The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1870-05-25
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
THE CATACOMBs OF ROME.
SYMBOLS ON THE TOMBS.


bolizing. Systems of religion or morality
were recited in allegory, illustrated by sym
bols. The religion of the Catacombs par
took of that genius. Accordingly symbols
were traced on cups, lamps and tombs.-
They were expressive of Christian ideas, and
served as mode of recognition and safe
guard in the days of persecution. Few Of
the first converts could read an inscription
but all could understand pictorial figures,
they could thus recognize the tomb of a
friend CT brother. The painting was to the
unlearned what to the learned is the letter.
The symbols of the Catacombs form then
Bible in hieroglyphics, a pictorial Bible,
making truth transparent. Some of these
symbols are expressed in the gorgeous i'm
ages of oriental style and are exceedingly
suggestive, quote here some:
The House-signifes the house of our tab
ernacle, &C., z Cor. W.
The Horse-the race of man.
The Hare-the swiftness of life.
The SparroaO--(Passer solitpdinis,) That
we have no abiding place here below-but
are strangers and pilgrims.
The Weaver at has we6-recalls the words
of Job ii: 6, my days are Swifter than a
weaver's shuttle.
The Sower-Sowing. his seed-teaches
that as we SOW, so we reap. rs .--
The FOot-print-with the words GIN PACE, y
GIN DEo, IN CHRISTIE" that life is per-
petual walking in Christ, in God, in Peace.
A DOve-by an earthen cup, alludes to
St. Paul's words, But we have this treasure
in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God and not of us.
The Dove-Symbol of the Spirit of God
and of the spiritual soul.
The Olve Branch-the emblem of Peace
The Palm and the Crown-emblems Of
Victory.
The Palm Tree-the sign of everlasting
Life.
The Goat-is the sinner borne on the
shoulders of the good Shepherd.
The &heep--represents the Faithful. a,
The Lambs the allegorical figure Of
Christ.
The RAMS the substituted victim of the
Atonement.
The Scales Of Bazance-with the name
of Christ, stand for Christ'S justice or right
eousness.
Orpheus and the lyre-alludes to the
peaceful reign of Christ. a
The Wolf, the Lamb, and the Leopard, in
one group, points to Daniels prophecy Of
Christ's reign upon earth.
Zaecheus in the fig tree is personifying
the doctrine of Election.
A WeU-points to that swell of water
springing up to everlasting life
The Hand signifies Gods presence
when issuing from cloud, it stands for
Gods power.-Ezek. ii: 9, viii: 3.
The Hart-by the water brooks, symbol
of the soul "thirsting for Cod"
The COck-expresses the Christian vigi-
lance, and also the first morn of the Resur-
rection, the rising of the morning star.
The Phenir-or fabulous Eagle-is the
symbol of the resurrection and of the incor.
ruptibility of the flesh. Job xxx: l0. Then
l said, I shall rest in my nest and [ shall
multiply my years like the eagle. Hebrew,
or Psalm CHI 5, who satisfeth thy mouth
with good things SO that thy youth is re
newed like the eagle.
The DOzphins-signify the calm and as
surance of the saints when storms of SHARP
distress invade.
The Anchor is the symbol of that hope
'sthe anchor of the soul both sure and stead
fast.
The Esh-the comprehensive confession
of faith of the Primitive Church, "Jesu
Christ, Gods Son, ,SauiOov," in Greek
s'Iesous Christos, Theou Yios, S0ter." Th
initial letters or the Greek words happening
to spell the word for "Fish'' I-cH-TH-Y-s
the ichthus (the fish, became the conven
tional symbol of Faith.
Noah's Ark-stands for the Church 0
God launched away into the wide sea ami