Shall Masonry Be?

the world is too curious to know our secrets , and that Masonry is at the zenith of its power ? To me it appears that the rapid o-rowth of our Order is unnatural , and that in its popularity there is clanger . I believe there is a determined opposition ahead of

us ; and that before many years have elapsed , our Craft will meet with a shock that will throw overboard the fair-weather proselytes of Masonic prosperity , and that will induce the true Mason to cling the

closer to our gallant bark . My brethren , as we see the storm , approaching , let us prepare for it ; let us take on board no more poor material to weig ht our ship down ; let us throw overboard our corrupt ship-mates that are

sinking our vessel clown ; let us have up but three masts—brotherly love , relief , and truth . Then will our Craft breast the storm , and Masonry will be safe from the sharks that would dine on her

destruction . Ladies and gentlemen , I ask the question , " Shall Masonry be ?" . Brethren , the answer is yours to give . If Masons vow to be men , to be Masons , the world cannot cause our temple to quiver . Our walls are solid and impervious to attacks

from without ; if we agree among ourselves , and live as brothers , the future of our Order shall be as assured as the past is already assured . If Masonry dies she dies by suicide . Masonry as an institution may fall , but her princip les shall not die . They will live , as God lives . They are founded on truth . They are truth .

" Masonic links compose a sacred chain , Of holy brig htness and unmeasured length ; The world with selfish rust and reckless stain , May mar its beauty , but touch not its

strength . " We take this interesting address from the Voice of Masonry for February .

To My Old Apron.

TO MY OLD APRON .

Music , "T HARDY NORSEMAN . " My old apron is ever new , Yes , jubilant and gay ; And p hoenix like it ever lives , Though worn both nig ht and clay .

If old it grows , I like it more , Although its on the wane ; Its beauty , too , may all have gone , But not its worth and gain . Chorus . — My old apron , & c .

To me its ever brig ht and fair , AVith me it cannot pale ; Its colour and its simple form Is always fresh and hale . Like Aaron ' s rod of ancient days , — 'Tis always rig htly used ;

So my old apron is justly-true However much abused . Chorus . —My old apron , & o .

Tho' some assail , and curse it , too , And put a blot upon her ; I ' m proud of it , and with my life , I will defend its honour . Eaves-droppers and cowans shun me , Buthearthe reason why ?

, , They ' re wanting pluck , if you must [ know , to put me on A fact they can ' t deny . Chorus . —My old apron , & c .

Here is a charm , all Masons say , The longer it is worn ; It hath a spell , that beareth good , In cheering the forlorn . We dare assert this truth , its worth , Then sound abroad my fame ; With worthy men I find a home , And set their hearts on flame .

Chorus . —My old apron , & c . My shape is known the whole world o ' er Besause its on the square ; And 'tis a sign for honest men Freemasons' all declare . I love it for its hallow'd Fane

, Its faith and hope , forsooth ; Its charity is amaranth , A warm and lasting truth . Chorus , —My old apron , & c ,

To my old apron a bumper drink , So lift your glasses high—For who can tell , the good its clone 1 It stops the orphans' cry , It gives relief to all in want , Should fortune prove untrue ;

None ask in vain , if ' ere they wore , My old apron of blue . Chorus . —My old apron , & c . T . BURDETT YEOMAN .