ORIGINAL POETRY. FRAGMENT. How beautiful is Nature in its ever-varying scenes Of peaceful glades, and grand cascades, of mountains, hills, or streams; Its tall and spreading forests, its plains of arid sand, A SONG FOR THE NEW YEAR. And her heart beat high with hope at the thought Happily, happily, comes the new year} And his eye was bright, and his heart was light, And each and all of these the work of one All-Mournfully, mournfully, comes the new year, powerful hand. How beautiful is nature in its ever varying shades, From the lovely green of early spring to the yellow leaf that fades; If clothed in summer's loveliness, or winter's snow-white robe, There's nought but beauty to be found where'er we chance to rove. How beautiful is Evening, when the sun's last golden ray Sheds a bright lustre on the hills, and o'er the waters play; When the chiming of the village bells comes whispering o'er the breeze, And all is hush'd and quiet save the murmuring of the trees. How beautiful is Youth, where contrasted with old age; The simplicity of childhood 'gainst the wisdom of the sage; Those fond endearing terms of love, how beautiful are they; How sweet to watch the golden locks' commingling with the grey. How beautiful is Love in its pure and holy form, The meeting of two faithful hearts to pass through life's drear storm; Her deep reliance and respect, his tender, watchful care, Combine to make them pass through life, a happy, loving pair. How beautiful it is to hear an earnest, fervent prayer, To see an infant point on high and lisp that God is there; To know we have a Saviour who dwells in realms And say, with the apostle John, "Our God, our THE PAST. "TIS sweet to think upon the past; Impart a halo to the breast, F. M. S. And though, perchance, our early years, At break of morn, or dawn of eve, The voices of departed ones That we should love, but should not love CHARLES MARSHALL. Said a widow in sorrowing tone, That blissful day when my sorrows shall cease, LINES. THERE is beauty in the face From an honest toiling neighbour, O there is love within the heart Of worldly elevation, And scorns the man whose sordid mind And some there are who only strive To gain a name immortal, But ah! the life-bought vision fades Ere they have pass'd death's portal. Which was in mercy given; The life which was to fit them here! And some there are whose noble deeds Their names stand now recorded A SIMILE. LUCINDA B, pilau assumes a yellowish crust; it is served in DOMESTIC HINTS AND RECEIPTS. the same dish. DIFFERENT METHODS OF MAKING PILAU. THIS very wholesome and cheap dish conists of nothing more than rice swelled and softened by broth of any description. The substances most commonly used, and their proportions, are as follows: Three ounces of rice for each person; it should be picked and washed in three waters. Half-apound of mutton to each portion of rice. Halfan-ounce of very fresh butter cut into small bits for each of the portions. A sufficient quantity of water to allow, when the broth is made, one pint to be imbibed by each portion of the rice. The broth is made first, and the meat should be but two-thirds dressed. Pilau is made in a well-tinned copper stewpan. with a cover of a sufficient size to allow the rice to swell, over a charcoal brazier. The broth is poured into the saucepan, and when it boils the cleaned rice is gradually thrown into it; the rice insensibly absorbs the broth, and when the whole is imbibed the rice is swollen, but unbroken, and perfectly tender, and is done. When taken off the fire and uncovered, a number of little holes produced by the evaporation of the broth will be observed; into these the small pieces of butter are put, and the stewpan is carefully closed: the butter soon melts and mixes with the rice; it is left to simmer for a quarter of an hour, and then placed in a tureen or dish. The rice should not be stirred while on the fire. The meat having been cut into small pieces and browned nicely in fresh butter (which completes its cooking), is placed neatly on the pilau. Pilau is improved by using pigeons and fowls, either added to the meat or alone. No vegetables are to be used, as they impart a harsh unpleasant flavour to the dish. A PILAU FOR FIVE PERSONS. Five ounces of rice; two pounds and a half of meat; two ounces and a half of fresh butter: five pints of broth made from the meat, and salted as usual. After the broth is made, half an-hour is sufficient for cooking this dish, which is the general food of the Turks. VENICE PILAU, AS A SIDE-DISH, Six ounces of rice, washed in three tepid waters; stew it gently in two pints of broth over a clear charcoal fire, and closely covered. When all the broth is imbibed, it is done, and is to be taken off the fire; add three ounces of fresh butter, cut into small