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Article WEST INDIES. ← Page 2 of 6 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
West Indies.
splendour of their superior , a foundation has been laid for improvement in the art of building . Architecture is now a distinct profession , to which men exclusively devote their attention , and for which they are trained by an established course of preparatory education . Nor is it from this ground only that Masonry derives its superiority as a separate profession , while many other arts administer to our luxury and pride , and gratify only those temporary wants and unnatural desires which refinement has rendered
necessary—the art of building can lay claim to a higher object . The undertakings of the architect not only furnish us with elegant and comfortable accommodation from the inclemency ofthe seasons , from the rapacity of wild beasts , and the still more dangerous rapacity of man ; they contribute also to the ornament and glory of nations , and it is to them that we are indebted for those fortresses of strength which defend us from the inroads of surrounding enemies . Nor can the works of the architect be ranked among those objects which furnish amusement and accommodation for a few years , or at
most during the short term of human life : they descend unimpaired from generation to generation ; they acquire additional grandeur and value from an increase of age , and are the only specimens of human labour which , in some measure , survive the revolutions of kingdoms and the waste of time . Tbe splendid remains of Egyptian , Grecian , and Roman architecture , which in every age have attracted the attention of the learned , and excited the astonishment of the vulgar , are standing monuments of the ingenuity and of manand in yet to comethey will reflect a dignity on
power ; ages , the art of Building , to which no other profession can arrogate the slightest claim . But that we may discover Freemasonry under those various forms which it has assumed in different countries , before it received the name which it now bears , it will be necessary to give a short description of the nature of this Institution , without developing those mysteries , or revealing
those ceremonial observances which are known only to the Brethren of the Order . Freemasonry is an ancient institution , embracing individuals of every nation , of every religion , of every condition in life . Wealth , power , and talents , are not necessary to the person of a Freemason . An unblemished character , and a virtuous conduct , are the only qualifications which are requisite for admission into tbe Order . In order to confirm this Institution , and attain the ends for which it was originally formed , every candidate must come under a solemn engagement
never to divulge tbe mysteries and ceremonies of the Order , nor communicate to the uninitiated those important precepts with which he may be entrusted , and those proceedings and plans in which the Fraternity may be engaged . After the Candidate has undergone the necessary ceremonies and received the usual instructions , appropriate words and significant signs are imparted to him , that be may be enabled to distinguish his Brethren of tbe Order from the uninitiated public , and convince others that he is entitled to the privileges of a Brother , should he be visited by distress or want in a
distant land . If the newly admitted member be found qualified for a higher degree , he is promoted , after due intervals of probation , till he has received that Masonic knowledge which enables him to hold the highest office of trust to which the Fraternity can raise its members . In all ages it has been tbe object of Freemasonry , not only to inform the minds of its members by instructing them in the sciences and useful arts , but to better their hearts by enforcing the precepts of religion and morality . In the course of the ceremonies of initiationbrotherlloveloyaltymid other virtues are
, y , , inculcated , in -lieroglyphic symbols ; and the candidate is often reminded , that there is an eye above which observeth the workings of bis heart , and is ever fixed on tbe thoughts and actions of men . At regular appointed seasons , convivial meetings of the Fraternity are held , in Lodges constructed for this purpose : temperance , harmony , and joy , characterise these mixed assemblies . All distinctions of rank are laid aside ; all differ-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
West Indies.
splendour of their superior , a foundation has been laid for improvement in the art of building . Architecture is now a distinct profession , to which men exclusively devote their attention , and for which they are trained by an established course of preparatory education . Nor is it from this ground only that Masonry derives its superiority as a separate profession , while many other arts administer to our luxury and pride , and gratify only those temporary wants and unnatural desires which refinement has rendered
necessary—the art of building can lay claim to a higher object . The undertakings of the architect not only furnish us with elegant and comfortable accommodation from the inclemency ofthe seasons , from the rapacity of wild beasts , and the still more dangerous rapacity of man ; they contribute also to the ornament and glory of nations , and it is to them that we are indebted for those fortresses of strength which defend us from the inroads of surrounding enemies . Nor can the works of the architect be ranked among those objects which furnish amusement and accommodation for a few years , or at
most during the short term of human life : they descend unimpaired from generation to generation ; they acquire additional grandeur and value from an increase of age , and are the only specimens of human labour which , in some measure , survive the revolutions of kingdoms and the waste of time . Tbe splendid remains of Egyptian , Grecian , and Roman architecture , which in every age have attracted the attention of the learned , and excited the astonishment of the vulgar , are standing monuments of the ingenuity and of manand in yet to comethey will reflect a dignity on
power ; ages , the art of Building , to which no other profession can arrogate the slightest claim . But that we may discover Freemasonry under those various forms which it has assumed in different countries , before it received the name which it now bears , it will be necessary to give a short description of the nature of this Institution , without developing those mysteries , or revealing
those ceremonial observances which are known only to the Brethren of the Order . Freemasonry is an ancient institution , embracing individuals of every nation , of every religion , of every condition in life . Wealth , power , and talents , are not necessary to the person of a Freemason . An unblemished character , and a virtuous conduct , are the only qualifications which are requisite for admission into tbe Order . In order to confirm this Institution , and attain the ends for which it was originally formed , every candidate must come under a solemn engagement
never to divulge tbe mysteries and ceremonies of the Order , nor communicate to the uninitiated those important precepts with which he may be entrusted , and those proceedings and plans in which the Fraternity may be engaged . After the Candidate has undergone the necessary ceremonies and received the usual instructions , appropriate words and significant signs are imparted to him , that be may be enabled to distinguish his Brethren of tbe Order from the uninitiated public , and convince others that he is entitled to the privileges of a Brother , should he be visited by distress or want in a
distant land . If the newly admitted member be found qualified for a higher degree , he is promoted , after due intervals of probation , till he has received that Masonic knowledge which enables him to hold the highest office of trust to which the Fraternity can raise its members . In all ages it has been tbe object of Freemasonry , not only to inform the minds of its members by instructing them in the sciences and useful arts , but to better their hearts by enforcing the precepts of religion and morality . In the course of the ceremonies of initiationbrotherlloveloyaltymid other virtues are
, y , , inculcated , in -lieroglyphic symbols ; and the candidate is often reminded , that there is an eye above which observeth the workings of bis heart , and is ever fixed on tbe thoughts and actions of men . At regular appointed seasons , convivial meetings of the Fraternity are held , in Lodges constructed for this purpose : temperance , harmony , and joy , characterise these mixed assemblies . All distinctions of rank are laid aside ; all differ-