has been sung as the "Invitatory
Psalm," opening the Service of Praise, from time immemorial. It is
found in the Sarum Use. In the Eastern Church a condensed form of
it is used.

VERGER. From the Latin _Virga_, a _Rod_. One who carries the
mace before the Dean or Canons in a Cathedral, or conducts the
congregation to their seats in church.

VERSICLES. The short ejaculatory prayers of our Service, generally
taken from Holy Scripture.

VERSION, The AUTHORISED. The version of the Bible now in use in
England. It was published in 1611, and authorised by King James I.
It retains in many places the original translation of Tyndale, very
little altered. A company of Divines and Scholars of the present
day have been engaged in revising this version of the Old Testament.
The result of their labours will probably be given to the public in
1885. (See _Bible_.)

VERSION, THE REVISED. The version of the New Testament put forth in
1881. It is a revision of that of 1611, made by a company of
Scholars and Divines, and aims at being a more exact reproduction
of the original. Although at present it has not been authorised for
public use, yet it will be found by all to be a very useful
commentary on the Authorised Version.

VESPERS, or EVENSONG. The Evening Service of the Church. For
arrangement, &c., see _Morning Prayer_, but the various parts of
the Service are given each under its own heading.

VESTMENTS. Generally, the garments worn by the clergy in the public
services of the Church, but more particularly the special robes worn
by some clergymen during the celebration of the Holy Communion.

_Alb_. A linen vestment longer than the surplice, and with tight
sleeves. It is confined at the waist by a girdle, and, when employed
in the Eucharist, it is often, though not necessarily, ornamented
with patches of embroidery called _apparels_.

_Amice_. A kind of broad linen collar, fastened with strings.

_Biretta_. A square cap of black silk worn at processions and other
out-door functions. It is simply the ordinary cap (beret) of civil
life, and, like the cassock, is not strictly an ecclesiastical
vesture at all. It is worn also in church during certain parts of
the service by extreme Ritualists.

_Cassock_. A long coat buttoning over the breast and reaching to the
feet, confined at the waist by a wide sash, called the cincture. It
is worn immediately over the ordinary clothes of the minister, and
is usually of black, though viol