Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
forations ; while an abundance of arch-work and tracery is so elegantly disposed and intersected , as to partake equally of the circle and the triangle in their powers and in their graces ; thus reciprocally uniting their aid to support and to decorate the intended building . Even in the construction . of the pillars , necessarily massive
for conveying strength to sustain their vast altitude , the gloomy effect of an unvaried pile of stone is entirely avoided , by the clustered columns which adorn their prominent surface . No part of the edifice exhibits the ungraceful appearance of what is called dead wall . The spacious windows , which occupy the greatest extent of the extremities and sides
of the edifice , are constructed on a principle which affords a firmness and grandeur equal to the more solid parts ; and the imagination is diverted from the disgusting effect which an unbroken surface would produce upon it , by the scientific and uniform disposal of niches , intersecting arches , projecting outlines , carved ornaments , and variegated mouldings .
In these particulars , and others to be noticed , we may perceive a remarkable contrast to the whole principle ancl style of Grecian and Roman temples , which were generally massive and dark ; oblong in form , with plain and solid walls ; almost every part constructed on the principle of straight lines ; and except some entablature , their chief beau ty consisted of pillars with ornamental capitals , as supporters to the roof , while the demi-gloom of a cavern pervaded the whole interior .
There can exist no comparison between the science exhibited in the construction of religious edifices by Christian ancl by heathen architects . The semblance of a grove , with a noble avenue of lofty trees , has been rather fancifully , but not unaptly , traced throughout the " long drawn aisles" of majestic Christian churches and cathedrals ; ancl when placed
within the west door , the idea will reign prevalent in the mind , and may be carried on even in the subordinate tracery of the magnificent windows ; while in the appearance of most heathen temples ( always excepting the portico or colonnade ) the mass conveys no idea in accordance with nature in any of her elegant productions . It would ,
however , be an indication of vicious taste to withhold a just tribute of praise to the grandeur and beauty displayed in some of the sacred edifices constructed by the Greeks and Romans . But notwithstanding the acknowledged splendour of the Grecian columns , pilasters , and porticos , many of which
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
On Freemasonry. Evidences, Doctrines, And Traditions.
forations ; while an abundance of arch-work and tracery is so elegantly disposed and intersected , as to partake equally of the circle and the triangle in their powers and in their graces ; thus reciprocally uniting their aid to support and to decorate the intended building . Even in the construction . of the pillars , necessarily massive
for conveying strength to sustain their vast altitude , the gloomy effect of an unvaried pile of stone is entirely avoided , by the clustered columns which adorn their prominent surface . No part of the edifice exhibits the ungraceful appearance of what is called dead wall . The spacious windows , which occupy the greatest extent of the extremities and sides
of the edifice , are constructed on a principle which affords a firmness and grandeur equal to the more solid parts ; and the imagination is diverted from the disgusting effect which an unbroken surface would produce upon it , by the scientific and uniform disposal of niches , intersecting arches , projecting outlines , carved ornaments , and variegated mouldings .
In these particulars , and others to be noticed , we may perceive a remarkable contrast to the whole principle ancl style of Grecian and Roman temples , which were generally massive and dark ; oblong in form , with plain and solid walls ; almost every part constructed on the principle of straight lines ; and except some entablature , their chief beau ty consisted of pillars with ornamental capitals , as supporters to the roof , while the demi-gloom of a cavern pervaded the whole interior .
There can exist no comparison between the science exhibited in the construction of religious edifices by Christian ancl by heathen architects . The semblance of a grove , with a noble avenue of lofty trees , has been rather fancifully , but not unaptly , traced throughout the " long drawn aisles" of majestic Christian churches and cathedrals ; ancl when placed
within the west door , the idea will reign prevalent in the mind , and may be carried on even in the subordinate tracery of the magnificent windows ; while in the appearance of most heathen temples ( always excepting the portico or colonnade ) the mass conveys no idea in accordance with nature in any of her elegant productions . It would ,
however , be an indication of vicious taste to withhold a just tribute of praise to the grandeur and beauty displayed in some of the sacred edifices constructed by the Greeks and Romans . But notwithstanding the acknowledged splendour of the Grecian columns , pilasters , and porticos , many of which