JANUARY. 7 



And while the bubbling and loud-hissing urn 

 Throws up a steamy column, and the cups 

 Which cheer but not inebriate, wait on each, 

 So let us welcome peaceful evening in. 



Such is the BRITISH FIRE-SIDE ! and we love 

 to hear our writers speaking of its pleasures in 

 strains of enthusiasm. But we may expand the 

 picture. We may add to the zest of its per- 

 sonal, and almost too selfish enjoyments, touches 

 of generous and philanthropic sentiment which 

 will signally heighten its pleasures, and enlarge 

 its power of improving the heart. How de- 

 lightful, while sitting in the midst of our fa- 

 mily, or friendly group, in actual possession of 

 the pleasures just enumerated, not only to con- 

 template our own happiness, but to send our 

 thoughts abroad over the whole land ! To think 

 what thousands of families in this noble coun- 

 try, are at the same moment thus blessedly col- 

 lected round the social flame. What hearths 

 are lit up with all the charms of kindred affec- 

 tion, of mature wisdom and parental pride ; of 

 youthful gladness, gaiety and beauty ! How 

 many rural halls and city homes are shining, 

 like stars in their own places, in unabated 

 warmth and splendour, though hid beneath 



