(2) A hand extending the index-finger, pointing to a chalice and the host, with the inscription, Digitus Dei hic est. This means that the miracle of this holiest of Sacraments is the work of the eternal wisdom, that cannot be attained by any wisdom of us humans.
(3) A rainbow, and above it a chalice with the host, and the inscription, Signum fœderis sempiterni. Signifying, that as in the olden time God vouchsafed the rainbow to Noah in sign of friendship and alliance, so does He now vouchsafe His own flesh and blood as a true and effective token of His lasting association with mankind.
(4) Two rays, crossed, and in their midst an olive bough, with the inscription, Recordabor fœderis mei vobiscum. These are the words that were spoken by God to Noah, when He made the said alliance with him, giving to understand the clemency wherewith God treateth mankind in the lesson of this divinest Sacrament, forgetting their errors, and establishing perpetual peace and amity with them.
(5) The pelican feeding her young with the life-blood issuing from her breast. The inscription says, Majorem charitatem nemo habet.
(6) A dead lion, from whose mouth issueth a swarm of bees, with the inscription, De forti dulcedo. Giving to understand, that as from the mouth of so brave a creature there issued a substance so sweet as honey, so did the God of vengeance, the brave Lion of the tribe of Judah, concert such love and peace with man, that He offered His very body for man's food.
THIRD ORDER
The rest of the third order, as far as the summit of the custodia, represents the Church triumphant: wherefore was placed in the midst of this order (which is in the composite style) the history of the Lamb that is upon the throne, and round about it the four beasts that are full of eyes, as the Apocalypse relateth.
Upon the six continuous pedestals of the columns of this order are graved the following six scenes:—
(1) The saints who wash their stoles in the blood that issues from the Lamb, as is told in the Apocalypse.
(2) God the Father, with a sickle in His hand, and angels gathering grapes in the vat, and corn in the granary, after winnowing out the chaff; signifying the reward accorded unto men in sowing, and in the harvest of the vine.