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 their 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 pendet; "on which the Saviour of the world suffered death." Then the whole congregation bow with great reverence, and devoutly kiss the holy wood.