V. O Lord, open Thou our lips.
R. And our mouth shall show forth Thy praise.
This feature of Public Worship has prevailed in the Christian Church from the most ancient times, as we find it mentioned as early as A.D. 543 as being even then of ancient origin. This is with special reference to the Versicles after the Lord's Prayer in the Daily Offices, which have been called 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 with which our Lord was bound to the pillar when He was scourged.