bits, that it may melt the quicker, and close the stewpan. Take six yolks and three whites of eggs, and beat them up well; uncover the stewpan and pour them into the rice, and then close it again, but still off the fire, and let it simmer. Take a deep dish, butter it, pour into it one-third of the rice, and add some small pieces of butter, and a layer of meat, eut and browned apart; then a second layer of rice, butter, and meat; then a third layer; arrange the whole in a dome shape: beat up the yolk of an egg in milk or cream, and cover the outside with it, then put the dish into the oven; the butter melts and the CONSTANTINOPLE PILAU. According to the quality and number of the guests take either mutton, fowls, or pigeons; boil them till rather more than half doue, then put the meat and broth into a basin. Having washed the pot, melt some butter in it, and when very hot, having cut up the half-cooked meat into bits, the fowls into four, and the pigeons in half, throw them into the butter and fry till of a light brown. The necessary quantity of thin rice being well washed, is then to be placed over the meat in the rot, and the broth to be poured over the rice till it is covered to a full finger's depth; then cover the pot, and keep a clear fire under it, and, from time to time, take out some grains of rice to ascertain if it softens sufficiently or requires more broth; the rice must remain whole though thoroughly done, as well as the pepper which is used for seasoning. As soon as the rice is done, cover the top of the pot with a cloth five or six times folded, and the cover above it; and in a little time melt some more butter and pour it into holes made for the purpose, with the handle of the spoon; cover it quickly again, and then let it simmer till served. It is served in large dishes, with the meat nicely arranged at the top. One may be white of its natural colour, another tinted yellow with saffron, and a third red with pomegranate juice. Though the meat is fat enough for our stomachs, the Turks add as much as three pounds of butter to six of rice, which makes the pilau disagree with those unaccustomed to it. Some persons prefer rice simply cooked with salt and water; it is served in many ways among the grandees of the Porte; and instead of meat, an herb, omelette, or nicely poached eggs are placed on the rice; in this manner, it can disagree with none. ANTIDOTE TO ARSENIC.-The efficacy of the Hydrated Peroxide of Iron in cases of arsenical poisoning has long been known; but this is a remedy seldom at hand when it is required. It has recently been shown that the carbonate or sesqui-oxide of iron will aet equally well. After the free use of emeties or the stomach-pump this should be given in scruple doses repeated every hour. SALT IN DIPTHERIA.-M. Roche mentions in L'Union Medicale, of July, 26th, 1859, that he had saved six patients in six cases of diptheria by the following mode of treatment. The false membranes were first freely cauterized with lunar caustic, and injections then made every hour against the fauces with a solution of common salt, the strength of the solution being such as not to create nausea. Chlorate of Potash was also given internally; and tincture of iodine as a topical application was used in half the cases; but M. Roche considers that the irrigations with the solution of common salt were the chief agents in the case. to MAKE SALT MEAT FRESH.-Put half a pound of saltpetre into two gallons of boiling water, and let the salt meat be put into it, and remain there twelve hours at the end of which time the salt meat will have become fresh, FAMILY COUNCIL. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE COUNCIL.You have begun the New Year well-your letters this month are in many respects valuable. It is impossible for us to enter critically into the merits of each of them, but we shall glance with freedom at a few-taking them at random. present inquiry is to enable you so to study it that you may profit spiritually and intellectually by its hallowed truths. I need scarcely remind you of the advantages to be derived from being able to read the Holy Scriptures in their original tongue. Should your knowledge of Hebrew and Greek not be extensive enough to admit of this, there are able commentaries which, if you consult them, will, in a great measure, supply the dcficiency. I would not advise you to cull out miscellaneous or detached texts for study, as although such a plan may sometimes be profitably adopted for daily meditation, yet for deeper research a more regular course of reading is, in my opinion, preferable. Make yourself thoroughly acquainted with the geography of the Bible, that you may be able to follow the Israelites in their wanderings, to become familiar with the dwelling-places of the Seers, to track the path of the warrior, to find the abode of kings, to know the sites of once flourishbut now ruined cities, and to trace the journeyings of Paul, and the footsteps of our blessed Lord. The extensive knowledge, also, which ancient history affords us, is too valuable to be dispensed with. J. Eastman writes some good plain practical advice, looking at the Bible solely as a spiritual guide.