vessel the light of the sun, symbolises that which thus stores up the rays of the Sun of Righteousness, the Holy Catholic Church.
Marbodus: "The Chrysoprasus, which is purple, with drops of gold, signifies those who pass their life in tribulation and passion, yet constantly abide in charity." According to Ayguan, this stone (a) shines like fire: and (b) communicates its virtues without diminishing them: and thus typifies (a) The Communion of Saints: (b) The Forgiveness of Sins.
"The Jacinth," says Marbodus, "changes its appearance with that of the sky. It therefore represents those who, like the Apostle, can preach wisdom among them that are perfect, and yet have milk for babes in Christ. Thus," he observes, "S. Paul was a Jacinth: for he became all things to all men." Ayguan teaches that the Jacinth has the virtue of invigorating; and therefore is a type of the Resurrection of the Body.
The Amethyst, according to Marbodus, is entirely red, and shoots out rosy flames. Its colour signifies earthly suffering; its emissions prayers for those that cause it. For he says, "it is the virtue of virtues to pray for persecutors. And we read of few that have done so: yet there are two in the Old Testament,—Moses and Samuel; and two in the New,—the Lord Christ and Stephen." Ayguan, affirming the Amethyst to give a clear sight, makes it symbolical of the Beatific Vision—and thus of the Life Everlasting. I add the French verses of Marbodus on the same sub-
