Essai historique sur l'église de S. Paul ci-devant collégiale, aujourd'hui cathédrale de Liège / [O.J. Thimister] 1867

This book, printed in 1867, by O.J. Thimister, tells the story of the church of S. Paul in Liège. Note the seal beneath the title, depicting Saint Paul himself. He stands holding a book and sword—the book represents his teachings, and the sword, his martyrdom. This pairing of the book and the sword echoes through centuries. Consider its parallels to depictions of military saints. The sword, initially a symbol of earthly power and conflict, transforms into an emblem of spiritual fortitude, a willingness to defend faith even unto death. Its recurring presence invites us to ponder the psychological weight of such symbolism. The cyclical recurrence of these symbols reminds us that history is not linear but a constant return. Symbols resurface, evolving, and taking on new layers of meaning as they journey through time.