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Symbols Scripture abounds with symbols, some parts containing far more than others. Ezekiel, Daniel, and the Revelation are especially full of them. Symbols present, in a concrete form and image, abstract qualities and facts to the mind. In reading scripture, it is necessary to follow carefully the general use of such and such a symbol, … Continue reading “Symbols”

symbolism, birds in In the Old Testament and the New Testament symbolic references to birds occur, and these were multiplied in medieval literature and art. The dove was an early type of purity, as in Canticle of Canticles, 5 and 6; of peace, as in the story of the Deluge; of simplicity and innocence, as … Continue reading “symbolism, birds in”

Symbolism Symbolism may for our present purpose be defined to be the investing of outward things or actions with an inner meaning, more especially for the expression of religious ideas. In a greater or less degree symbolism is essential, to every kind of external worship and we need not shrink from the conclusion that in … Continue reading “Symbolism”

Symbolics The meaning of this term will vary with that assigned to the original word from which it is derived (from ) has a primary reference to the fitting-together of two separate objects, e.g. the parts of a ring or of other tessera hospitalitatis. (related to ) next came to denote every mark or sign … Continue reading “Symbolics”

Symbolical Books This title designates the public confessions of faith of the different Christian churches or denominations; in other words, the writings in which an ecclesiastical communion publishes to the world the tenets that bind together its members and distinguish it from other communions of believers or unbelievers. For the idea of a symbol we … Continue reading “Symbolical Books”

SYMBOL An abstract or compendium; a sign or representation of something moral by the figures or properties of natural things. Hence symbols are of various kinds; as hieroglyphics, types, enigmas, parables, fables, &c. See Dr. Lancaster’s Dictionary of Scripture Symbols; and Bicheno’s Symbolical Vocabulary in his Signs of the Times; Faber on the Prophecies; W. … Continue reading “Symbol”

Sylvius, Francis Theologian, born at Braine-le-Comte, Hainault, Belgium, 1581; died at Douai, 22 February, 1649. He was remarkable from an early age for his love of study and his piety. After completing his humanities at Mons, he studied philosophy at Louvain and theology at Douai, in a seminary founded by the bishops of the Province … Continue reading “Sylvius, Francis”

Sylvia, sister of Flavius Rufinus Sylvia (Silvania), sister of Flavius Rufinus, consul in 392 and prefect of the East under Theodosius and Arcadius. A work written by her was discovered at Arezzo in 1885, bound up with an unpublished work of St. Hilary of Poictiers (de Mysteriis). It contained 2 hymns and an account of … Continue reading “Sylvia, sister of Flavius Rufinus”

Sylvia, Saint (Also spelled “Sylvia”). Mother of Pope St. Gregory the Great, born about 515 (525?); died about 592. There is unfortunately no life of Silvia and a few scanty notices are all that is extant concerning her. Her native place is sometimes given as Sicily, sometimes as Rome. Apparently she was of as distinguished … Continue reading “Sylvia, Saint”

Sylvia of Rome, Saint Born c.515; died 592. Mother of Pope Gregory the Great, sister of Saint Tarasillus, and wife of the Roman regionarius, Gordianus, born either in Sicily or Rome. She gave her sons an excellent education, and after the death of her husband devoted herself to religion. Patroness of pregnant women. Feast, 3 … Continue reading “Sylvia of Rome, Saint”