The Sun.
London, England, 1822-04-05 00:00:00

GOOD FRIDAY

This day is held as a solem► fast in remem-
brance of the CRUCIFIXION OF OUR S.,IVIOUR.—
Its appellation of Good seems peculiar to the
Church of England. The Saxons called it Long
Friday, from the length of the ceremonies on that
day ; but its antient and most appropriate title
was Holy Friday, and the week in which it
happens was, and is now, denominated Holy or
Passion Week.—According to St. MARK the
Crucifixion commenced at the third and ended at
the sixth hour—but St. JOHN states it to have
begun at the sixth hour. It has, however, been
decided, that the third hour is the correct ac-
count. In the Church of Rome offices called
Tenebrcc (1. e. darkness) are sung on Holy Fri-
day, and the day preceding and succeeding it.—
The lights are extinguished, and nearly at
the conclusion of the service a solemn silence
is observed---when suddenly a tremendous
noise ensues, in token of the rending the
veil of the Temple. In London and its
vicinity, CROSS BUNS (so called only from
the Cross upon them) form the general breakfast
on this day. In some counties a stock of cakes
is preserved as a cure for the faithful throughour
the yeat—a remnant of the sacramental wafer of
Nousell of the Church of Rome, as practised by
the. Popish Priests nearly eight centuries ago.—
(For a detailed account of this day, sec THE SUN
on Good Friday qf last year.)

MAUNDY THURSDAY, •
Yesterday morning the usual annual Royal donations were
distributed at Whitehall Chapel to as many poor men and wo-
men as the King is years old. A party of the Yeomen of the
Guards, in their stile liveries, ivefe placed at the doors of a tem-
porary erection in Whitehall-yard. The building was divided
twd-by a slight partition; with an aperture in the midille.—
The first diviSion was appropriated to the store larder, with
shelves.fixed all round, and loaded with loaves of bread, fine
roasting-pieces of beef, about 4 lbs. each, and large wooden dishes,
each holding 36 salt herrings, 2 salt cod, and 2 salt salmon,
strewed with parsley, besides which were 4 half quartern loaves of
bread. At 12 o'clock Mr. Hanby, the almoner, and Mr. Jones,
the groom to the Lord High-almoner, the groom, and other
gentlemen belonging to the Lord Chamberlain's office, entered,
attended by the Yeomen of the Guard, the Sub almoner in his
robes, and the other gentlemen, with a sash of fine linen over
• their shoulders,' and crossing their waist. After they had taken
their seats, Dr. Page gave orders to the attendants to cover the
tables : a clean napkin Was then placed before each of the old
people' on which was laid a piece of beef and half a quariein
loaf of bread: The second course being ordered, the attendants
placed one of the large Wooden dishes, with its contents as before
mentioned; before each. It was pleasant, for the contemplative
mind; to behold so many poor people, with looks of cheerfulness
and gratitude, enjoying the prospect of a good Easter. When all
were served thy stooditp and repeated a short prayer for the
Royal Porioron a very tervent manner. The distributor then •
brought foritard several large leather cans, filled with ale, and
each was served with P. cup full, and the health of George the
Fourth 'was drank successively. The yeomen were then served.
The visitors theii' walked down between the tables, and con-
templated on the poor people as they Sat. The aged persons
then packed up their provisions and departed.—At three o'clock
they assembled again jn Whitehall Chapel ; the men on one
side, and the women on the other. A procession then en-
tered of those concerned in the ceremony. Dr. Goodenough,
in his clerical robes, Mr. ITandby, the Almoner Mr. Jones,
&c. with white sashes round their shoulders and a party of
yeomen, one of them carrying a large gold dish on his head, •
containing 120 purses, with the amount of five shillings in each,
being as many pence as the King is years old, consisting of one
silver 4d. coin, two 3d. and three 2d., and the rest in silver pen-
nieS. Then followed the boys, two and two. The evening ser-
vice was then performed, after which the purses, containing the
silver coin, were distributed amongst the 120 'individuals, in
addition to which, the men were presented with a piece of cloth,
a piece of linen; shoes and stockings, and a glass of wine. The
Chapel was filled with ladies and gentlemen, during the everi-
ing service.