ECCLESIOL'OGY ( from CI:. hocXnala, sia, elm reit t fogin, account, from "4-)e.v, /egcin, to say). (1) That branch of the gen t rat science of human society or sociology Nvhich deals with so much of human relations as exist for the purpose of religion, embracing the anal ysis of the Church as organized society, its con structive principles (see PoLiTY), its relations to the other organizations of society, such as the :mate, the features of its internal law, and the sphere of its discipline. As constructive prin ciples it considers It.piscopacy and Papacy, Pres byterianism. Congregationalism, etc. (qq.v.). tt2i The term also connotes that branch of antiquities which deals with the building in which this organized society meets, the church as a structure, and its decoration, It takes note of ecclesiastical architecture, not from the point of view of art history. hut from that of its rela
tion to litur:,ty and ceremonial. iconography. the customs regarding clergy and congregation. It explain.: the ground plan, elevation. orientation, internal divisions of the church; the form and position of crypt. confessional. altar, lectern and pulpit, choir and choir-screen, seats for clergy, books and vessels for sacred service, priestly robes. paschal candlesticks. reliquaries. crosses, croziers, tabernacles for holy oils, holy-water vase, and other church furniture: it also treats of the baptistery. baptismal font, and ehrisma tory: of the belfry. its bells. chimes. windows: of the chapels. porches. and other subordinate structures, See BAsimeA: CATHE DRAL: TOWER: MONASTIC ART: the separate articles on parts of the church, and on articlei of church furniture.