Masterpieces Of The Architecture Of Different Nations.

sculpture ; aud an idea will be formed of the very great loA'e of splendour of these people from the manner in Avhich it is applied to this kind of monuments , hoAvbeit that they are always almost alike in form . The city of Agra , tho capital of the province of that name , and formerly the metropolis of the Avhole of Hindostan , was ,

it is Avell known , a most superb city ; and it still g ives indications by the ruins of its palaces Avhat Avcrc the princes and nobles Avho Avere its inhabitants . Its most magnificent quarter was on the banks of the river Jumna , AAdiich AOAVS through it . The magnificent ruins of the fountains and thc baths , in marble of different colours , testify to the greatest luxury .

Nothing can surpass the manner in AAdiich the ornaments and flowers harmonize together by a gentle gradation of hues . The tomb of Taj-Mehal , erected by the Emperor Shah Jehan to the memory of his wife , was called specially the Tijarnel ; it is in Avhite marble , very beautifully polished . This tomb participates at once of the Egyptian stle as Avell

y as of that of the Persians and Arabians , while in some of its details it approaches closely to the architecture of the Greeks . TAVO towers , square and slightly pyramidal , are connected together by a portico or triumphal , arch in the Egyptian style , and yet separated by an immense flight of stairs leading to a large flat landing place , on Avhich was placed , in all

probability , an open altar for sacrificial offerings . If the fiftysix steps that aro ascended to roach it are supposed to be each six inches hi gh , that altar ' . vill be thus tAventy-ci ght feet in elevation from the ground , and notAvithstanding it is scarcely more than half the hei ght of the monument . Its towers aro croAvned by a sarcophagusof the same shape

, as that placed on the summit of the tomb at Seringapatam A square foundation receives the base of the pyramida l towers , before Avhich are placed smaller tombs of different forms , resembling A'ery much those which are commonly used

nowadays by thc Turks . This monument also had its enclosure , formed by a Avail placed at a certain distance from the foundation ; and the space between Avas planted with trees , the forms of which contrasted strangely with the severe masses of that edifice , which , from the details of its mouldings and . the character of

its profiles , could not have been executed , except in marble , or in some other equally hard mineral . TAVO small tabernacles , supported by pilars , are decorated Avith altars and pilasters of the Tuscan order , and AA'ith a very heavy entablature ; they support themselves , sarcophagi placed on lions situated at the angles .

The Avhole appearance , and the contrast of all these forms , agreeably opposed to each other , bear much affinity to the Moorish style , and give a great interest to this monument from the novelties Avhich they present in architecture . There has been discovered in Mexico a very remarkable old Hindoo pagoda or temple . Its mass is a single pyramidal

square tOAver , haA'iug a projecting staircase , Avith only a single flight , right in front , and sustained by a Avail perforated Avith openings at a very great height . In the middle of this flight of steps is a landing place , with a door communicating Avith the body of the building , in the interior of which is a chamber . At tho top of the staircase is a similar

doorcommuni-, cating to the interior and leading to an elevated platform , on which were the altar and the statues , and where , no doubt , they performed their religious ceremonies , in presence of the immense multitudes of people who assembled at the foot of the pyramid , the height of which may be estimated at one hundred and fifty feetand the base of it is still further raised

, to the hei ght of seventeen steps . This tOAver is crowned Avith a projecting entablature ; and on both sides of the altar Avere placed tAvo colossal statues , Avhich must have produced a very great effect .

{ To he continued . ) BRO . JOHN DISTIN . —The very hard case of this worthy but uulbrunato Mason begins to excite some sympathy . AVe trust the Craft will IT : . let it drop Avithout a satisfactory result to their aged brother .

The Grand Design Of Masonry.

THE GRAND DESIGN OF MASONRY .

