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cil in office for life, though for form's sake they are annually chosen. This annual choice is no more than a solemn ratification. Nothing disturbs the tranquillity of a state more than frequent elections, as the sagacious Burke, one of the greatest statesmen of our times, in his excellent pamphlet against the French revolution, has so clearly shewn.

"Actions for debt are determined by the municipal court. The ecclesiastical court consists of laymen and divines. Every other kind of suit, between burgher and burgher, comes before the little council, with an appeal, however, lying to the great.” 93-97.

In theory, the government of the town is that which the antients called aristocratic, but which the moderns continually confound with democracy, Each burgher has equal rights; and the officers of administration are chosen by their fellow citizens, among such as are supposed to be the most capable. The government of the canton is an oligarchy, which government the moderns unjustly call aristocracy; for the country people are excluded from all share in the administration. The municipality consists of thirteen companies, only one of which is noble. Twelve men are chosen from each company, and constitute the great council; these again. choose the little council, which is composed of fifty men, who are added to and complete the great council. The small council is most respected, and may be considered as a more select body. To the half of the small council the administration of affairs is committed, and in six months the other half comes into office; so that in half a year the first burgo-master yields to the second. The election is annual, but the custom is to re-elect the same members. The commission of some crime only can exclude a member of the great council; but each member of the great council has a right, when any of the little council has been guilty of a misdemeanour to propose ano. ther. The proposition having been made, the votes are collected, and he who has a majority is chosen. Such is the confidence which these people place in their great council, and on which the calm of the city depends; for, as they trust all the administration to the little council, it was wise to subject the powerful members thus annually to the superintendance of the great.

Alliances, war, and peace, depend upon the collective voice of the citizens; but they cannot assemble without first having been summoned by the burgo-master. People that are truly free do hot feel the irritating necessity to interfere upon all occasions. They know that the mind of the mechanic is deficient in the knowledge necessary for the administration of public affairs. This discretion, confirmed by the happy experience of undisturbed felicity, originates in the custom which continues the members of the great coun

"It is very difficult, and almost impossible for a foreigner to become a burgher of any canton. At Zürich, the first year of every century, a foreigner is made a burgher; but his descendants cannot be of the council till the century following. The present members of the council are all branches of families that have enjoyed these privileges these three hundred years. Most of the burghers of Zürich can boast of this honour, so few have the admission of foreign-, ers been." p. 99.

"The people of Zürich have an old custom, which they have probably derived from the wisdom of their ancestors. If married people, in spite of remonstrance, persist in a desire to separate, they are confined for some weeks in a chamber of the council house, in which there is nothing but a small bed, a stool, and a table. Their food is served on one dish, with one plate, one knife, one fork, and one spoon. Change of place, privation, and the sociality that arises from the necessity of mutually aiding each other, have frequently, before the time of probation has expired, so reconciled them to each other, that they have renounced all thoughts of parting, and have lived peaceably together till death.” p. 130.

Leaving Zürich, the journey is pursued by a tolerably steep road to the Albis." "On this hill drivers usually stop to give their horses breath: we took advantage of this, and mounted to the place called the high watch, which stands on the top. This is one of the heights from which fire signals are given, a practice common in Switzerland on any extraordinary occasion, by which the confederates are

warned. As soon as one fire is seen, the next is lighted; and in a few hours all the watch heights in Switzerland are in a blaze, so that within four-and-twenty hours all the levies of the confederates are under arms. Diligent and peaceful as bees, who extract the honey from scattered flowers, these noble people live among their mountains; but no less watchful than the bee, their sting for those who disturb their nest is to be feared. Whoever have attacked them have repented of their temerity." p. 131, 132.

The places on the road to Lucerne are particularly described, with the manners of the people, whose hospitality and generosity are noticed in terms of high commendation. Much is said in this letter concerning the celebrated William Tell, whose name is still in the mouths of children, and whose memory is perpetuated by the erection of a chapel in the place where he escaped from the ty Fant Gesler; another where he shot him, which has these lines over the

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But how long will it endure? For ever, did we but resemble our forefa thers." p. 158.

and another at Bürgli, the place of his residence. Over the entrance is an inscription thus translated: "On the place where this chapel stands, formerly lived William Tell, the true saviour of his country, the honoured author of its freedom. In thankfulness to him, and in honour to God, this chapel was built. It is dedicated to Saint William of Roehli and Saint Sebastian. On each side are the following:

"Let us be just, united, and virtuous, and our freedom will be secure. "Thankfully, and for ever, remember the day that made you free.

