Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 4.djvu/349

 i-ow aiDK WINDOWS. 325 The objections to this theory are, first, that the dwelhngs of the recluses were so wiiIujuouh to the churches, that the only access to them often was through the chui'ch, being sometimes in the room over the vestry, by the side of the chancel, in other cases in the tower, more frequently in the room over the ))or(h, erroneously called the parvise, and the openings for their use from these rooms into the church frequently exist. Secondly, the inconvenient situation of the low side windows for such a purpose, as before stated in the objections to No. 3. 7. For the acolytes to pass the thurible through, for the purpose of having the charcoal blown up to a red heat in the oi)en air before the incense was put on, thereby avoiding the unpleasant fumes which arise from charcoal when first lighted. The objections to this theory are that there are no records or traditions of such a custom, or directions for it in the rubrics of the Missal, and the same observations which were applied to No. 3 apply in part to this also, though the situa- tion of these openings is generally more convenient for such an object, than for most of the others which have been mentioned. 8. To enahle a man or boy to look out for the approach of the ])riest, and ring the little bell to announce it to the people ; the other windows beino; too hioh from the around for that ])urpose ; these openings being always so placed that the rope from the sanctus bell over the chancel arch, would naturally hang very near them, or could be easily made to do so, whether on the east or the west side of the screen. This is the only theory that has been mentioned which applies to those which are in the uppei- story. The objections to it ai'e the want of authority for the anti- (|uity of the custom of ringing the little bell on the approach of the priest, though its very general use in all parts of the country seems to shew that it is not a modern practice ; and the inconvenient situation of many of these windows for the })urpose, being so close to the ground, and so placed as to connuand a very short distance only. 9. For the distribution of alms either in money or in bread : many of them are conveniently situated for this purpose, and coiilinns the view taken in the text. "Uic tenus idem Solitarius per fen ■^tl■anl ejus- pneieiniittere non ileheo id quod pne- deni oratoiii possit ad niis^as pi-r nianus scribit Grimlaicus in llegula Solitarionini sacerdotmn obhitiones otltrre."] Martene cap. l(i. ut niniiruni ll.chiso [onttoriutii de Antiquis Ecclcsiie ilitilius, lib. i. cap. ita sit doniui ecele>ia^ contiguuni, q'la- iv. art. vi. sect. 7. vol. IV. ^j ,j