The Dying Child.

For a short time , the hope of such a j consummation gladdened her heart . The little sufferer opened his large languid eyes ' and asked for something to drink . The cooling beverage refreshed him . The Avild I look of fever Avas gone ; he smiled and

puckered up his thin lips—once so full aud pouting—asking for a kiss . } " Do you feel better , darling ? " asked I the mother , Avith hope and despair strugg- j ling in her heart . " Yes , mamma , much better . AVhat will to-morroAV be ? " I

"Monday , dear . " I "I Avonder whether I shall be Avell ' ' enough to go to the singing class . " ! His mother put her hand to her throat , and pressed it and swahWed , as if some- ' thing Avere choking her , before she could j find voice to

speak . I " I don ' t think you will be Avell enough , ! Willy . " j " Then I will practice at home , " he j replied . " Give me the book , will you , I mother , dear ? There it is on that shelf , J in i

wrapped up paper . " She gave him the book , raised him up I with pilloAvs as he asked her , and then j went to dispatch a messenger for the l doctor , as "there Avas a great change , ! which she hoped was for the better . " I AVhen she returned to the room the i

little fellow Avas singing , in a weak but very sweet A-oice , one of the songs from his singing-book It Avas a childish ditty about birds and flowers . "I hope , mother , " he said , Avhen the song Avas ended— " I hope when I die I

shall be buried among flowers , and under the blue sky , and where the birds can sing all about me . I should not like to be put into one of those nasty London grave-yards . " " You shall not be put into one of them , my childif I am alive to prevent it "

, , replied his mother . " Thank you , dear mamma . But I don ' t think I am going to die yet—do you ? " " I hope not , darling , " she replied , but her heart-broken aspect belied her words . "So , I think I must be getting much

better , as I can sing again . I wish so to sing , you can ' t think , for Mr . Mainzer said I Avas a good boy the last time I Avent ; and he patted me on the head , and said I was getting on very well . That Avas my favourite that [ sang just UOAV . But here ' s Another one I know that you like better

The Dying Child.

than that . NOAV , I'll sing your favourite , mother dear . " As he was singing the first words , " Be just and true , " the door opened softly , and the doctor entered . His face Avas bright and anxious , but at the first glance upon his patient his countenance fell , and the

wretched mother read the death-warrant in his dimmed and sorroAvful eye . " There , that ' s all , " said the child , while the poor Avoman held her handkerchief over her mouth to stifle her sobs ; " I shall go to sleep now , mother ; it is quite dark . Give me a kiss . Good night . " He kissed her , turned on his pilloAV , and lay still .

Masonry V. Anti-Masonry.

MASONRY v . ANTI-MASONRY .

Suggested on seeing illustration of same in February No . Voice of Masonry . J . D . c . HOLT . In majesty that rock has stood , Exposed to storm and breaker

, The pride of all discerning minds , The Avork of our great Maker . Oppression has no effort spared That lofty crest to mar ; Her ships approach with shot and sail , Retire Avith scarce a spar .

Creeds , too , have long that cliff assailed , But vain proved each endeavour , For there it ' s stood and there it stands , A beacon light for ever . It soars aloft above the Avaves , Mad billows lash its side ; While unity and peace prevail , No clanger can betide .

Superstition has her votaries armed , This peaceful realm to gain , But fixed it stands amid the tide , The victor of the main . So let them set their minions on AVith ignorance hand in hand , And not a shot can they evoke From this beleagured band .

In spite of all their deadly aim , Her rampart colours fly ; She still with charity extends A silent , firm reply . As furious as the storm may dash Against that rocky shore , As often will their shafts rebound , The same as heretofore . Voice of Masonry , U . S .