"In the chapel, over the altar, the dial plate of a clock is painted, with a hand, which is significant of concord, pointing to the hour one, under which are these lines: Freedom will endure as long as it shall be one o'clock by this dial." p. 168, 169.

Prefixed to this letter is an engraved view of the Grütlin Matte, a steep place on a height beside the lake,

covered with verdure, grass, and foliage. Here there is a spring, by the side of which the three great men, Werner von Staufacher, fromSchweitz; Walter Fürst, from Uri; and Arnold von Melchtahl, from Unterwald, made a solemn oath to give freedom to Switzerland. This oath was taken in the year 1307; and in the new year's night of the following year, 1308, all the castles of the Zwingherrn were burnt. p. 171.

From Lucerne the Count and his family pursue their journey to Thun and Berne, and having travelled to Zofingen, is engaged by the appearance of the fertility of the country, observing that "the country round Zofingen is famous for meadows. Never have I beheld the art of watering meadows brought to so much perfection as here. An acre of meadow land is generally sold for a thousand rixdollars. A good soil, industry well directed, and freedom enjoyed, under a government wise, mild, and limited by fixed laws, raise the people of Berne to a high degree of visible prosperity.

"Farmers of most countries, are reproached with an obstinate perseverance in their old method of til

lage, however bad, after a better has

been discovered. In Switzerland the practice is the reverse. They examine the nature of the soil, and how it will be most productive; and, as they sow and reap only for themselves, and are unrestrained and free from the vexation of taxes, which other farmers think would be equally reasonable and natural, they can wait the result of any new experiment. Hence it follows that they have more understanding than the farmers of other countries. But does it not likewise follow that other farmers are misled by those oppressions from which the first are free? Whoever would contemplate the blessings which result from the full enjoyment of the produce of the earth, must visit the fertile districts of Switzerland." p. 176, 177.

The following description is represented by an engraving.

"As soon as we came to the village of Lauterbrunn, we alighted and went to the Staubach. This waterfall rushes down a wild rocky declivity, nine hundred feet high, which is overgrown with brushwood. Here the full stream rolls tempestuously. As

it falls, the pillar of water disperses into a fine rain, which does not descend perpendicularly, but yields a little to the wind. It then meets with a projecting scaffold of rock, and a part runs down its sides in single streams, while another part dashes below in clouds, and covers the green turf with its spray.

"The path is somewhat difficult, from the water overflowing the stone, and from the black flints. The morning sun formed a broad rainbow-in the nether cloud of the stream; and as we came nearer we saw a round and complete circle, which beamed with all the colours of the iris.” p. 193, 194.

Arriving at Berne the Count details its history, constitution, and customs, and passes on to Lausanne, from whence he continues his journey to Geneva. The history of this place, and its struggles for liberty, are particularly specified, its constitution described, and from the account of the manners and customs of this place we notice that "manners here are

likewise comparatively pure. The young men are well informed; the education of the women is no less carefully attended to; and they are as celebrated for their real merit as for their charming manners. At Geneva, it is almost become proverbial to say, happy the children who have a woman to instruct them!'

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"There is an excellent law of the republic which deserves notice. If a son do not pay his father's debts, which the law cannot oblige him to do, he is excluded from the enjoyment of every public office.

"The same prohibition extends to all who have not paid their own debts when demanded." p. 313, 314.

The remarks upon the state and manners of Geneva are thus closed. "To those who estimate the import tance of a state by the extent of territory, Geneva will be deemed insignificant, but not to the philosopher. The proportion of men and states to him, is frequently in an inverse ratio: the more nearly a state approaches to the condition of a family, the more powerfully is its character unfolded, and the more pure is the play of the springs by which it is moved. Rome lost itself in its own magnitude. Athens and Sparta gave laws to THE GREAT KING, before they extended their own territories." 2.315.

Here the Count had an interview with Necker, of whom he says "he said little, but the little. he did say was worthy of himself. A few excellent remarks concerning his enemies escaped him; but they were delivered in a mild, moderate, and noble manner, though without any shade of affected forbearance. A gentle glow, though scarcely visible, more than once overspread his counte nance. It was a beam from the warm and intelligent heart of a great man, a spark of that fire which gives immortality to his fame, his writings, and the violence of his enemies." p. 322.