-Stephanie and Annie Linton, are a little too meagre for the subject, and the writing is not easy to be read, but they have some sound remarks; we like the spirit of both, though of opinion that they could have done better in the execution.-L.W. treats only of the New Testament, and recommends a mode of studying it so simple, and get practical good from it; but why does L. W. not go further into the subject? The Gospels should certainly be our chief study, but what of the rest of the Scriptures ?-Marguerite has given a clear and novel method for surround-ing, ing the Bible with all the lights which modern information and travel can supply.-" Little Giggie's" is a creditable performance.-" Excelsior's" admirable.-Lily H. writes with her usual ability, but this esteemed correspondent would do well to study condensation, to gain more strength by the sacrifice of unnecessary words and half-diluted or repeated ideas. She will thank us, we are sure, for these remarks.W. Young Somerville's epistle is finely conceived and expressed; we regard it with admiration; it makes a strong case against "Man's systems," as applied to this Book, whose "Imperial voice" transcends all the sermon-tongued efforts of man; whilst "M. A. and S.," by way of contrast, give information likely to prove valuable to those who have sufficient time and means to pursue the study of Theology out of the beaten tracks. "Agnese is certainly capable of higher flights than we are favoured with on the present occasion: Christmas preparations must have interposed to supplant our Council in her thoughts. "Minima's" letter, as a whole, ranks third best this month; she inculcates profoundest reverence for the Scriptures, almost to that excess which bars inquiry; yet her point of view being a decided one, brings out much excellent thought. We can only find room to mention two more-"L'Eclair" and "Undine," we think their epistles the most suitable for publication; at the same time we have no doubt, if our readers had the whole before them, there would be no small diversity of opinion as to which Letter best deserved the houour of a public appearance. MY DEAR GERTRUDE,You inquire of me which is "The best means of studying the Bible through the New Year." This is an interesting and important question; the answer to which should be the result of calm, serious reflection, based on practical experience. I will, therefore, offer you a few suggestions, which I trust may prove useful for your guidance. I presume that you have already read the Bible entirely through, but that the subject of your We will suppose you to have arrived at a particular era-viz., the Exodus of the Israelites, the Building of the Temple, the Birth of Christ, or any other period of extraordinary interest. Ascertain the condition of the Jewish and surrounding nations at that period; the progress of the arts, sciences, and commerce; endeavour to become acquainted with the literature and philosophy of the age; the characters of the principal men who flourished then; the various modes of warfare, and what nations were engaged in it; and the state of the world at that time-physically, morally, and politically. There are likewise other branches of knowledge which will be useful to you in your researchesviz., Astronomy, Geology, Botany, &c. By studying these, in connection with God's Holy Word, you will be the better able to understand and appreciate what you read. Your object should also be to acquire spiritual instruction from the sacred page. "From Historic Christianity each person must pass to Vital Christianity;" and "conscience is guided by the truths of the Bible." Through that book "the soul is instructed in the character of God-enriched by the study of the life of Christ-informed of its destiny-impressed with its duty-purified by its truths, and brought into communion with the patriarchs and saints of old." How essential then is it that you should, with simplicity and earnestness, search those Scriptures which " 'are able to make you wise unto salvation;" carefully and prayerfully examine the doctrines they contain; arrive not at hastily formed conclusions respecting them, but endeavour to profit by the investigations of wise and good men; yet be not influenced by their prejudices. Meditate frequently on what you read; and, above all, make the Bible the guide of your life. An eminent Heathen writer said-"I see and I approve the right, but I follow the wrong.' With a consciousness of what is right, let not this be your sad case, but rather follow in the steps of one who said "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousress, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day." Trusting that the study of the Bible may unfold to you hidden treasuresBelieve me, Your's ever affectionately, MY DEAR MARION "The Bible is a cabinet of precious jewels," and how best to use its valuable contents during the New Year, is a theme of no slight importance. 