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loveliness and beauty, presents itself, over which the ravished eye wanders without a cloud to dim, or a limit to obstruct its sight. In the midst of this scene, rendered luminous by the glory which covers it, the city, the palace, the throne of God appears. Trees of life wave their ambrosial tops around it: rivers of salvation issue from beneath it; before it angels touch their harps of living melody, and saints in sweet response breathe forth to the listening heavens their grateful songs. The breezes of paradise waft the symphony, and the pending sky directs it to the earth. The redeemed of the Lord catch the distant sound, and feel a sudden rapture. 'Tis the voice of departed friendship-friendship, the loss of which they mourned upon the earth, but which they are now assured will be restored in the heavens, from whence a voice is heard to say, "fear not; death cannot injure you; the grave cannot confine you; through its chill mansion, grace will conduct you up to glory. We wait your arrival; haste, therefore, come away."

FOR THE MASONIC REGISTER.

PROFANE SWEARING.

"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain."

The above is an immediate command from God himself, and is sanctioned by the laws of every civilized country. Yet, alas! in violation of laws, both human and Divine, the vicious and detestable habit of profane swearing has become common in almost every rank in society. Yes, a habit that originated among the inmates of a brothel, has been copied by those who move in the fashionable circles of life; and is countenanced by many who are placed in responsible stations, and whose duty requires them to suppress vice and immorality, in whatever place, or in whatever shape it may appear. For any one to contend that the interference of the officers of justice, to suppress this grow

ing evil, would be useless, is folly in the extreme; as well might they contend that it is useless for the city watch to perform their nocturnal duty, or that a board of health should take no measures to check a contagious epidemic, after its infection had once entered a city.

Laws are enacted for the benefit of the community at large; and no law ought to remain on the statute book for a greater length of time, than while it is found useful, and can be strictly enforced; and it is a duty incumbent on every individual, to lend his aid in support of the laws of his country.

Of all vices of the present age, profane swearing must be acknowledged the most inexcusable, as not the least possible advantage can be derived from it, nor can it contribute in the least degree to a single pleasure. Nothing, with propriety, can be offered in its extenuation. It is a violation of the laws of decency and common politeness; it originated, as was before observed, among the lowest dregs of society, and ought to be discountenanced by every gentleman having a desire to promote the good of the community.

POETICAL.

FOR THE MASONIC REGISTER. Written on the first day of January, 1820. The fleeting month, the rolling year,

But bears us to our doom;

The nights advance, the days appear,

To call us to our home.

The Spring, bedeck'd with op'ning flow'rs
The Summer's gaudy pride;
The richest fruits that Antumn pours,
In all ber plenteous tide :
The shiv'ring blast of Winter's wind,
The tempest, hail, and snow,
Are lessons to the attentive mind,
How fleeting's all below.

Fix'd, then, on realms of brighter bliss,

Let all our wishes rise; And, while we dwell in worlds like this, Seek those beyond the skies.

A. BELL.

FOR THE MASONIC REGISTER.

ON A WATCH.

Could but our tempers move like this machine,

Not urg'd by passion, nor delay'd by spleen,
And we by heaven's regulating power,
By virtuous acts distinguish every hour,
Then health and joy would follow as they
ought,

The laws of motion and the rules of thought, Sweet health to pass the present moments o'er,

And everlasting joy when time shall be no

more.

FOR THE MASONIC REGISTER.
ON THE DEATH OF AN INFANT.
Sweet, short-liv'd flow'r! thy op'ning bud
Is borne by death's cold hand away,
Far, far beyond time's swelling flood,
Where thou shalt bloom without decay.

Here life's fierce storms around us roar,
Or sweep each pleasure from the breast,
But grief and anguish now no more,

Disturb thy calm and peaceful rest.

Then whilst for thee our tears still flow,
This pleasing thought our hearts shall heal,
That safe beyond the reach of woe,
Thy parents' pains thou canst not feel.

SELECTED.

THE FALLING TOWER. Mark ye the tower whose lonely halls Re-echo to yon falling stream? Mark ye its bare and crumbling walls, Where slowly fades the sinking beam?

There oft when eve in silent trance,
Hears the lorn red-breast's plaintive moan;
Time, casting round a cautious glance,
Heaves from its base some mould'ring
stone.

