The tree of life which was planted by God in Paradise pre-figured this precious Cross. For since death was by a tree, it was fitting that life and resurrection should be bestowed by a tree Gen. ii. and iii.. Jacob, when He worshipped the top of Joseph’s staff, was the first to image the Cross, and when he blessed his sons with crossed hands Heb. xi. 21. he made most clearly the sign of the cross. Likewise Auct., Quæst. ad Antioch., 9, 63. also did Moses’ rod, when it smote the sea in the figure of the cross and saved Israel, while it overwhelmed Pharaoh in the depths; likewise also the hands stretched out crosswise and routing Amalek; and the bitter water made sweet by a tree, and the rock rent and pouring forth streams of water Num. xx., and the rod that meant for Aaron the dignity of the high priesthood Exod. iv.: and the serpent lifted in triumph on a tree as though it were dead Ibid, the tree bringing salvation to those who in faith saw their enemy dead, just as Christ was nailed to the tree in the flesh of sin which yet knew no sin Text, οὐκ εἰδυί& 139·. Variant, εἰδώς.. The mighty Moses cried Iren., bk. v., c 18., You will see your life hanging on the tree before your eyes, and Isaiah likewise, I have spread out my hands all the day unto a faithless and rebellious people Isai. lxv. 2.. But may we who worship this Text, τοῦτο. Variants, τοῦτον and τούτῳ. obtain a part in Christ the crucified. Amen.