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Article THE MASONS OF THE MIDDLE AGES. ← Page 12 of 14 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Masons Of The Middle Ages.
In the plan , Avhich Sabina found stretched before her , all the chief characteristics of the style of architecture prevailing in the thirteenth century were carefully preserved . The basement of the western entrance of the cathedral was
adorned with three noble entrances , intended , it is said , to symbolize the commencement of natural and spiritual life . Thus , the first , or outer arch , contained the history of the creation of the Avorld , and that of the Old Testament ; the second , or centre arch , comprised the history of the Saviour and the Evangelists ; the third , and last , and extending
deeper than the others , presented those subjects which relate chiefly to the future , and consisted of scenes selected from the Apocalypse . Sabina examined these choice and elegant specimens one by one , which , relieved by light and shade , seemed to project from the flat surface of the parchment . There was an
animation , and a reality about the plan , which it was impossible adequately to describe . The cornice seemed to be lighted np Avith a singular effect ; the windoAVS were illuminated , the fretted rose-work glistened , and in an imaginary conflagration , demons Avere displayed as suffering under the severest tortures , alternately laughing and Aveeping under the agonies
of condemnation , Avhich the imagination had clothed in almost impossible forms . Bold and lofty columns sprang upwards in their light and spindle shape towards the pointed arch which they sustained ; various details in stone , the square , the level , and the plumbrulesymbolic signs of the Masonic Orderwere placed here and
, , there like bright constellations , whilst under the penumbra of the triforium , those mysterious legends , which the middle ages have left to us , were depicted , all studded with curious figures , like a vast dissolving vieAV .
Sabina was dazzled Avith so many beauties ; never , perhaps , had human imagination expended so much profusion and richness upon any work ; from the base to the summit there was a perfect crowd of representations , which appeared almost to live in stone . Here the parable of the virgins invited to the Avedding was depicted , —the five wise placed on the right
hand of the bridegroom , the five foolish on the left ; the first having their lamps lighted , the others holding them downwards . On the opposite side seven statues , delineating the seven capital sins , were represented , each figure holding his head between his feet ; and near to them four figures , quiet and calm in expression , portrayed the four cardinal virtues . Further on was a spectacle not less thrilling . Christ Avas
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Masons Of The Middle Ages.
In the plan , Avhich Sabina found stretched before her , all the chief characteristics of the style of architecture prevailing in the thirteenth century were carefully preserved . The basement of the western entrance of the cathedral was
adorned with three noble entrances , intended , it is said , to symbolize the commencement of natural and spiritual life . Thus , the first , or outer arch , contained the history of the creation of the Avorld , and that of the Old Testament ; the second , or centre arch , comprised the history of the Saviour and the Evangelists ; the third , and last , and extending
deeper than the others , presented those subjects which relate chiefly to the future , and consisted of scenes selected from the Apocalypse . Sabina examined these choice and elegant specimens one by one , which , relieved by light and shade , seemed to project from the flat surface of the parchment . There was an
animation , and a reality about the plan , which it was impossible adequately to describe . The cornice seemed to be lighted np Avith a singular effect ; the windoAVS were illuminated , the fretted rose-work glistened , and in an imaginary conflagration , demons Avere displayed as suffering under the severest tortures , alternately laughing and Aveeping under the agonies
of condemnation , Avhich the imagination had clothed in almost impossible forms . Bold and lofty columns sprang upwards in their light and spindle shape towards the pointed arch which they sustained ; various details in stone , the square , the level , and the plumbrulesymbolic signs of the Masonic Orderwere placed here and
, , there like bright constellations , whilst under the penumbra of the triforium , those mysterious legends , which the middle ages have left to us , were depicted , all studded with curious figures , like a vast dissolving vieAV .
Sabina was dazzled Avith so many beauties ; never , perhaps , had human imagination expended so much profusion and richness upon any work ; from the base to the summit there was a perfect crowd of representations , which appeared almost to live in stone . Here the parable of the virgins invited to the Avedding was depicted , —the five wise placed on the right
hand of the bridegroom , the five foolish on the left ; the first having their lamps lighted , the others holding them downwards . On the opposite side seven statues , delineating the seven capital sins , were represented , each figure holding his head between his feet ; and near to them four figures , quiet and calm in expression , portrayed the four cardinal virtues . Further on was a spectacle not less thrilling . Christ Avas