English Churchman.—The Orders as now existing in the Established Church are derived from St. Augustine of Canterbury. Although St. Joseph of Arimathea brought the Christian faith to Britain in the first century, the reception of it was very partial, and the mission of St. Eleutherius in the second century established a line of sixteen archbishops, the last of whom, Theanus, was driven from his see into Wales about 587. Here a Primitive church of Eastern origin was already in existence, and when the second Roman mission was sent over by Gregory, through Augustine, and established Christianity in the south-eastern part of Britain, the little mission church in North Wales was still existing, and protested against any usurpation of authority by the newly-planted Church of Canterbury. At the same time we cannot trace any Orders in the Established Church derived from them, although we have historic evidence of a primacy in the reign of King Arthur being removed from Caerleon to Llandaff, and thence to St. David’s.
Daisy.—We think if you belong to the Young Women’s Christian Association you should apply to Miss A. Gough, 17, Old Cavendish-street, W., for information. Most of the homes of rest are open on payment of 10s. a week. There is one at about that price at Cobham, Surrey; Church-stile House. Apply to Miss Blunt, 3, Portman-square, W. You might also apply to the sister in charge of St. Gabriel’s Home of Rest, Lennard-road, Folkestone, where the terms are moderate; or St. Mary’s Home, near Uckfield, Fletching. Apply to the lady superintendent. Designed for ladies requiring rest or change, 10s. a week.
Miss Goudge.—The phrase you give appears to be made up of certain passages of Holy Writ. See 1st Tim. vi. 4, 5, 20, and 2nd Tim. ii. 23.
E. A. L.—We think you had better look out the word “supernatural” in the dictionary.
Bishop.—Canons are residentiary members of a cathedral chapter, of which the dean is the chief. The office was instituted in the eighth century, and their duty is to act as the advisers of the bishop. They do receive salaries, varying in amount. Archdeacons take precedence of them. They act as the representatives and delegates of the bishops, especially in the duty of parochial visitation. Their office dates from the fifth century. Their salary is very trifling, supposed only to cover the cost of their journeys. A prebendary has a right to a stall in the choir of a cathedral church and vote in the chapter, and to the receipt of certain revenues for the performance of certain duties in that or a collegiate church. The office was instituted in the eleventh century, and may be held by a layman, although such cases are rare, if actually existing. A rural dean is a beneficed clergyman charged with the inspection of a deanery, or sub-division of an archdeaconry, under the supervision of his bishop. The original duties of the office are for the most part practically transferred to the archdeacon.
W. L.—The first voyage made all round the world was by a Portuguese commander, who sailed from San Lucas on September 20th, 1519, in the ship Vittoria. The name of this pioneer navigator was Ferdinand Magellan, giving the straits through which he passed their name. He was killed on the Philippine Islands the following year, and Sebastian del Cano brought the ship round the Cape of Good Hope, and arrived at San Lucas six days within the three years’ expedition, September 6th, 1522. Five ships formed the fleet; three lived to go through the straits with Magellan and his crew; the Vittoria was the only one that reached home.
An Italian Girl.—The 30th April, 1866, was a Monday. The letters i.e. represent the Latin words id est, or, in English, “that is,” or, more freely translated, “that means, in other words,” when an explanation of the words employed is required. The Jesuits were banished from Portugal in 1759, suppressed in France 1764, in Spain 1767, and subsequently in Naples, Parma, and Modena, and in 1773 Pope Clement XIV. issued a bull, concluding with the words, “We do extirpate and abolish the Society of Jesus.” In 1814 Pope Pius VII. re-established it. A large number of Jesuit priests were executed at the time you name on account of real or supposed political intrigues. You write a beautiful hand, and you have our best wishes.
Seeker of Light.—Our blessed Lord’s atonement on the Cross was of infinite efficacy, and our sins—even the most heinous—are those of mere finite creatures. Thus, “He is able to save to the uttermost.” The term “scarlet,” as applied to sin, is a figure of speech. It is not only glaring and conspicuous, but, as produced in ancient times, it was exceedingly durable. The Phœnicians were famous for it, and the Tyrian purple and scarlet were produced from two little shellfish, the Buccinum and Murex, only found in perfection on the rocky coast of their country. The dye when exposed to a bright light became successively green, blue, red, and deep purple; and, by washing it in soap and water, of a bright and permanent crimson. Costly fabrics were twice dyed, and made so beautiful and so very durable that they brought fabulous prices. Thus, the allusion made to a scarlet dye is explained. However deeply dyed and stained with sin, the precious blood of Christ can wash the sinner as white as snow. There is no limit to its cleansing power.
S. A. Gray.—You would do well to advertise your autographs and take what you can get for them from the trade, or else dispose of them by arrangement with private friends. The Exchange and Mart would be a good advertising medium.
Three Ignorant Schoolgirls.—You cannot say you play by hear, but by ear.