26. Now there is a difference between _phylacterium_ and _phylacteria_. _Phylacterium_ is a scroll on which the ten commandments were written: and this kind of scroll the Pharisees used to wear on the front part of their garments, as a sign of devotion. Whence in the Gospel, 'They make broad their phylacteries.' [Footnote 300] And the word is derived from _philare_, which is _to keep_, and _teras_, which is _law_. But _phylacteria_ (a relicary) is a vessel of silver or gold, or crystal, or ivory, or some substance of the same kind, in which the ashes and relics of the saints are kept. For when Vigilantius called the faithful _Cinericii_, [Footnote 301] because they preserved the ashes themselves, to testify contempt of his decision, it was ordered by the Church that they should be honourably preserved in precious vessels. And the name is derived from _philare_, which is to _preserve_, and _teron_, which is an extremity, because in them some {58} portion of the extremities of the bodies of saints is preserved: such as a tooth or a finger, or somewhat of the like kind. Over the altar in some churches also is placed a shrine: of which we have spoken in our section on the Altar. [Footnote 300: S. Matthew xxiii, 5.] [Footnote 301: Ais, Vigilantium, qui [Greek text] hoc vocatur nomine (nam Dormitantius rectius diceretur), os foetidum rursum aperire, et putorem spurcissimum contra sanctorum martyrum proferre relliquias, et nos, qui eas suscepimus, appellare _cinerarios_.--S. Hieron, in Epp. See also the 'Church of the Fathers,' 2nd ed. chapter xv.] 27. At the horns of the altar [Footnote 302] two candlesticks are placed to signify the joy of Jews and Gentiles at the nativity of Christ: which candlesticks, by means of a flint, have their wicks lighted. For the angel saith to the shepherds, 'I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people: for to you is born this day the Saviour of the world. [Footnote 303] He is the true _Isaac_, [Footnote 304] which being interpreted, is laughter. Now the light of the candlestick is the faith of the people. For to the Jewish people, saith the Prophet, 'Arise, shine, for thy light is come: and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.' [Footnote 305] But to the Gentiles the Apostle saith, 'Ye were sometimes darkness, but are now light in the Lord.' [Footnote 306] For before the birth of Christ a new star appeared to the wise men, according to the prophecy of Balaam. 'There shall rise,' saith he, 'a star out of Jacob, and a sceptre out of Israel.' [Footnote 307] Concerning this we have also spoken in our section of the Altar. [Footnote 302: This use of _two_ candlesticks is very remarkable: as giving fresh authority to the custom of the English Church. ] [Footnote 303: S. Luke ii, 10.] [Footnote 304: Genesis xvii, 17, 19.] [Footnote 305: Isaiah lx, 1. ] [Footnote 306: Ephes. V, 8. ] [Footnote 307: Numbers xxiv, 7.]