"Nay, I think they should come _up_ to this, for your highest, as well as most fitting office as a lay rector, is to assist in his duties the Vicar of your parish." "Well, I will think about that. You have studied these matters much more deeply than I have, and you always have the best of the argument. But I have something more to say. I should like to have your opinion as to the proper arrangement and furniture of the whole of the chancel[139], for ours has not yet been completed, and I have undertaken to finish it." "I will gladly give you my opinion on the subject. Of course, the altar should be the central and principal object in the church. For this reason, the east of the chancel should be the highest part, but for evident reasons the whole of the chancel should be higher than the nave[140]. There should be a marked difference between the chancel--or choir, and the sanctuary--or space immediately surrounding the altar; a difference which had its type in the 'Holy Place' and the 'Holy of Holies' of the Jewish temple. The _lectern_--or desk, from which the lessons are read, and the _faldstool_--or Litany desk, may be either just without or within the chancel screen. The _sedilia_[141]--a stone recess for the seats of the officiating clergy, with the _piscina_[142]--should be on the south side, and the _credence[143] table_ may be on the north or south side of the altar. The _reredos_[144], at the east end of the chancel, should be the most costly and elaborate part of the church, as it is connected with the most dignified portion of the building. Its most prominent feature should be the symbol of our salvation, and whatever adornment is employed, it should have distinct reference to the 'sacrifice of the death of Christ.' _Empty niches_ should here and every where be carefully avoided; for they have little beauty and no meaning. Without their tenants, they are ridiculous forms of ornamentation, for the corbel--or bracket, has no meaning unless it is intended to support a figure, nor its canopy, unless intended to shelter and protect one. I have seen slabs containing epitaphs and the armorial bearings of private persons, as well as the royal shield, substituted for a proper reredos, but this is a sad profanation[145]. There is one thing worse; and that is engraving armorial bearings on the sacred vessels. The _prayer desk_[146] should form part of the choir stalls, and look in the same direction; this desk should not face the congregation, as the priest does not preach the prayers _to_ the congregation, but says the prayers _with_ them. When the Absolution is said, the case is different, and the propriety of the change of posture and position is evident. This is directly addressed _to_ the congregation, and to be 'pronounced by the priest _standing_.' So in the Communion Office the Priest is directed to _stand up, and, turning himself to the people, pronounce the Absolution_."