"the Lamb of God that
taketh away the sins of the world." The lamb is represented with a
nimbus or glory of four rays, one partly concealed by the head. The
rays are marks of divinity and belong only to our Lord. The lamb
bearing a flag or banner signifies Victory, and is an emblem of the
Resurrection. This symbolism is appropriately used at Easter. {164}

Lambeth Conference.--The name given to the assemblage of the Bishops
of the Anglican Communion on the invitation of the Bishop of
Canterbury, and held in Lambeth Palace. The first meeting was held
in 1867; the second in 1878; the third in 1888, and the fourth in
1897; the Bishops thus coming together every ten years for mutual
counsel and advice concerning the great work of the Anglican
Communion throughout the world. As many as two hundred Bishops have
thus come together in conference, at one time.

Lammas Day.--The old name given to the first day of August because
on that day in Anglo-Saxon times it was the custom to bring into
the Church offerings in kind, loaves, representing the first-fruits,
of the harvest. The word "Lammas" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon
word _hlafmaesse_, _hlaf_ meaning a loaf, and _maesse_ meaning
"mass." As the first of August in old Calendars was the Feast of St.
Peter-in-chains, it is also supposed that _Lammas_ is an abbreviation
of _Vincula Mass_, or the Feast of St. Peter _ad vincula_ in
commemoration of his deliverance from chains.

Last Things, the Four.--These are Death, Judgment, Heaven, Hell.
(See ESCHATOLOGY.) These subjects being so very solemn in their
import, they are frequently taken as topics of instruction or of
sermons during the Advent Season, when our thoughts are turned to
the contemplation of our Lord's second coming "in His glorious
Majesty to judge both the quick and the dead."

Lauds.--One of the seven CANONICAL HOURS (which see). {165}

Lay Baptism.--Baptism administered by a layman. The Church has always
held that Baptism by any man in case of necessity is valid. But only
great necessity, such as sudden danger or sickness and the inability
to secure the services of a clergyman, should be just cause for
baptism by a layman, and then great care should be taken that the
proper form and words are used. (See BAPTISM, HOLY.) It is well to
note that when Holy Baptism is administered by one who is not a
Clergyman _without such necessity_ as mentioned above, the person
baptizing is guilty of a great sin, even though