanction of the Bishop shall be required to each Appointment.'

4. That the SCRIPTURE READERS assigned by the Committee shall, previous to their appointment, undergo such Examinations as the Committee may direct-that their time be either wholly or partially engaged in the work of Scripture reading, according to circumstancesthat the Committee shall make their Payments through the Clergy of the several Parishes or Districts to which the READERS may be assigned (the Clergy being responsible for the due performance of the Readers' duties), and that the engagements of such Readers shall be terminable by the Committee at the expiration of three months.'

READ COMMON PRAYER.

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'said Book (the Liturgy) appointed to be read for that 'time of the day, and then and there publicly and openly declare his assent unto, and approbation of, the 'said Book, and to the use of all the Prayers, Rites, ' and Ceremonies, Forms, and Orders, therein contained ' and prescribed, according to the form before appointed in this Act.'-13 & 14 Car. II. c. 4. s. 19.

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Also once Every Month by the Lecturer himself:— And also shall upon the first Lecture-day of every 'Month afterwards, so long as he continues Lecturer or Preacher there, at the place appointed for his said 'Lecture or Sermon, before his said Lecture or Sermon, openly, publicly, and solemnly read the Common Prayers and Service in and by the said Book appoint'ed to be read for that time of the day at which the 'said Lecture or Sermon is to be preached, and after ' such reading thereof shall openly and publicly, before 'the Congregation there assembled, declare his unfeigned assent and consent unto, and approbation of, the ' said Book, &c. .. .according to the form aforesaid.'-ib. Penalty for Refusing:- All and every such 'person or persons who shall neglect or refuse to do the same, shall from thenceforth be disabled to preach the said or any other Lecture or Sermon in the said or any other Church, Chapel, or Place of Public Worship, ' until such time as he and they shall openly, publicly, ' and solemnly read the Common Prayers and Service 'appointed by the said Book, and conform in all points to the things therein appointed and prescribed, accord'ing to the purport, true intent, and meaning of this 'Act.'-ib.

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Punishment for Contempt :-'And be it further ' enacted....that if any person who is by this Act disabled "(prohibited) to preach any Lecture or Sermon, shall, during the time that he shall continue and remain so 'disabled, (prohibited), preach any Sermon or Lecture; 'that then for every such offence, the person and 'persons so offending shall suffer three months' imprisonment in the common gaol without bail or mainprize; ' and that any two Justices of the Peace of any County

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