We cannot dismiss the accounts of this place without extracting the following remarks: "When I was first at Geneva, sixteen years ago, the spirit of republicanism would not endure any theatre in the city. In the year 1782, the constitution being very aristocratic, France had sufficient influence to introduce a company of players. Since that time cards have likewise become common. Both are continued, though the old constitution is restored; but both draw the attention of the citizens from the discussion of the principles of freedom." p. 324.

Unhappy people! how are they continually turned aside from the truth, by the cold rules and institutes of their philosophers, poets, and players among whom the tender feel ing soul of Racine himself is often untuned, who, thinking themselves possessed by the spirit of freedom, prattle of moral and political regeneration; and whose lawgivers, leaving Fenelon and Montesquieu in neglect, erect statues to the memory of Voltaire !" p. 325.

From Geneva the Count pursues his journey to Turin, entering the dutchy of Savoy about a quarter of a league from Geneva. He gives a description of the accommodations in Savoy, and says, "The industry with which the fields of Savoy are cultivated is wonderfully contrasted with the uncleanliness of their inns. That which was found in the evening, at La Chambre, was rather more uncleanly than is usual, even in this country. The staircase that leads to the chambers is usually narrow and dirty; and the chamber itself generally contains large stoves, with three canopy beds, the dust of which does not appear for years to have been

disturbed. You shrink back with disgust when you look at the old tattered dirty-coloured coverlid; and the rest of the furniture corresponds with that of the bed. A large chimney is the most agreeable thing in the apartment. Fortunately the cooking is not so bad as might be expected. If, however, you wish to eat with an appetite, you must take care not to cast your eye toward the kitchen Neither will you be much tempted to examine the waiting maid, who is generally as like the Spanish beauty, Maritornes, which Cervantes has de ́scribed, as one drop of foul water is to another. However, they are very diligent, and do any thing they are bid with a good will." p. 331.

Genoa is the next place noticed. The Count, as in all the places through which he passed, notices the history, government, buildings, &c.; and in viewing the paintings of the palace, introduces a view in which the mind is relieved in the survey.

"The whole haven, and beyond that the Mediterranean, are seen from a high and large balcony of this palace. The roofs of the houses of Genoa are not flat, but are covered with slate a little elevated. The palaces have open large balconies, on which the possessors may enjoy the fresh air, surrounded by flowers and orange trees. After having been examining numerous pictures, the quick succes sion of which is injurious to the pleasure they give, you feel a desire again to taste undisturbed the fresh air; and the prospect of great nature, as she is, revives the heart. Of her we were not easily wearied. We returned from the works of art, like a child from its doll to the arms and lap of a kind caressing mother." p. 403.

The Count visited the gallies, of which and the slaves he says, "We have visited the haven where the gal lies lie, beside which there are shops, where the Turks, who are enslaved, send all kinds of wares; coffee, chocolate, sugar, distilled water, pipes, tobacco, slippers, and straw mats. They are suffered to go free in the haven, but must not walk through the city, except chained two and two, and under the guard of an overseer. In this manner they offer their wares to sale in the city, and particularly red and yellow slippers. At night they are obliged to sleep on board the gallies. Those prisoners that have

been condemned to the gallies for their crimes are much more rigorously treated than the Turks, who are justly considered only as prisoners of war; the latter therefore can only purchase their redemption; the others are sentenced to the gallies for a certain number of years, equivalent to the greatness of the offence. None but great criminals remained fettered on board the gallies. Six months in the year the prisoners are at sea. They are, beyond all comparison, better treated than the galley slaves of the French. I spoke with several of them, and the only complaints I heard were of their cold stations in winter nights on board the gallies, and of their food. Their daily allowance is two pounds of bread and three ounces of large beans.

"During the six winter months they are in harbour, and often have an opportunity of earning some trifle in the city. They are seldom, and but for a short time, put to labour at public works. The Turks do not easily obtain their freedom; probably because they have no intercourse with their relations, or that they want connections in Genoa. They purchase their own redemption with the money which they earn during their imprisonment. Some of them have been prisoners from thirty to forty years, and these must either have been indolent or ignorant of trade." p. 410-412.

