iocese
is the limit of the jurisdiction of a Bishop. (See _Archbishop_ and
_Diocese_.)

PSALTER. The word _Psalter_ is often used by ancient writers for
the book of the Psalms, considered as a separate book of Holy
Scripture; but the term is generally used now of the book in which
the Psalms are arranged for the public service of the Church. The
Roman Psalter, for instance, does not follow the course of the
Psalms as in the Bible, but arranges them for the different
services. The division of the Psalms into daily portions, as
given in our Prayer Books, has been done with a view to convenience.
The _Psalter_, properly speaking, is a separate book from that of
Common Prayer. The English Psalter does not follow the last
translation of the Bible (which is the authorized one), but that
of Coverdale's Bible, corrected, which had become familiar to
the people from constant use.

PUBLIC WORSHIP. The united Service of the Congregation. A Christian
duty very much neglected by the laity, notwithstanding the Apostolic
direction not to forsake "the assembling of ourselves together."
(Heb. x. 25.) Formerly the law of the land compelled every
parishioner to attend public worship, unless excommunicate. There
is a special blessing promised to the assembly of believers for
common prayer and praise. "Where two or three are gathered together
there am I in the midst of them." (Matt, xviii. 20.) "The Lord
loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob"
(Ps. lxxxvii. 2.) Both in the Old Testament and New Testament this
duty holds a prominent place.

PUBLIC WORSHIP REGULATION ACT. An Act of Parliament, passed in
1874, for the better administration of the Laws respecting the
regulation of Public Worship. Under this Act any three aggrieved
Parishioners, calling themselves members of the Church of England,
though not necessarily Communicants, may report to the Bishop
anything their clergyman does which they believe to be unlawful.
The Bishop may use his discretion whether proceedings are to
be taken against the clergyman on the representation of his
parishioners. If the litigious parties prefer it, the case may be
taken out of the Bishop's hands and brought before a Judge appointed
under this Act--at present Lord Penzance.

The workings of the Act have been far from satisfactory to any, and
in many cases have given rise to grave scandal.

PULPIT. A raised desk. Sermons were formerly delivered from the
steps of the Altar. B