_lapses_ to the Bishop; if he does not collate within six months,
it _lapses_ to the Archbishop: and if he does not collate within
six months, it lapses to the Crown.

LATTER-DAY SAINTS, _see_ Mormonists.

LAY BAPTISM. Baptism administered by laymen. Although not
_authorized_ in our Prayer Book, such baptisms have always been
held valid by the Church of England. It is better that children
should receive lay baptism than not be baptized at all.

LAYING ON OF HANDS, _see_ Ordination. This ceremony has always
been esteemed an essential part of ordination, and rests on
undoubted Scriptural authority. It is also the form, in the
Anglican Church, by which the Bishop conveys the grace of
Confirmation.

LECTURN, or LECTERN. The desk from which the Lessons are read. The
form frequently adopted is that of the eagle, doubtless with some
reference to the eagle, the symbol of St. John. The eagle lectern
in Peterborough Cathedral was given in 1471.

LENT. The name is probably derived from the old English _Lencten_,
"Spring," from its always being observed at the Spring-tide of the
year. The forty days fast before Easter are so called. In primitive
times the duration of the fast appears to have been forty hours.
The present custom of reckoning forty days, exclusive of the
Sundays, prevails from the 7th century.

LESSONS. The portions of Holy Scripture read in Morning and Evening
Prayer. The calendar of lessons now in use was authorized on Jan.
1st, 1873. The lessons were then made generally shorter, by the
selection of parts of chapters containing one complete subject and
no more. A choice of lessons was given in many cases, that the same
portions of Scripture might not be read twice on the same day in
churches with three Sunday services. By the present arrangement
the main substance of the whole of the Old Testament is now read
through once every year; and the New Testament twice, except the
book of Revelation, which, with a few omissions, is read once in
the year.

LETTERS OF ORDERS. A certificate given by the Bishop to every one
whom he ordains, whether Priest or Deacon. Churchwardens have the
power to require the exhibition of the Letters of Orders of any
minister assisting in the church of which they are guardians.

LITANY. In the 4th century this name began specially to be applied
to a Form of Supplication, used in times of need, which was sung in
procession, with hymns and frequent responses, and with collects at
t