"It is a disputed point, but _I_ think not. Had the chancel been intended, I think it would have been so stated. Besides, it was ordered that they should be so placed that the 'people could best see and read the same,' and certainly they could not do the latter if they were painted at the east end of the chancel. Indeed, I regard that as the least convenient and appropriate place in the whole church for them. If we have them any where, the east end of the nave or aisles is the best place for them; but, really, the need to have them at all is now passed away, as those who can read, can read the Commandments in their Bibles and Prayer Books; and for those who cannot, it is useless placing them on the walls of the church[137]. However, it is far better to have the Commandments over the chancel arch than the _royal arms_. It is wonderful how silly people become when they have a superstitious dread of superstition. For instance, I know a church where the congregation were offended by an old painting in the church, the subject of which was at least calculated to inspire solemn thoughts, yet could be contented that the most conspicuous object in the church should be a hideous representation of the royal arms, with this sentence below it in large characters: 'Mrs. Jemima Diggs, widow, gave this painting of the Queen's arms, A.D. 1710[138].' I should like to know what there is in that to remind us that we are in the House of God?" _CHAPTER XXIII_ THE CHANCEL "In this place is One greater than the temple." S. Matt. xii. 6. "Our life lies eastward: every day Some little of that mystic way By trembling feet is trod: In thoughtful fast, and quiet feast, Our thoughts go travelling to the East To our incarnate God. Fresh from the Font, our childhood's prime, To life's most oriental time,-- "Still doth it eastward turn in prayer, And rear its saving altar there: Still doth it eastward turn in creed, While faith in awe each gracious deed Of her dear Saviour's love doth plead; Still doth it turn at every line To the fair East--in sweet mute sign That through our weary strife and pain, We crave our Eden back again." FABER. Illustration: Sutton Benger Church THE CHANCEL "I hope you and my friend Mr. Beeland here are now working harmoniously together at Droneworth," said Mr. Ambrose to Sir John Adamley, as with Mr. Acres and the Vicar of Droneworth they were enjoying a pleasant afternoon stroll in the gardens of the Hall.