look with steadfast eyes of the mind upon that same
death of Christ, no concupiscence, no sensuality, no
natural passion, and no envious desire, is able to
overcome him."[29]

Whether however this reference to the "_stauros_ of Christ" is or is
not a reference to the figure of the cross, is doubtful.

Such is the evidence regarding the cross, whether considered as
immaterial sign or material symbol, obtainable from the writings of the
Christians who lived between the days of the Apostles and those of
Constantine; other of course than the _Octavius_ of Minucius Felix,
which was dealt with in the last chapter, and the writings of Irenaeus,
which will be dealt with in the next.

Among the noteworthy features of the evidence in question prominently
stands out the smallness of its volume.

This is but a negative point, however; and what should be carefully
borne in mind is that the evidence as a whole leads to the conclusion
that the Christians of the second and third centuries made use of the
sign and venerated the figure of the cross without, as Dean Farrar
admits, it "only or even mainly," reminding them of the death of Jesus;
and therefore otherwise than as a representation of the instrument of
execution upon which Jesus died.[30]



CHAPTER IV.