and of the Saints 



49 



posed to be the emblem of virginity and self-pro- 

 duction. 



This form is much used to enclose figures of Jesus 

 Christ or of the Saints, and is frequently the outline 

 most preferred for the seals of religious houses or 

 other ecclesiastical bodies. 



The Fish, one of the earliest symbols, seems to be 

 entirely of Christian origin. It was held to represent 

 Christ Himself, whom many ancient writers call The 

 Fish V' 'I'^cro^s Xpto-Tos Q^ov rtos ^(i)rr]p, Jesus Christ, 

 the Son of. God, the Saviour. 



* Jesus Christ, the Son of God, 



The Saviour ' — words which cheer'd the eyes 

 Of martyrs, as unmoved they trod 

 Their fiery pathway to the skies." 



Voices of the Early Church. 



The initial letters of the Greek sentence form the 

 word Tx^v5, a fish. "It is also symbolical of the 

 regenerating waters of baptism, and typifies the be- 



* " History of our Lord," Mrs. Jameson, vol. i. p. lo. 



E 