There, though in time's departed day,

War wav'd his glittering banners high; Though many a minstrel pour'd the lay, And many a beauty tranc'd the eye;

Yet, never, 'midst the gorgeous scene, 'Midst the proud feasts of splendid power, Shone on the pile a beam serene,

So mild as gilds its falling hour.

Oh! thus, when life's gay scenes shall fade, And pleasure lose its wonted bloom,

When creeping age shall bare my head,
And point to me the silent tomb:

Then may religion's hallowed flame,
Shed on my mind its mildest ray;
And bid it seek, in purer frame,
One bright eternity of day.

TO MIRA.

Riches can many a joy impart,

Can many a want remove;
But cannot buy a feeling heart,
Or purchase truth and love.

Those blessings of celestial birth,
Descended from the skies,
Have sought a residence on earth,
And fix'd in MIRA's eyes:

Where Cupid wrote, with plumes, 'tis said,
Pluck'd from his mother's dove:
"Whoever looks upon this maid

Shall be condemn'd to love."

And I, an inexperienc'd youth,
Unconscious of the snare,
Did gaze, and saw the fatal truth
Too plainly written there.

THE SIGH.

By a young lady, born blind.
If this delicious, grateful flower,
Which blows but for a single hour,
Should to the sight as lovely be,
As from its fragrance seems to me;
A sigh must then its colour show,
For that's the softest joy I know.
And sure the rose is like a sigh,
Born just to soothe, and then-to die.

My father, when our fortune smil'd,
With jewels deck'd his eyeless child:
Their glittering worth the world might see,
But, ah! they had no charms for me.
Still as the present fail'd to charm,
A trickling tear bedew'd my arm;
And sure the gem to me most dear,
Was a kind father's pitying tear.

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Judging from the present aspect of European affairs, and the policy pursued by most of the legitimate sovereigns of that section of the globe, it must naturally be concluded that the soil of that continent will soon be again drenched in blood, and the scourge of war will be experienced, perhaps in a tenfold degree. Great discontent appears to prevail among the people of Great Britain, France, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and Prussia,; and there are great appearances of approaching revolution. In England in particular, the 'great wheels of revolution,' have rolled so far, that we believe it is now even beyond the power of the 'strong arm of government' to avert their progress. Conspirators no longer confine themselves to dark retreats, but with a daring spirit, stalk forth, assaulting the officers of the crown, in open day. Executions are frequent, the prisons are crowded, and trials for sedition, murder, and treason, almost daily engage the attention of the courts throughout the kingdom.

The late arrival of the queen, after an absence of about fourteen years, has excited great interest among all ranks of people. The demonstrations of joy with which she was saluted on her first landing at Dover, and the high respect, and affection shown to her majesty in every place through which she passed, from Dover to London, as well as the enthusiastic joy expressed on her arrival at that me

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tropolis, plainly evince, that her absence, instead of diminishing, has increased the attachment of a great majority of the people to her person, notwithstanding the heavy charges king; which are no less than an adulbrought against her character by the terous connection with a foreigner, originally in her service in a menial capacity,' and a continued series of conduct highly unbecoming her rank and station, during her residence in various parts of Europe; which the king and his party expect to support by the testimony of a number of foreigners, already arrived in London to testify against her. An investigation is to take place, and the queen appears to rest satisfied, that she can clearly prove her innocence, and show the corruption of the witnesses against her. It is stated that she has written to nearly one hundred persons, many of whom are of the first respectability in Italy, to repair to England, to give evidence of her demeanour while abroad.

The Italians who have arrived, are said to be of the lowest order, and that they have been suborned to witness against her. This trial excites great interest throughout the nation, and the queen's party is daily gaining strength. What will be the result, and, what effect it may have upon the political world, time alone will determine. We hazard nothing, however, in saying, that should her majesty's expectation be realized in proving her innocence, the reign of George IV. will be of short duration.

The coronation, which was to have taken place on the first of August, was indefinitely postponed, undoubtedly through fear of the indignation and resentment of the people.

Spain, which previous to the late revolution, was governed by the iron hand of despotism, both in church and state, appears now to be settled down under a limited monarchy, the people enjoying equal privileges with the monarch himself. By the last advi ces, the utmost harmony prevailed

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panion of Jerusalem Temple chapter, in that 'village.

