Christian Symbolism

the object of this preliminary chapter to describe, not indeed exhaustively, for that could not be done in the space, the general ideas and meanings of the various members of these two classes, with the object of clearing the ground for the artistic application of symbolism by an explanation of the most symbolical part of Christianity. The line between the two classes was originally a rather vague one, and by the earliest writers things are called "sacraments" which are now called "sacramentals," but long ago the Church, both in the East and the West, settled down into confining the name "sacrament" or "mystery" to seven principal ordinances, which differ from the others in producing effects ex opere operato rather than subjectively. . '. : f-":- ,." .... ..., . -SACRAMENTS -"; tA-SaCramenT; -" an outward sign of inward grace, ordained by Jesus Christ, by which grace is given to our souls." Thus defines the "Catechism of Christian Doctrine," in words which differ in nothing essential from the answer to " What meanest thou by this word Sacrament?" in the Catechism of the Church of England. The latter goes on to say that there are two parts in a sacrament, "the outward and visible sign and the inward and spiritual grace." These two parts, with the necessary proviso of a valid minister and a capable recipient, are the essentials, and it is to the "outward and visible sign" that the symbolism applies. The outward sign is common to all sacraments, but it ma...