tions of the devils, only let the sign of the Cross, which they ridicule, be used ; let Christ be merely named: the devils will be instantly put to flight: the oracles be silent: and all the arts of magic reduced to nothing.” De Incar. T.i. p. 89.
St. Basil, G. C.-“ If we attempt to reject those practices, as things of little moment, which rest on no written authority, we shall, by our imprudence, materially injure the Gospel itself; even we shall reduce the very preaching of our faith to a mere name. Such (to mention that in the first place which is the most common) is the practice of making the sign of the Cross, by those who put their hope in Christ. In what writing has this been taught?”—Lib. de Spiritu. S. c. xxvii. T. iii. p. 54.
St. EPHREM, G. C.-“Let us paint and imprint on our doors, on our foreheads, on our eyes, mouth, and breast, and on all our members, this life-giving Cross. Let us arm ourselves with this invincible armour of Christians—the vanquisher of death-the hope of the faithful—the downfall of heresies-the bulwark of the orthodox faith. Without this let us undertake nothing; but in going to bed and rising up, and working, and eating, and drinking, and travelling, by sea and by land, let us adorn all our members with this lifegiving sign.—Thus defended, no evil will hurt you.—By this sign have all nations been united in one Church ; in one faith ; in one Baptism; and knit together in charity.”— Serm. de cruce Domini, T. ii. p. 248.
St. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, G. C.-“ Let us then not be ashamed of the Cross of Christ; and if any one so be, do thou at least openly mark it on thy forehead, that the devils, beholding the royal ensign, may retire trembling.
