T. Hughes.
ANTICIPATORY USE OF THE CROSS.
(Vol. viii., pp. 132. 417.)
I am not sure that any of your correspondents have noticed the resemblance between the letter T t, especially in some of its ancient forms, and the form of the cross. In the Greek, Etruscan, and Samaritan forms of this letter, we have representations of the three principal forms which the cross has assumed:
A circumstance relating to the Paschal sacrifice mentioned by Justin Martyr, in his conference with Trypho the Jew, and which he asserts without contradiction from his learned opponent, is worthy of a note:
"This lamb, which was to be roasted whole, was a symbol of the punishment of the cross, which was inflicted on Christ, Το γαρ οπτωμενον προβατον, κ.τ.λ. For the lamb which was roasted was so placed as to resemble the figure of a cross; with one spit it was pierced longitudinally, from the tail to the head; with another it was transfixed through the shoulders, so that the forelegs became extended."—Vid. Just. Martyri Opera, edit. Oberther, vol. ii. p. 106.
Your correspondent H. N. appears to have fallen into several errors, which (having appeared in "N. & Q.") ought not to pass unnoticed.
1. He confounds the basilica with the cruciform cathedral, and with "the plan of the Roman forum."