the pathetic, while altogether present a strange climax of wretchedness. In the morning, comes a Marchesa to your lodgings, recounts the fortunes of her noble house, its rank, its loyalty, its disasters, its fall; and then relieves 'your most illustrious excellency' from embarrassment, by begging one or two pauls. An old Abate steals on your evening walk, and twitching you with affected secrecy, whispers that he is starving. On the dirty pavement, you see Poveri Vergognosi kneeling silently in masks. In the coffee-houses, stand a more unfortunate class, who watch the waiter's motions to dart on your change. In the courts of palaces, you meet wretches gnawing the raw roots gleaned from the dung-hill; and at night you will sometimes find at your gateway, a poor boy sleeping close to his dog for mutual warmth. Such is the metropolis of Christ's church visible on earth!"* Another writer observes, "The whole nation seems tired of its existence, and waiting for the sleep of death. Walking, seeing, hearing, every act, in short, seems to be a painful exertion of exhausted mind and body. I never knew one of them smile. I am now speaking of the native Romans of the lower classes, not of the temporary inhabitants of Rome--the trades people are, in general, honest and civil, far from cheerful, but yet, not sullen. The higher ranks are, in all countries, so very nearly alike, that I had little pectation of finding them marked with any distinguishing features in Rome. But I was mistaken. They are ex re markable for the same dull and dissatisfied appearance as the lowest; are destitute of all spirit and of all energy; are incapable of pleasurable as well as painful exertions, and are more like ghosts than beings of this world. There are some few exceptions, but those few are almost exclusively among the descendants of mothers, who were not natives of Rome." + But revolting as features of this description may be, we should pity the man who could speak lightly of the pleasure, or of the improvement, to be derived from a tour of modern Italy. And the strangely complex nature of its history and Forsyth, vol. ii. p. 194-200. + Galiffe, vol. ii. p. 2—6.§ character, only serves to show well-informed and right-minded the importance of possessing a companion when attempting to explore it. Such a companion, we may venture to say, will be found in the author of the volumes before us. Mr. Conder's imaginary tour commences with the passes of the Alps, and terminates with Naples. His object has been, as in his Modern Traveller, to select and condense the information furnished by persons, who have visited the country which he proposes to describe. In doing this, however, he is far from being satisfied with the work of mere compilation. The materials before him are made subject to the rigid scrutiny of his own acute and intelligent mind. He also writes with an evident consciousness of being upon enchanted ground; where his informants have nearly all been led into excess, according to the peculiar colouring which their prejudices or passions may have thrown over the scenes before them. It would, perhaps, have been well, if this caution had not been quite so strictly observed. The work would probably have received a stronger impression from the imagination and feeling of the writer, and have become still more pleasing to that numerous class of readers, who read for little else than to be pleased. At the same time, those indications of careful accuracy, which now form a leading feature of these volumes, would not perhaps have arrested attention, in the same degree, had they been frequently disturbed by an interference of impassioned composition. And the intelligent reader will not fail to appreciate the good taste, which distinguishes thus between description drawn from books, and those supplied from actual observation. We have many works on Italy, written by persons in almost every gradation of culture and judgment; and very widely distinguished from each other in their political creed, and in their notions of morality and religion. The man about to visit Italy, or wishing to possess a knowledge of its present state through the medium of books, must be gratified in seeing whatever is most valuable in such works, placed within a brief space; and especially when done, as in the present instance, by a writer of superior discernment, correct taste, and the best moral and religious feeling. To such readers as are anxious to possess the best summary of our present knowledge with regard to Italy, we confidently recommend the present work. The following passage is selected from the remarks with which the reader is introduced to the Eternal City, and may be taken as a specimen of the ability distinguishing the original portions of Mr. Conder's volumes. A reference is made to the theories of antiquaries and historians, as to the races which contributed to people ancient Italy, and at length to consolidate its power; and it is inquired-who were these nations, described as Pelasgians, Sicilians, Tyrrhenians, Etrurians, Sabines, and Latins? racter, was originally occupied by races distinguished less by their physical lineaments than by their modes of life, and the degree of civilization to which, as the result, they had severally attained. In all countries which admit of the breeding of domestic animals, the pastoral is the first stage of social life; and by the wants and circumstances attendant upon that mode of life, the rude institutions of the infancy of nations are created and moulded. The mountains, and high table lands, in tem perate or warmer regions, are the chosen territory of those tribes whose property consists chiefly in their flocks; while the owners of herds must descend with the rivers to the plains. The shepherd is of necessity a wanderer; and the first migrations, probably, were tho e of pastoral tribes, who sought room for their multiplied flocks Wherever the wild animals abound he is also of necessity a hunter; and the transition is easy from the habits and character thus induced, to those of the bandit and the warrior. Thus the pastoral and the military character, which seem at first view so opposite to each other, are, in reality, nearly allied; and the metamorphosis is explained by which the shepherd becomes a king. The herdsman of the plain is naturally, perhaps, less roving in his habits, and more pacific. He is soon compelled to add to his other cares the labour of tillage. With agriculture originates fixed property, and towns are formed for mutual defence. This is the second stage of civilization. "The physical features and