Of the number of beggars in Genoa it is remarked, "I have no where seen such a multitude of beggars as in Genoa. What is most remarkable, they scarcely ever address themselves to the Genoese, but to strangers only. The number of the lame and blind is uncommonly great. A foreigner is followed by beggars in every street; and he meets them again in the churches, and on the steps before the church. It is no uncommon thing to find in the church a beggar, all in rags, who will name you the master who painted each picture, point out the best place from which you may examine it, nay, frequently detail the subject of the painting, and relate its whole history."

This volume contains thirty-six letters, in the last of which we find the Count at Pavia. 413, 414.

(To be continued.)

CVIII. SERMONS. By WILLIAM
JAY, 8v0.

THE

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of sin-at other times as exercising faith on our Lord Jesus Christ.-You have lately seen him rejoicing in the hope of his calling.'-This morning HE author of these sermons is, he appears among his brethren and we understand, the same gen-companions in tribulation,' distintleman whose name was honourably guished by the possession and trimentioned, in the Notices to Corre- umphs of patience. Here is the spondents, in the last number of the patience of the saints.' We shall British Critic, as a respectable Dis- delineate the character of saints,— senting Minister at Bath. explain the connection there is between saints, and patience, and specify some cases in which their patience is to be rendered illustrious, so as to produce the exclamationHere is the patience of the saints'." p. 31, 32.

The subjects of these discourses are as follow:

I. Mistakes concerning the Number of the Righteous, Rom. xi. 2—4. -II. The Triumphs of Patience, Rev. xiv. 12.-III. Vows called to Remembrance, Gen. xxxv. 1-3.— IV. Nature of Genuine Religion, Ezek. xi. 19, 23.-V. The Young admonished, 1 Kings xviii. 12.VI. The Gospel demands and deserves Attention, Mark iv. 23.VII. The Sufferings of our Saviour necessary, Heb. ii. 10.-VIII. The Condemnation of Self-will, Job xxxiv. 33.- IX. The Secure alarmed, Amos vi. 1.-X. On Progress in Religion, Josh. xiii. 1.- -XI. Privileges of the Righteous, Ps. lxxxiv. II-XII. Conditions of Christians in the World, John xvii. 15.

Our extracts will be taken from Sermon II. and VI.

SERMON II.

The Triumphs of Patience.
Here is the Patience of the Saints,
Rev. xiv. 12.

"Did you ever observe, my brethren, the exclamation of David? Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man 'is peace.'-A religious character is an object truly wonderful, and interesting; there is something in him worthy of peculiar notice and regard. David indeed fixes the mind on one article only, and calls upon us to consider his end'-but his way is as remarkable as his end; his life is as deserving of attention as his death; and it is pleasing and useful to observe him in every relation, to pursue him through every condition-and to admire those excellencies which unfold themselves, and operate as proofs of his origin, and pledges of the glory, and honour, and immorta'lity,' to which he tends.'

"Hence we endeavour to excite you to contemplate successively his various features. Sometimes we have placed him before you as convinced VOL. I,

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As a specimen of the author's talents we give the third part of this discourse.

"Part III. To specify some cases in which the patience of the saints is to be rendered illustrious and striking. We shall mention three. The first concerns provocation-thesecond affliction-the third delay: here patience is necessary; and here we are to behold its triumphs.

"First, it is to be displayed in bearing provocation, It must needs be that offences will come.' Our opinions, reputation, connections, offices, businesses, render us widely vulnerable. The characters of men are various, their pursuits and their interests perpetually clash. Some try us by their ignorance, some by their folly, some by their perverseness, some by their malice: there are to be found persons made up of every thing disagreeable, and mischievous, born only to vex, a burden to themselves, and a torment to all around them-Here is an opportunity for the triumph of patience: here is a theatre on which a man may exhibit his character, and appear a fretful, waspish reptile, or a placid, pardoning God-We are very susceptive of irritation; anger is eloquent; revenge is sweet: but to stand calm and collected-to suspend the blow, which passion was urgent to striketo drive the reasons of clemency as far as they will go-to bring forward fairly in view the circumstances of mitigation-to distinguish between surprise and deliberation, infirmity and crime-or if an infliction be deemed necessary, to leave God to be both the judge and the executioner-This a christian should labour after.

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