Crown.
The Crown is a Scriptural emblem of the Church. "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God". (Isa. lxii. 3. See also Zech. ix. 16.) This symbol, placed above the initial letter of a Holy Name, gives it a beautiful and marked significance.[19] It may be appropriately blended with the cross; also with the palm and the lily.
The emblems of the four Evangelists are these:—St. Matthew, a winged man (not an angel); St. Mark, a winged lion; St. Luke, a winged ox, or calf; St. John, an eagle. These symbols are taken from the vision of Ezekiel, and from that of St. John in the Revelation.[20]
Sacred Monograms.
Acts, iv. 12.
There is none other Name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
It is surprising how much the real meaning of the letters IHS, or IHC, has been lost sight of, emblazoned as it is on the pulpit-coverings, altar-cloths, and windows of our Churches. The interpretation has been guessed at, or supposed to signify the initial letters of the following sentences:—"Jesus Hominum Salvator"—Jesus, Saviour of men. "Inspiration (of the) Holy Spirit;" or, "Jesus Humanitatis Consolator"—Jesus, Comforter of mankind. None of these interpretations are correct.