The arms S.S.S. inquires about on the monument {285} of Humphry Walrond, Esq., in Ilminster Church, are those of the family of Brokehampton. Humphry Walrond (who died 1580) married Elizabeth, daughter and coheir of John Brokehampton., of Sea, and so obtained that estate. W. DOWNING BRUCE. Middle Temple. _Blackguard_ (Vol. ii., p. 134.).--An early instance of the use of this word occurs in a letter from Richard Topcliffe (Aug. 30, 1578), printed in Lodge's _Illustrations_, vol. ii. p. 188. I quote from Mr. Jardine's _Criminal Trials_, vol. ii. p. 13.: "His house, Euston, far unmeet for her Highness, but fitter for the _Black Guard_." It also occurs in Fuller's _Church History_ (Book ix. cent. xvi. sect. vii. § 35. vol. v. p. 160. ed. Brewer):--"For who can otherwise conceive but such a prince-principal of darkness must be proportionably attended with a _black guard_ of monstrous opinions?" J.E.B. MAYOR. _Scala Coeli_ (Vol. i., pp. 366. 402. 455.).--Maundrell mentions, "at the coming out of Pilate's house, a descent, where was anciently the _Scala Sancta_." (_Journey from Aleppo to Jerusalem_, p. 107.) This holy or heavenly stair was that by which the Redeemer was led down, by order of Pilate, according to the legend, and afterwards was, among other relics, carried to Rome. It is now in the Church of St. John Lateran, whither it is said to have been brought by St. Helena from Jerusalem. Pope Alexander Vl., and his successor Julius, granted to the Chapel of St. Mary built by King Henry VII., in Westminster Abbey-- "Easdem indulgencias et peccatorum remissiones ... quas Celebrantes pro Defunctis in Capellâ _Scala Coeli_ nuncupatâ in Ecclesiâ Trium Fontium extra muros Urbis Cisterciensis Ordinis ... consequuntur." This indulgence of Pope Julius was dated in the year 1504; and its intention of drawing thither pilgrims and offerings was fully realised, we may believe: for in the year 1519 we find the brotherhood of St. Mary of Rouncevall by Charing Cross paying:-- "To the keper of Scala Celi in the Abby ... vjd." (See Rymer's _Foedera_, tom. v. pt. iv.; and Dugdale's _Monasticon_, vol. i. p. 320.) MACKENZIE WALCOTT, M.A. Oxon. _Sitting during the Lessons_ (Vol. ii., p. 46.).--With respect to L.'s Query respecting sitting during the Lessons, I can venture no remarks; but the custom of standing during the reading of the Gospel is very ancient. In the mass of St. Chrysostom the priest exclaims, "Stand up, let us hear the holy Gospel." (Goar, _Rituale Græcorum_, p. 69.) The same custom appears in the Latin Liturgy of St. Basil:--"Cumque interpres Evangelii dicit 'State cum timore Dei' convertitur Sacerdos ad occidentem," etc. (_Renaudot_, vol. i. p. 7. Vide also "Liturgy of St. Mark," _Ren_. vol. i. p. 126.) The edition of Renaudot's _Liturgies_ is the reprint in 1847. N.E.R. (a subscriber).