authenticated by thefe memoirs ; more particularly, the illuftration o 
the hieroglyphics of the facramental trophies of the former Number 
has paved the way for the following reflection, to afcertam the tradi- 
tionary line in which thefe fymbols were conveyed. 
The first Christian Pastors, ftruck with the hieroglyph^! 
glory, in which divine things had been fo fublimely expreffed and vene- 
rated of old, faw that the fymbols of the Gentile religion were derive* 
from primaeval traditions; had their facred origin in the patriarchal re- 
cords and prophetical books; and therefore involved allufions to evan- 
gelical truth. By pious appropriation they were, on the above accoun , 
infcribed on the parchments of the Chriftian fanduaries; (for, during 
the three firft centuries, the communion fervice was not permitte t0 
be written): from thefe parchments, wherewith the divines who car- 
ried the embaffy of the Gofpel into foreign lands were furniihed, fprung 
fome of the moft inexplicable iculptures on the obeliiks now under re 
view. 
Memorials of the original parchments fhall be here produced; and 
the monuments of the plate are handing entire*; the faithful 
,-ifon of the hieroglyphics on them, with thofeof Egyptian obelilks, 
therefore what the inquifitive may eaflly afeertain. 
The evidence of the fublime allufions, here offered to view, * ’ 
therefore derived from the legendary tales of early hiftonans, nor 
dubious theories founded in fidion and favoured by credulity; but tr ^ 
the authentic teftimony of fculptured granite and marble, and the ven 
rable importance of primeval fymbols. 
It is therefore a pleafing refledion, that fo many of thefe Obeli* 
held facred by their antiquity, and the traditionary value of their c °^ 
tents, have fo long remained the boaft and glory of the CaledoN 
* Fig. I. is at Aberlemny , in Angus. III. is within a park, near to Glcutns 
the fame county. II. ftands on a circular mount, artificially raifed with fteps o 
Cariblair in Rofs-Jbire , 
