a cross upon which the body of Christ is fastened in effigy, used by the Roman Catholics to excite in their minds a strong idea of our Saviour's passion.

They esteem it an essential circumstance of the religious worship performed at the altar; and on Good Friday they perform the ceremony of adoring it, which is done in these words, "O crux ave, spes unica;" "Hail, thou cross, our only hope." The officiating priest uncovers the crucifix, elevates it with both his hands, and says, "Ecce lignum crucis;" "Behold the wood of the cross." The people answer, "in quo salus mundi pendit;" "on which the Saviour of the world suffered death." Then the whole congregation bow with great reverence, and devoutly kiss the holy wood.