THE SIGNATURE OF THE CROSS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume III, Issue 147, 25 February 1876, Page 7

THE SIGNATURE OF THE CROSS.

The mark which persons who arc unable to write are required to make instead of their signatures, is in the form of a cross ; and this practice, having formerly been followed by kings and nobles, is constantly referred to as an instance of the ignorance of ancient times. This signature is not, however, invariably a proof of such ignorance. Anciently the use of the mark was not confined to illiterate persons ; for among the Saxons the mai'k of the cross, as an attestation of the good faith of the person signing, was required to be attached to the signature of those who could write. In those times, if a man could write, or even read, his knowledge was considered proof presumptive that he was in holy orders. The clericus, or clerk, was synonymous with penman, and the laity, or people -who were not clerks, did not feel any urgent necessity for the use of letters. The ancient use of the cross was therefore universal, alike' by those who could, and those who could not write ; it was indeed the symbol of an oath, from its sacred associations, .is well as the mark generally adopted. Hence the origin of the expression, " God save the mark," as a form of ejaculation approaching the character of an oath.