The plain form (called in heraldry the Passion Cross) resembling, as is generally believed, that on which our Blessed Lord died for us. Sometimes, when intended especially to symbolise sorrow and suffering, the three upper arms are sharp-pointed. The simple cross, raised on three steps, is called the Cross Calvary, the steps being said to typify the three Christian graces, Faith, Hope, and Charity. [Illustration] The Tau Cross, resembling in shape the Greek letter Τ (tau); it is also called the Egyptian Cross, and, in heraldry, the Cross _Potent_, which is the old English word for crutch. The Cross Crosslet, of this form, on our title-page, is taken from the seal of the Latin Convent of St. Salvador, at Jerusalem, but the riband and motto are adopted for the present occasion. St. Philip is sometimes represented with this cross,--on which, indeed, he is believed to have suffered martyrdom,--and St. Anthony so generally, that it is often called after his name. Some old writers on symbolism saw in the Tau Cross the ideal precursor of the real cross--anticipatory, typical--the cross of the Old Testament. It is represented also in religious art as that on which the brazen serpent was hung. [Illustration] St. Andrew's Cross is an emblem of humility as well as of suffering, the Apostle being said to have declared himself unworthy, even in death, to approach the image of his MASTER's sufferings, and therefore to have entreated that the instrument of his martyrdom might be of a different form. The heraldic term for this cross is _saltire_. [Illustration] The Patriarchal Cross, formerly borne by Patriarchs and Archbishops; retained now in the Church of Rome, and worn on the robes of Cardinals. This cross is very common in Spain. The Greek crosses are so infinite in variety, that I can only attempt to portray a very small number of them, selecting some of the most admired. [Illustration] The most familiar to English eyes is the Cross of St. George, first impaled by Charles I.; to this was afterwards added (on the national flag) the white St. Andrew's, on the union with Scotland; and later still (1801) on the union with Ireland, St. Patrick's "red saltire." And thus the crosses of the "patron saints" peculiar to each kingdom became united in our national flag. [Illustration] One of the best known among Greek crosses is the Maltese, borne by the Knights of Malta. It is often confounded with the following-- [Illustration] Cross Pattée: if the outer lines are curved inwardly, it is called a "Pattée concave;" if outwardly (a pretty form), "Pattée convex." This cross is found prefixed to old writings instead of the words "_In Christi Nomine_." [Illustration] Cross Fleury. [Illustration] Cross Boutonnée (like buds), or Trefflée (trefoil). [Illustration]