Mourner's bench a minister. In keeping with the doctrine of the mortification of the flesh, penitents do not kneel on kneeler cushions but instead kneel on the floor. Today many, but not all, Methodist churches supplant the mourners' bench with chancel rails, where Methodists (as well as other evangelical Christians) receive Holy Communion, in addition to experiencing the New Birth, repenting of their sins, and praying. Mourner's bench The mourners' bench, also known as the mercy seat, in Methodist and other evangelical Protestant churches is a bench located in front of the chancel. The practice was instituted by John Wesley, the founder
Louise de Prie Louise de Prie Louise de Prie de La Mothe-Houdancourt (1624–1709), was a French noble and court official. She served as royal governess to the children of king Louis XIV of France in 1661–72, and to the children of Louis, Grand Dauphin in 1682–91. Louise de Prie was born to Louis de Prie, Marquis de Toucy, and Françoise de Saint-Gelais-Lusignan, and married Marschall Philippe de La Mothe-Houdancourt, duke de Cardona, in 1650. She became the mother of Françoise Angélique (1650-1711), "Charlotte" Éléonore Madeleine (1651-1744), Duchess of Ventadour by her marriage with Louis-Charles de Lévis and governess of Louis XV and his