To the reflecting mind , the wonderful preservation of Masonry , amid the doAvnfatl of nations and the changes Avhich time brings upon all things human , is a subject of deep interest . Assuming what Ave believe to be true , that the institution is one of human conception , there still comes pressing upon us the thought , Why has it been preserved and sustained under trials that have over-Avhclmed all that men have imagined to be most stable ? Thc pure God

principles Avhich Masonry teaches , it is true , are eternal . has never left himself Avithout a Avitness to his love and justice . Patriarchs , prophets , and apostles have successively been thc exemplars of the truths Avhich he revealed in Eden . _ Men in each age have gathered to themselves sin and evil , as choice treasures ; but there ever has been found a remnant of true Israel , to sustain the of rihteousnessThe true reliionits ultimate end

cause g . g , and aim , shadowed forth in the " Garden , " developed on Mount Sinai , and consummated on Calvary , has been the guide and stay of all AVIIO Avere truly the sons of God . But to say that Masonry and that religion are one , is claiming more than the truth warrants . They both , to a certain extent , teach the same great truths , for those truths are the foundation stones of the AA'hole moral system . But there is a marked difference betAveen the tAvo—the one possessing destitute

a saving , sacramental grace , of which the other is wholly . In the diversity of nature , there still is unity . So in the plans of God for man ' s temporal happiness and eternal welfare , varied as they may appear , there is also a strict unity . Take holy Avrit , the revealed Avord of God , and AVC find the doctrines inculcated , although variously imported , under different dispensations , all lead to the same great end ; in fact , all lie on the same ground-Avork of truth . God ' s plan of redemption Avas mediatorial-sacrificial—and such is the essence of the religions AA'hich patriarch ,

priest , prophet , and apostle taught . In all these diverse dispensations there Avas strict unity designed . God , through them , revealed the path to eternal happiness . Something more essential than a cold morality Avas required . The poAver of life in Masonry rested not then simply on the divinity of the truths she has ever taught . She has not been so wonderfully sustained simply , that through her influences men exemsiveness

might be trained for a heaven of bliss . Her very Avould be a barrier to her extended success . The true church of God upon earth opens Avide her doors , and calls upon all to come , Avithout money and Avithout price . Masonry presses not her code upon the profane Avithout her gates , hut simply offers it to those who seek admission themselves . For what great end has Masonry been preserved unchanged ?

What is the grand design of her preservation ? For ourseivesj Ave can ansAver the question clearly and distinctly . AA e have no misgivings as to the correctness of our belief . She originated in human wisdom , and lias been sustained by superhuman poAver , to prove how blessed it is for men to divell together in unity ; IIOAV strong the bond of brotherhood becomes when men can forget , not their creed , but its bitter prejudices ; not their nation , bvrt its hut its contracted bounds

narrow limits ; not their family , . Neither in church or nation—neither in sect or people , are to be found that accord of feeling—that abnegation of self , that exists in Masonry . Thc bond of brotherhood is like the precious oil , that , poured on Aaron ' s head , ran down to the hem of his garments . And Avhy ? Because it unites the highest and the loAvest , thc richest and the poorest , as the oil touched both the honoured head and the humbler robe . Religion is thc golden cord which unites man to God ; Masonry the silver thread which runs from man to man . —Neio York Masonic Chronicle .

The Religious Aspect Of Masonry.

THE RELIGIOUS ASPECT OF MASONRY .

MASONRY , Avhen properly vieAved , ivhen examined witli the calm , clear light Avhich revelation throws upon the subject , consists not of mere forms and mere ceremonies . Aud Aye claim , and even insist , that no man or class of men have the right to judge of our merits as a society AV I IO have never investigated , never viewed from the stand point of the initiated the true secrets , the teachings of our Order . Masonry opens to the mind HCAV fields

of thought , new realms of light , through AA'hich the mind may soar for life and for eternity in happy dreams of heaven" Blest for the beautiful Avithin the dwelling , Never to fade !—a refuge from distrust , A spring of purer life still freshly welling * To clothe the barrenness of earthly rust AVith flowers divine . " When Christianity threAV her warm rays of light upon thc earth , and sent a thrill of joy to the darkened souls of men , she found in Masonry her lvarmest ally . And ever since , through