Page:Suggestions on the Arrangement and Characteristics of Parish Churches.djvu/29

Rh into the Church. I have only to add a few words respecting the material, shape, and a few accessories of the font. Stone is unquestionably the best material; the shape may be either square, circular, or octagonal. The latter has been a favourite form from the earliest ages of the Church. It should be provided with a cover, and a surrounding screen is also advisable.

The custom of taking holy water on entering the Church originated in the primitive practice of washing the hands, as a symbol of purification, before entering the House of God. Large fountains were erected outside of Churches for this purpose. As in many other practices the form has changed, but the symbolism is yet the same that it was in the beginning. And as, for the preservation of the meaning of ancient rites and practices, as little deviation from primitive forms as is consistent with lawful and established usage is advisable, our present holy water stoups should not be placed inside the Church, but outside of it, in the porches. It is obvious that the symbolism is destroyed when they are placed inside.

There are yet two other items of ecclesiastical furniture, to which I am anxious to refer. Unfortunately for those who seek precedent for everything, and who nothing right unless there is an example for it, there are no old examples of confessionals. I believe few are older than a century, or two at the farthest. In the mediæval Churches confessions were heard in open chairs, for which no special places were assigned. Modern practice has introduced the very commendable use of permanent confessionals; and it does not follow that, because we have no examples to imitate, their convenience and proprieties are not to be attended to in arranging a Church. I think Mr. Pugin