5. Questions arose during the last century as to (_A_) the legality of certain ornaments of the Church, (_B_) the dress of the clergy, and (_C_) ceremonies in connection with Divine service, and especially with the Holy Communion; having regard, among other considerations, to the Ornaments Rubric in the Prayer Book. According to the legal decisions on these questions:[176] (_A_) The Holy Table must be of wood and, according to Canon 82, should be covered during Divine service with a carpet of silk or other decent stuff, and with a fair linen cloth at the time of the ministration.[177] A crucifix, except as a mere architectural decoration or as part of an historical representation of the Crucifixion, is illegal; but a cross is legal, provided it be not upon or in actual or apparent contact or connection with the Holy Table.[178] Candlesticks and vases of flowers are legal even in such contact or connection,[179] and so are pictures or sculptures of an historical or allegorical character, whether in a reredos or elsewhere in the church, except those known as the Stations of the Cross, which have been held liable to superstitious abuse.[180] The legality of isolated figures, whether painted or sculptured, depends on whether from their character and position there is no likelihood of their being superstitiously reverenced.[181] A credence table is legal and proper.[182] A second Holy Table is only legal if placed in a part of the church closed in, by lattice work or otherwise, as a separate place of worship for services attended by few worshippers.[183] Chancel gates are permitted, if required for the protection of the chancel when the church is accessible for private prayer; but they must be always kept open during Divine service.[184] The erection of a baldacchino or canopy over the Holy Table is not permissible.[185] But the introduction of legal ornaments and additions into a church will not ordinarily be sanctioned without the approval of the parishioners, expressed by a resolution of the vestry.[186] (_B_) The legal attire of the ministering clergy at the Holy Communion, as well as in other ministrations, has been decided to be that laid down by the Advertisements of 1566, which are followed in Canons 24, 25, and 58, and prescribe the wearing of a surplice with the proper hood of the university degree (if any); except that in cathedral and collegiate churches the celebrant and gospeller and epistler shall wear copes. The rubric of the First Prayer Book of Edward VI., had directed that the celebrant should wear a white albe plain with a vestment (_i.e._ a chasuble) or cope, and any assistant priests or deacons should wear albes with tunicles.[187] Stoles, as distinguished from the scarves of chaplains, have no legal authority.[188] A biretta (the foreign form of a college cap) must not be worn during the Communion Service.[189] In preaching (except, possibly, during the Communion Office) the surplice or the black gown