The symbolism of ecclesiastics, lying principally in their vestments, does not so much fall within the scope of this essay. The same may be said of the allusion to the Holy Trinity in the benedictory attitude of the bishop: and the distinction between the mitred abbot and the bishop in the former holding his pastoral staff with the crook inwards, as signifying his dominion to be _internal_, _i.e._ within his own house;--the latter outwards, to set forth his external dominion over his diocese. The reception of the soul of the departed into Abraham's bosom is often represented. Sometimes angels are bearing it, in the likeness of a newborn child, (a figure symbolical of its having now returned into its baptismal state of purity) and presenting it before the throne. The founders or rebuilders of churches are known by the building which they hold in their hands. The carving of the _open seats_ is one of those parts of ecclesiastical symbolism, which it is very hard to explain. The monsters which constantly occur on them may be perhaps regarded as typical of the evil thoughts and bad passions which a life of ease and rest encourages, and it will be observed, that in the choir, a gentler class of ideas often is suggested: we have here flowers and fruit, and birds making their nests, and flocks feeding. There, are however, certain other types to be found here, and also in string courses, and corbel heads, of which we shall presently speak in terms of disapprobation. Nothing, with this exception, shows the exuberance and beauty of ideas which distinguished the architects of the ages of Faith--and the depth and variety of the scriptural knowledge we are pleased to deny them--than their wood carvings. [Footnote 74] [Footnote 74: The astonishing scriptural knowledge of Durandus may be judged of from the Index at the end of the volume of texts quoted by him. ] {cxi} There is perhaps hardly a scriptural subject which they have not handled: and it requires no small degree of ecclesiastical knowledge to be able at all to comprehend many of their allusions: while probably many more are lost to us. The Annunciation is one of the most favourite topics. The almond tree blossoming in the flower pot--the bud terminating in a cross or crucifix--the prayer desk at which the Blessed Virgin kneels--the temple seen in the distance--the Holy Dove descending on a ray of light--these are its general accompaniments. The descent of our Saviour into hell--the delivery of souls-- 'Magnaque; de magna praeda petita domo:' the visions of the Apocalypse: the final doom: the passions and triumphs of martyrs--all here find their expression. V. Corbels, Gurgoyles, Poppy Heads, etc.