The Newburgh paper, of the first of August, after mentioning this distressing event, says,

"His remains were brought to this

throughout the kingdom; and the advocates of oppression under the former government, were held in the most sovereign contempt. On the 9th of July last, the king took the oath of the constitution, before the representatives of the nation; splendid illumi-place on Saturday; and his funeral nations took place, and the most enthusiastic joy was manifested on the occasion. The public squares of Madrid were crowded with people of all ages and sexes, congratulating each other on the happy event. The military and citizens united in parading the streets, singing patriotic hymns, and shouting, "Long live our constitutional king;" "Long live the nation;" "Long live the constitution."

The South American colonies still remain in an unsettled situation as it regards their government; but the reestablishment of the Cortez, or Congress, in the mother country, will, most probably, secure to them the FREEDOM for which they have been so long contending.

was attended in the afternoon by a numerous assemblage of sympathising friends. A large Masonic procession conducted the deceased to the place of interment, where the ceremonies of the order were performed with great solemnity. Mr. Lewis was a gentleman of amiable disposition, conciliating manners, and unblemished integrity: his talents were improved by a liberal education and much reading, and he gave undoubted evidences of future usefulness to society. To his aged and venerable parents and family connections, his loss seems almost irreparable, and an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances, will long deplore his early departure."

The editor of the Ladies' Literary Cabinet closes a handsome eulogy on the deceased, as follows:

"On the evening previous to this

The empire of Russia, at the present time appears to be in a more flourishing situation than any other European power; owing to the extra-melancholy event, the subject of these ordinary exertions of the emperor Al- remarks was well and cheerful; and exander, to desseminate the light of the last exercise of his talents and pen, the gospel, and other useful know- but an hour or two before his death, ledge among his subjects; to promote was a short essay upon Enthusiasm, improvements in agriculture, and va- intended for the Literary Cabinet, rious other useful arts; and his con- which concluded with the following stant attention to the welfare and hap- remarkable words:piness of the people of his widely extended dominions.

OBITUARY.

Lo! soft remembrance, drops a feeling

"In the end, when the last trial comes, when it is for us, in our turn to meet the struggles of death, enthusiasm will not abandon us; her brilliant wings shall wave over our funeral couch, she will lift the veil of death, she will recall to our recollection those moments, when, in the fulness of energy, we felt that the soul was imperishDied suddenly, at his residence in able. And our last sigh shall be a Greenwich-street in this city, on Fri-high and generous thought, re-ascending to that Heaven from which it had its birth.")

tear, And sacred friendship stands a mourner here."

day morning the 28th of July, Mr. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN LEWIS, late of Newburgh, in the county of Orange, aged 29 years. He was past master of Hiram lodge, and a worthy com

HOYT & BOLMORE, PRINTERS. 70 Bowery, New-York.

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MASONIC.

Compendium of the CONSTITUTIONS, RULES, and REGULATIONS of the ancient and honourable fraternity of FREE and ACCEPTED MASONS.

In making the following compila

tion we have had recourse to the most
approved records, with a conscien-
tious regard to the ancient landmarks
of our order; which it would be pre-
sumption to remove, or deface. For
sake of brevity, we have been obliged
to vary the language, but in no instance
have we deviated from the true sense
and meaning of the authors we have
consulted, or from the true spirit of
Masonry.

OF THE REQUISITE QUALIFICATIONS
OF A CANDIDATE.

[VOL. I.]

ers in distress. He must be possessed of a benevolent disposition, and be in the daily practice of the social virtues ; but above all, he must be a firm believer in the eternal God, and pay to him that adoration and worship, which is due to Omnipotence alone. If a son, brother, kind and affectionate to his he must be dutiful to his parents; if a brothers and sisters; if a husband, tender, forbearing, and respectful to his wife; and if a parent, he must be in the exercise of that affection, dignity, and prudence, requisite to the good government of a family; always remembering that precept and example should go hand in hand. Withconsistently with the principles of out these requisites, no person can, our ancient order, be made a Ma

son.

OF PROPOSING A CANDIDATE.

Every candidate for admission into Any person wishing to become a the fraternity of free and accepted Ma- Mason, must be proposed by a memsons, must be a man, free born, at least ber of the lodge to which application twenty-one years of age, in full pos- is made, at least one communication session of all the mental faculties, hav- previous to the time of his initiation, ing some trade, or honest profession, that the brethren may have an opwhereby he may be enabled to obtain portunity of inquiring into his chara subsistence for himself, and those acter, and qualifications; for which dependent on him for a support, be- purpose a special committee is gensides something for the relief of oth-erally appointed, but in some large

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