Asia. It was on the terra-cotta objects
dug up by Dr. Schliemann at Troy, and conjectured to date from 1000 to
1500 B.C." It is thought to represent in heathen use a revolving
wheel, the symbol of the great sun-god, or to stand for the lightning
wielded by the omnipotent deity, Manu, Thor, or Zeus. The Christians
saw in it a cross concealed from the eyes of their heathen enemies.
The fylfot is frequently found in the Greek Church on the vestments of
the clergy. The Greek fret or key pattern, with which all are
familiar, is a decorative development of the fylfot.

[Illustration: Fylfot]

Another interesting form of the cross is that known as the "cross of
Iona" or "Irish cross." It is said to be the earliest form known in
{62} Great Britain and Ireland. The antique wayside crosses are of
this shape. "Because this style of cross partakes more of Greek
character than of Latin, it has been contended that it argues an
Eastern rather than Western origin for the introduction of Christianity
into Great Britain." The circle is the emblem of eternity, as having
neither beginning nor end, and when combined with the cross, as in this
form, it speaks of the perpetuity of the Christian faith and the
eternity of its hope.

[Illustration: Irish cross]

The "St. Andrew's cross," in form like the letter X, conveys the idea
of humility as well as that of suffering. When St. Andrew was
condemned to be crucified, he begged that his cross might be unlike
that on which his Lord had died, not deeming himself worthy to die on a
cross of the same form as that on which He had suffered.

[Illustration: St. Andrew's cross]

There is a cross peculiar in form, and known as the "Canterbury cross."
It is in the shape of the letter Y, and is usually seen only upon the
vestments of the clergy. The ornamentation of the chasuble is commonly
of this form. It is embroidered on the chasuble of St. Thomas of
Canterbury, which is still preserved in the Cathedral {63} of Sens, in
France. Its shape brings to mind the inclination of our Saviour's
arms--the lifting up of His hands--as He offered Himself in sacrifice
on Calvary.

_Symbols of the Holy Trinity._--The equilateral _Triangle_ is perhaps
the most familiar emblem of the Holy Trinity. The equality of the
three divine Persons in the Godhead is represented by the equal sides
or the equal angles of the triangle.

[Illustration: Triangle]

The _Trefoil_ is also an emblem of the Trinity