On page 167, plate 188, are to be seen "the thieves _bound_ to their _cross (which is simply an upright beam, without cross-bars)_, with the figure of the Lord _standing_ between them." He is not bound nor nailed to a cross; no cross is there. He is simply standing erect in the form of a cross. This is a representation of what is styled, "_Early crucifixion with thieves_." On page 173, plate 190, we have a representation of the crucifixion, in which Jesus and the thieves are represented crucified on the Egyptian _tau_ (see Fig. No. 12). The thieves are _tied_, but the man-god is _nailed_ to the cross. A similar representation may be seen on page 189, plate 198.
On page 155, plate 183, there is a representation of what is called "Virgin and St. John at foot of _cross_," but this _cross_ is simply _an upright beam_ (as Fig. No. 13). There are no cross-bars attached. On page 167, plate 188, the thieves are _tied_ to an upright beam (as Fig. 13), and Jesus stands between them, _with arms extended in the form of a cross_, as the Hindoo Crishna is to be seen in Fig. No. 8. On page 157, plate 185, Jesus is represented crucified on the Egyptian cross (as No. 12).
Some ancient crucifixes represent the Christian Saviour crucified on a cross similar in form to the Roman figure which stands for the number _ten_ (see Fig. No. 14). Thus we see that there was no uniformity in representing the "cross of Christ," among the early Christians; even the cross which Constantine put on his "Labarum," or sacred banner, was nothing more than the monogram of the Pagan god Osiris (Fig. No. 15),[204:1] as we shall see in a subsequent chapter.
[Illustration: No. 12, No. 13, No. 14, No. 15]
The dogma of the _vicarious atonement_ has met with no success whatever among the Jews. The reason for this is very evident. The idea of vicarious atonement, in any form, is contrary to Jewish ethics, but it is in full accord with the _Gentile_. The _law_ ordains that[205:1] "every man shall be put to death for _his own_ sin," and not for the sin or crime committed by any other person. No ransom should protect the murderer against the arm of justice.[205:2] The principle of equal rights and equal responsibilities is fundamental in the law. If the law of _God_--for as such it is received--denounces the vicarious atonement, viz., _to slaughter an innocent person to atone for the crimes of others_, then God must abhor it. What is more, Jesus is said to have sanctioned this law, for is he not made to say: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law."[205:3]