'As from the sweetest flowers the lab'ring bee Extracts her precious sweets-" so may our interchange of thought on this "Mirror of ancient faith!" prove to our mutual advantage; thus "uniting together profit and delight." Undoubtedly, by far, one of the best helps towards the full understanding of the Scriptures, is the knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. To be able to read the Psalms, the Prophecies of Isaiah, and other portions of the Old and New Testament in the original tongue, must indeed be a rich treat. But this is a privilege enjoyed comparatively by few-happy are those who have this advantagetruly they ought to prize it well. Again, it is the duty of every one to read the Bible through once as a matter of history. This will make you acquainted with many facts which would otherwise escape your attention. This done you are the better prepared to adopt any course that may be laid before you. And here you have this advantage, you can study it-collectively and individually. The various books have as much an individual cast about them as different treaties, written on distinct subjects, have; as Dr. Bonar, in his "Desert of Sinai," says "The Book of Job is the Book of the Desert, as truly as Ecclesiastes is the Book of the Palace; Proverbs, the Book of the City; Canticles, the Book of the Garden; Romans, the Book of the Forum; Hebrews, the Book of the Altar; and the Apocalypse, the Book of the Temple." And yet they are so connected that, like an elegant chain, we may say that each book is as a beautiful link fitting so exquisitely into each other, that you could not take away one without destroying the effect of the whole. But it is said, "Method gives light;" therefore in reading this Holy Book we must "keep one consistent plan" in view. The late lamented Dr. Arnold, of Rugby, in secular studies, used to take a particular century, such as the 15th, and read up on every thing connected with it, so as to become thoroughly master of the events, &c., that occurred during that period. Imitating the example of the worthy Doctor, I would say, take any separate section (presuming you have already read the Bible through), read it carefully, see its connection with the other portions of the Sacred Volume. "Search the Scriptures," says our Divine Master (Jno. v. 39). "To the law and to the testimony," says the prophet (Isa. viii. 20). Call in the aid of all the secular learning you are possessed of, whether it be Chronology, Geology, Mineralogy, Botany, History, or Philosopy. You will find all these will be required to perfect your knowledge; and more than this, the whole circle of the sciences will not be too much towards the elucidation of the sacred text. Commentaries, too, may be used with advantage, but you must see that they are fully borne out before you adopt them as your own opinion. By this mode of application you will find that you have gained a more complete knowledge, not only of the particular section you have studied, but a clearer idea of its connection with the rest of the Sacred Volume, and of its spiritual meaning than you did before. By this means another advantage will be obtained-viz., that of novelty. Unlike other books which lose their freshness after a few times reading, this book retains its life and vigour to the very end. Each page presents new charms every time you read it. The brightest flowers will droop and die, but this book, like the evergreen, is always beautiful, and may be handed down from sire to son as a precious heir-loom, its lustre never dying out. But to return. In order to render our study of the Bible complete, there must be meditation. Reading without this will be useless, as Locke very truly says-" Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge, it is thinking makes what we read ours. We are of the ruminating kind, and it is not enough to cram ourselves with a great load of collections; unless we chew them over again. they will not give us strength and nourishment." So with the Bible, it is not enough to read cursorily chapter after chapter, or even smaller portions, without meditating. "Meditation is to the mind what exercise is to the body, it warms and invigorates." So with the Holy Scriptures, in the words of the