E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Man.
Emblematic of St. Matthew, because he begins his gospel by tracing the manhood of Jesus back to David. Mark is symbolised by a lion, because he begins his gospel with John the Baptist and Jesus in the wilderness. Luke is symbolised by a calf, because he begins his gospel with the Temple sacrifices. And John as a eagle, because he looks right into heaven and begins his gospel with Jesus the divine logos. The four are indicated in Ezekiel’s cherub (i. 10.)