climates of contribute to determine the shape which the country must, of course, powerfully society shall, in their rude stages, assume. In a region where the maritime plains are liable, in summer, to intolerable heat, undrained levels, the first permanent setor to pestilential exhalations from the tlements will be in the mountains; and on shores subject to the predatory visits of corsairs we shall find the towns placed, by way of precaution, at some distance from the coast. The climate and the soil will "The vague and conflicting authorities also regulate the nature of the habitations, of ancient writers, the philosophical re- in the construction of which the arts will searches and learned hypotheses of mo- first be developed; according as a defence dern antiquaries, serve but to show how is required, chiefly against the violence of arbitrary is the meaning attached to such designations. If, however, turning from the bewildering discussions respecting the nomenclature, filiation, and distribution of these various tribes, we confine our selves to a general view of the state of society at this early period, we shall find sufficient evidence that Italy, like other countries of a similar geographical cha summer rains or winter cold, and as the forest, the rock, or the skin and hair of the herds, affords the readiest and most effectual protection. The dwellings of Nomade hordes will be either the cavern or the portable hut or tent. The hunter slings his hammock in his pine cabin, or piles up a hearth of stones with the wreck of the mountain. The inhabitant of the bare clayey plains becomes a potter and a builder. "In the mean time the seas will have bred up a race of bold adventurers, traders, or pirates; and maritime settlers of a foreign nation are led, by chance, necessity, or a spirit of adventure, to take possession of the harbours, snd to spread themselves up the line of the rivers. Accustomed, perhaps, to the suns of more southerly climes, they are better able to sustain the summer heat of the low plains; and by means of traffic they contrive to provide themselves with the necessaries of life. This presents to us another stage of society, and one which has always been the most closely connected with the advancement of knowledge and the development of useful invention.* Mr. Conder then proceeds to show that "such has been the history of Italy:" but our limits will not admit of following him further. * Vol. III. 148-150. LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. JUST PUBLISHED. Three Discourses, on Practical Subjects, by the late Rev. Richard Cecil, A.M. formerly Minister of St. John's Bedford Row, (never before published.) IN THE PRESS. Will be published, early in this month, a small 12mo. on American Revivals of Religion, by the Rev. Calviu Cotton, of America, the substance of which is indicated by the following topics :I. Definition of American Revivals. II. Peculiar state of Society in the United States favourable to Revivals; insulated Conversions, as distinguished from Conversions in Revivals. III. The sympathetic Economy of Revivals, consistent with the Operations of the Spirit, and greatly enhancing the Power of the Spirit relatively. IV. Connexion of American Revivals with the Spirit of the Pilgrims, Fathers of New England. V. Historical Progress of American Revivals; their First Appearance, Decline, long protracted Check, Re-appearance, present State and Prospects. VI. Consideration of the alleged Evils of Revivals, and of scandalous Reports. VII. Means of originating and promoting Revivals and Hindrances, VIII. Are American Revivals peculiar to America? and can they be expected in England and other parts of the World? IX. Is Religion in America in advance of Religion in other parts of the World? X. The Philosophy of Religion, especially in application to Revivals. XI. Prospect of American Revivals for the World. XII. Concluding and Practical Remarks, with an Appeal to British Christians on the General Subject. The Laws of Christ; being a complete Digest of all the Precepts contained in the New Testament, in the very words of Scripture, with Devout Meditations on each topic of Duty: arranged for the Daily Perusal of the Christian in his Closet, throughout the Year. By Joseph Turnbull, A.B. Minister of the Gospel. In a short time will be published vol. ii. (which completes the Work) of A Concise View of the Succession of Sacred Literature, in a Chronological arrangement of Authors and their Works, from the Invention of Alphabetical Characters, to the Year of our Lord, 1300. By J. B. B. Clarke, M.A., of Trinity College, Cambridge, and Chaplain to H.R. H. the Duke of Sussex. Shortly will be published, in one vol. 12mo. neatly bound in canvas, price 5s., Ecclesiastical Lectures, or a Series of Discourses, on subjects connected with Nonconformity. By John Sibree. Messrs. Hamilton, Adams, and Co. are about to publish, in one volume, 12mo., Sermons preached in Howard Street Chapel, Sheffield, by Thomas Rawson Taylor. TRANSACTIONS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL DISSENTERS. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGRE GATIONAL UNION OF IRELAND, Held in Richhill, on Wednesday, October 5, 1831, James Reid, Esq. Treasurer, in the Chair. Statement presented to the Committee. After mature deliberation, the Committee of the " Congregational Union of Ireland," have unanimously resolved to recommend to their successors in office, the propriety of holding the next Annual Meeting at an earlier season of the year. As they confidently hope that the present Meeting will sanction this change, so desirable for many reasons, and especially as tending to secure a more regular and numerous attendance of distant brethren; and as they have been recently engaged in projecting some measures of usefulness, which it will require time to mature, they have concluded, that instead of presenting an annual report, with an abstract of the Treasurer's account, they would furnish to their constituents, and the Christian churches who feel interested in their operations, a statement of their proceedings and their prospects. As they had reason to conclude that the circumstances of the churches in this country were not aceurately known to British Christians, they were induced, during the past year, to publish an "Address to the Congregational Churches of England and Scotland." In this it was stated that they could not announce a bona fide addition to the number of the churches, of more than five or six during the long period of twenty years, and that even now, there are about twenty counties