Collect for the second Sunday in Advent-we must "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them," if we would obtain knowledge and understanding. In conclusion, one other requisite is required, that of fervent prayer. Without this you cannot expect success to follow. As good Bishop Hopkins says, "Our prayer and God's mercy are like two buckets in a well, while one ascends the other descends." Pray then that your studies may be blessed, and that you may be able to apply them to the good of others; for that, I apprehend, is the chief end of study. As our Divine Master has said "Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick;" so then, dear Marion, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Thus you will find at the close of the year, that you will not have studied the "Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation," in vain. With every expression of love, believe me, Very affectionately yours, L'ECLAIR. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE LETTERWRITING COUNCIL.-Letters to a Young Friend ON THE ADVANTAGES OF SIMPLICITY, AND CULTIVATING A CONTENTED SPIRIT. DECAY. Time's corrosive.-ALPHA. The remains of human grandeur,-STEPHANIE. Nature unrobing for her winter sleep.-CHOTIE. "The lines and furrows on the once smooth brow, The threads of silver 'mid the sunny hair." The winter DAISY H. Kind words to an aching heart.-STELLA and spring.-W. y & irresolution without a hope of L. W. The shadow o' the grave darkening o'er the loveliest forms o' life.-ELSPIE. The footprints of ruin on the paths of earthly glory.-ALEXANDER. The grave of the passions and cradle of immortality. PINK. Fading flowers, and falling leaves.-J. C. L. Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.-E. 0.8. The sweet flowers fading in the wintry blast.SANS CRAINTE. We all do fade as a leaf-ROSEMARY. A canker worm in the tree of life.-H. A. J. An icicle exposed to the sun's rays.-IAGO. INSIDIOUS. If you love me and don't like to say so, squeeze my hand.-STELLA. The smile of a flirt.-S. D. A fox guarding the hen-roost.-ALPHA. The serpent tongue that tempted Eve-NELLIE. A snake in the grass.-STEPHANIE and A. L. "Only this once."-CHOTIE. The worm 'i the bud.-DAISY H. The sure advance of death's consumptive dart. -EXCELSIOR and LILY H. The spider entangling the fly in his web.-J. C. L. and LILY H. The negociations of the Chinese.-E. H. The advances of the spendthrift nephew to the rich uncle on the verge of the grave.-EMILY C. The mirage of the desert.-D. M. R. A wolf in sheep's clothing. AMY. The thousand gentle ways with which love takes the heart captive.-PINK. The footsteps of spring amidst the slow-dissolving snows of winter.-J. T. The golden spells in which innocence and virtue entwine themsels roun' the heart.-ELSPIE. The lull of conscience.-W. C. The suggestions which the mirror offers to the beautiful -MARY D. A bad man's policy.-J. C. D. The eager cat watching for a mouse.— BERTHA S. "Ye shall not surely die."ROSEMARY. The allurements of vice.-L. W. The fox praising the plumage of the crow. The bitter experience of life.-EVADNE VIOLA. A walk before breakfast on a frosty morning.S. D. and NELLIE. The sustaining power of virtue in adversity.— TIMON. A reproof accompanied by encouragement.MARGUERITE. The music of a soft answer on the excited brain of the passionate.-RoSA F. A summer morning walk to the hill-top.W. Y. S. The spring-tide of love and hope bursting on the flowers of the heart.-ALEXANDER. The smiles o' an approvin' conscience.-ELSPIE. The intrinsic worth of the pleasures of the seaside.-J. T. A girdle of strength for the loins of the mind.LILY H. An opera ticket to a young lady "tired to death."G. G. The formation of the Rifle Corps to England.AMELIA. Hope to the disappointed lover.-A. L. Merited praise to a diffident performer.MARY D. That which follows a doctor's visit.-ALPHA. The breath of Heaven to the freed captive.NORA. A safe tonic to the stomach But you'll agree a Kiss to be The tonic for the heart.-JOKESPEAR. The magic wand that turns weakness into strength.-J. E. a The purest tonic to the mind is prayer, And to the body, God's free gift, pure air. VENETIA. 1.-HISTORICAL ENIGMA. First name the cinque port that is nearest to France, Where the despot of Paris would like to ad vance; But he fears with the billows of Neptune to strive Well knowing he never should get back alive; b. Now an island, wherein the same shire you will find, A university large, for great learning design'd, The island the prayers of a bishop can claim, e. And the college boasts proudly of William Pitt's name; d. Then a college in Bucks, founded long time ago, By Henry the Sixth, as the records will show e. Now the birthplace of Henry the Fifth yon may tell, Who, tho' wild as a prince, as a king govern'd well; |