nd
the _Lord's Table_. The phrase _Communion Table_ occurs in the
Canons only. The word _Altar_ is used in the Coronation Service.

Bishop Sparrow, one of the reviewers of the Prayer Book in 1662,
writes thus:--"That no man take offence at the word _Altar_, let him
know, that anciently both these names, _Altar_, or _Holy Table_ were
used for the same thing; though most frequently the Fathers and
Councils use the name _Altar_. And both are fit names for that holy
thing. Por the Holy Eucharist being considered as a sacrifice, in
the representation of the breaking of the bread, and the pouring
forth of the cup, doing that to the holy symbols which was done to
Christ's body and blood, and so showing forth and commemorating the
Lord's death, and offering upon it the same sacrifice that was
offered upon the cross, or rather the commemoration of that
sacrifice, it may fitly be called an _Altar_; which again is as
fitly called an _Holy Table_, the Eucharist being considered as a
Sacrament, which is nothing else but a distribution and application
of the sacrifice to the several receivers."

ALTAR CLOTH. The 82nd Canon provides that the Altar be covered with
a carpet of silk, or some other decent stuff; also with a fair linen
cloth at the time of the ministration. It is usual in many churches
to vest the Altar in different colours to mark the various seasons
of the Church. Thus at Christmas, Easter, and festivals, other than
the feasts of Martyrs, _White_ is used. For Whit Sunday and feasts
of Martyrs, _Red_ is used. For Trinity Sunday _White_ is used, but
for the Sundays after Trinity, _Green_. _Violet_ is the colour for
Advent, Lent, Rogation Days, and Vigils.

ALTAR LIGHTS, CANDLES. On this subject, Proctor in his book on the
Prayer Book says, "No direction was given upon the subject of the
Ornaments of the Church in Edward VI.'s First Prayer Book, or in the
Act of Uniformity which sanctioned it: but the publication of the
Book was immediately followed by Injunctions (1549), condemning
sundry popish ceremonies, and among them forbidding to set 'any
lights upon the Lord's board at any time.'" This was especially
mentioned because the Injunctions of 1547 had forbidden candles
before pictures or images, but allowed "only two lights upon the
high altar, before the Sacrament, for the signification that Christ
is the very true light of the world." Although these Injunctions
(1549) have not the authority of Parliament, yet they