A Glossary of Liturgical and Ecclesiastical Terms. By the Rev.
F. G. Lee. (Quaritch.)—Mr. Lee's volume contains a great amount of curious information, and will be useful as a book of reference. It is, as may be supposed, untrustworthy on all subjects into which con- troversy enters. It is, for instance, a matter of opinion to say that it was "to the great loss of the faithful" that wooden tables were intro- duced at the Reformation instead of stone altars, and Mr. Lee has a right—barring the question of fidelity to his engagements—to think as he pleases. But it is a suppressio veri to state that "during the Com- monwealth these tables were frequently removed into the body of the church at the celebration of the Eucharist." While wishing to make all allowance possible for Mr. Lee's ignorance, we cannot suppose him not to be aware that this removal was a common practice during the period after the Reformation, and that Laud and his friends did their best to put a stop to it. Any uninstructed reader would gather from Mr. Lee's words that the practice prevailed during the Commonwealth-time only. Under the article "Reservation of the Blessed Sacrament," we find a remarkable statement,—" In the chapels of religions houses for women, our Bishops appear to have allowed it for purposes of worship." Can this be true?
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