down the steps. When standing at the altar, the priest should avoid leaning against it, lolling upon it, and a waving motion of the body. He should avoid all exaggerated gestures and everything suggestive of affectation. In a word, every act and motion should be pervaded by a quiet dignity and manly reverence.
Of the Use of the Voice
In celebrating the Holy Eucharist, whensoever no part of the rite, as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer, is sung, all parts of the rite, whether "read upon the book" or said in addressing the people, should be uttered distinctly, in a clear and audible voice. The priest should so read or say whatever is prescribed that he himself may read or speak "with understanding," not mechanically or without attention to the significance of the words which he utters: and, while avoiding everything suggestive of declamation, so read and speak that the people may hear and be edified. In his utterance of words the priest should avoid, both over-haste and excessive slowness. Whatever is to be said or done should be said or done at the proper time, and not anticipated. Thus, for example, the priest having said the Kyries standing before the midst of the altar, should not say the words, "Let us pray," as he passes to the Epistle-corner, but wait until he stands facing the book. In general, whatever is to be read should be "read upon the book," even though the priest know by heart what he is reading.
Of the Use of the Eyes
When officiating at the altar, the priest is in duty bound to safeguard the chiefest channel into his soul, viz., his sense of sight, by keeping his eyes from whatsoever might distract his attention from the service in which he is engaged. As a rule his eyes should be down-cast. They should be fixed on the Sacrament at the elevation, and whenever it is taken into the hands; and while saying the private prayers immediately before communion.
If it be remembered that Christ, immediately before addressing his heavenly Father, when about to raise Lazarus from the dead, and again before beginning the solemn prayer recorded in the seventeenth chapter of the Gospel