in which there is no church of the Con grational order! From the many promises of support received from several of the churches addressed, the Committee hope that their " Address" has tended to draw forth the sympathies of their friends in Britain, toward the work in which they are engaged. Though disappointed in some cases in which they had expected visits from some devoted ministers in England and Scotland, the Committee have been enabled to direct their attention to each of the important objects which they were anxious to promote. They have supplied some destitute districts with the preaching of the Gospel. They have been making arrangements, and have reason to hope they will succeed in establishing occasional preaching in a large and populous town, where many of its population have long been sitting in the region and shadow of death. They have recently received a memorial, signed by the representatives of about twenty families, stating that they have been living almost entirely destitute of the means of grace, and earnestly entreating the Committee to assist in erecting a meeting-house and obtaining a minister. The Secretary was requested to visit this interesting colony; and having met the proprietor of the estate on which they reside, he received an offer of ground for a meeting-house and minister's dwelling, rent-free, for ever, with a liberal contribution. The people have subscribed according to their ability: some promising money, and some engaging to give work. The case appears to the Committee deserving of immediate attention, and they have no doubt that, if it were known, contributions would be given for the special purpose of enabling their successors to accede to this pressing request. One church has received proof of the Committee's regard and anxiety to promote its welfare, by their engaging to supply the field of labour of one of their number, during the period of his ministry to that church, while destitute of a stated pastor. Aware of the importance of the Christian ministry, the attention of the Committee was directed to the necessity of encouraging young men of approved piety and talent as candidates for the ministry. When they entered into office, there was no academy in Ireland, and none for Ireland, where young men could be educated for the ministry, in connexion with our churches. The Secretary applied personally to the Tutors and Directors of Blackburn Academy, and they rejoice to say, that these esteemed Christian friends have consented to receive one or more students from the Congregational Union of Ireland, and to allow them to return at the close of their academic career to the land of their fathers. One young man from the Church in Moy has been received, and is now pursuing his studies in this valuable Institution. To the Tutors and Directors of the Academy, the Committee would, on behalf of the Congregational Union, present their grateful acknowledgments. They have also to express their gratitude to those Ministers and Churches in England and Scotland, who have either contributed to the funds of the UNION, or promised their sanction and support. To their friends in Carlisle, Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Stockton, Northallerton, Knaresborough, Wakefield, Lancaster, Dundee, Perth, &c., they feel especially indebted. Nor can they omit to mention the congregation of the Rev. Dr. Raffles, at Liverpool, from whom, (including a donation of £5, from A. Keightly Esq.,) they have received this year the sum of £32. Having received ample proof of the willingness of British Christians to lend their aid, they feel it necessary merely to suggest the plan by which, as it appears to them, that aid may be rendered most efficient as a means of benefitting Ireland. There are several large Cities and Towns in which there is no adequate supply of the means of grace. There are some in which the Gospel is preached to a very limited extent. If the Churches of the Cities and Towns in England would unite their energies, a single collection annually, from the Churches in any large town, would afford ample support for a Christian Missionary in Ireland. There are about twenty counties in which we have no Congregational Church, and nearly an equal number in which we have no Congregational Minister; if the Churches united in county associations, would give an annual collection, each Association might send a Minister to one destitute county, and thus before another year, we might have at least one Minister, and probably one Church in each county. The Secretary suggested this plan to several friends in Liverpool, and from the manner in which the proposal was received, we would cherish the hope, that the sister Churches in that town will lend their united aid, and that other Churches through England will "go and do likewise." The Minister would be the messenger of the Churches contributing to his support, and the Committee of the Union would lend their aid, by superintending his missionary labours. While they thus appeal to their sister churches, they would entreat the sanction, and support, and prayers, of "all who call on the name of Christ Jesus our Lord." Their object is to be instrumental in converting sinners, and saving souls from death, and most gladly will they co-operate with all, who are anxious by scriptural means to bring "glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will towards men!" The following Resolutions were unanimously passed: I. That this meeting cordially approve the suggestion now made, that the Annual Meeting be held at an earlier season of the year-that the publication of the Report, and abstract of the Treasurer's accounts be deferred until next meeting; and that the statement now read be adopted, printed, and circulated, under the direction of the Committee. II. That this meeting, convinced of the importance of the objects of the "CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF IRELAND," and aware of the necessity of being aided in accomplishing these objects, by the sister churches in Eugland and Scotland, would desire to express their grateful acknowledgment to those Ministers and Churches who have either given already, or promised in future, their sanction and support. III. That this meeting desire anxiously, that the churches in this country should be more closely united to their sister churches in Great Britain, to participate in their sympathies, and occasionally, at least, to communicate reciprocally of each other's welfare. IV. That feeling the value and importance of well educated ministry, we would present our grateful acknow |