Italy, south of the Po, containing 15,000 square miles, and 2,500,000 419 inhabitants. Its ecclesiastical subjects are supposed to amount to 80 or 100,000,000, in all parts of the world. Malte Brun put them down at 116,000,000. The countries where they most abound, are the pope's dominions in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and South America. These are considered entirely papal. France, Austria, Poland, Belgium, Ireland, and Canada, are chiefly papal. Switzerland has 700,000; England half a million, and the United States about that number. Others are found in Russia, Sweden, Denmark, and the West Indies. The pope is at present making great efforts to extend his influence in the United States; but it is believed either that the system cannot widely prevail here, or if from any temporary causes, it is destined to meet with some successes, that it will be in a degree modified by the genius of our institutions, and not be the dark, intolerant, cruel, and licentious system that it has been in other countries. Second, the Protestants.-A diversity soon took place among those who separated from the fellowship of Rome. A general division of the protestants is into the Lutheran church, and the Reformed churches. 1. Lutheran Church.-The Lutherans, as the name imports, were the immediate followers of Luther, who consider their church as having been established at the time of the pacification at Passau, 1552. Their standard of faith is the Augsburg confession. They suffered far less from the persecu tions of the times than the other portions of the reformed church, though they were unhappily engaged in a controversy among themselves, relating to various points of faith and practice. These controversies were followed by a low state of religion; and this by efforts which many of the better sort made to bring about a happier state of things. Some good was done by the Pietists, (so this class of people were called,) but far less than might have been, had not their views and principles been misconceived or opposed. The Pietists flourished about the middle of the seventeenth century, but they degenerated after a time, and were succeeded by a set of wild religionists, who did much mischief to the cause of godliness. To counteract this evil, the system of the Neologists was introduced, which consisted in the application of human philosophy to the interpretation of the Bible. The remedy was as bad as the disease, and the Gospel, stripped of its peculiarities, has become a dead letter very extensively in Germany. It is believed, however, that a better spirit is now commencing in some parts of the Lutheran church, while it is a happiness to know that, in other parts of it, both in Germany and the neighbouring churches, there are those who have all along maintained their integrity. In regard to the statistics of the Lutheran church, it may be observed, that portions of it are found chiefly in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, in a great part of Germany, particularly in the north, and in Saxony and Prussia, where Lutheranism is the established religion. Churches of this denomination also exist in Holland, France, Russia, North America, and in the Danish West Indies. The number of Lutherans is probably between fifteen and twenty millions. 2. Reformed Churches.-These are numerous, and little more than their names can be here mentioned. assumed by those Helvetic or Swiss churches, which adhered to certain tenets The term "Reformed" was a title originally of Zuinglius, in relation to the Sacrament. But in latter times it has a wider signification, and under it may be included all those sects in Protestant Christendom, that dissent from the tenets of the Lutheran church. These are principally the Calvinists, the Church of England, the Presbyterian Church. of Scotland, the Moravians, the Congregationalists of New-England, the Pres byterian Church in the United States, the Episcopal Church in the United States, the Baptists, Methodists, and Quakers. 1. Calvinists.-The Christians so called, taken loosely for those who explain the Bible as Calvin explained it, constituted at first the whole body of the Protestants as distinguished from the Lutherans. Protestant Christendom even now owns this distinction on the continent of Europe. They were called Huguenots in France, and suffered terrible persecutions. They are not known as one particular denomination, but constitute a portion of several bodies of Christians. They exist in France, Holland, Prussia, Great Britain, and other countries in Europe, and extensively in the United States. The sect of Arminians is, as to sentiment, directly opposed to the Calvinists, though per sons of both persuasions are often found together in the same churches. The Arminian doctrines began to be propagated at the beginning of the seventeenth century. 2. Church of England.-By this name is known the reformed church as established in England and Ireland. Its history is deeply interesting, as it passed a bloody ordeal, but there is no space for particulars. The rise of puritanism is connected with the history of the church of England, than which few events in the records of religion are more important; but this also must be passed over. Dissenters from the church of England are tolerated in the United Kingdom. The establishment embraces 5,000,000 of the inhabitants: its livings are 10,500. The dissenters, or independents, in England and Wales, have more than 1000 congregations. 3. Presbyterian Church of Scotland.-The date of the establishment of the Reformation in Scotland, is about the year 1560. At this time the Preshyterian church in that country began to assume a regular form. This church passed through various vicissitudes, and has in general been distinguished £t the piety of its members. It includes nearly the whole population of Scotland. 4. Moravians.-The Moravians, or United Brethren, date their modern history in 1722. They are an exemplary people, and devoted to missionary enterprises. They have settlements in Germany, Denmark, Holland, England, Scotland, Ireland, Russia, and the United States. Their converts among the heathen, amount to 30,000. 5. Congregationalists of New-England-Under this name are known the descendants of a class of the English puritans, who fled from persecution to the wilds of America. They began the settlement of New-England, on the 22d December, 1620. The sufferings, piety, and success of the fathers of NewEngland Congregationalism, are rich topics in religious history. The Congregationalists have about 1000 churches in New-England, and about 200 in other parts of the United States. 6. Presbyterian Church in the United States.-This body of Christians was originally composed of a few Presbyterians from Scotland and Ireland, united to a like number of Congregationalists, chiefly from New-England. They have greatly prospered and increased, and are found throughout the middle, southern and western states. The number of their churches is nearly 1900. Our limits preclude an account of other reformed churches, several of which are respectable for their character and numbers. QUESTIONS ON OUTLINES OF ANCIENT HISTORY. BY REV. ROYAL ROBBINS. INTRODUCTION.* [ces of the first three days? What was done on the fourth day? What on the 1. What does the term History compre- fifth and sixth? When, and how was man Zhend?-[What are the benefits to be expect- created? Mention some of the theories ed from history? What causes it to become held by ancient philosophers on this suba source of perpetual interest and enjoy.ject. What is the opinion of the Bramins ment? In what way does history improve and the negroes of Congo on this subject? our understanding, and enlarge our store What of Buffon and Darwin?] 5 of useful knowledge? How does it teach us wisdom? What is the most signal benefit to be derived from the record of past ages? What is history, speaking in the way of aphorism What other advantages result from the study of history ?] 2. How is history derived to us? What are its principal sources ?-[What four other sources are mentioned? What are monuments, and what are they intended to perpetual? In what way do ruins afford a knowledge of antiquity? What is said of coins? What are the most celebrated marbles known? Wnich is the most important of the Arundelian Marbles, and what does it contain?] GENERAL DIVISION. What was their character and situation } first transgression 1-[What was involved in 5. When were Cain and Abel born 1 What crime did Cain commit? What was the occasion of it? What was his punishment? Where did he dwell after this event? For what was his family famous? [When is it supposed the murder of How may history be divided? How Why are his descendants styled the childAbel occurred? When was Seth born? many years does ancient history include ?ren of God? What prepared the way for What is its extent? What does modern the universal wickedness which soon prehistory include? What is its extent? vailed?] What is the name and extent of the first period?-[Repeat this question in every pe. riod. From what are the periods named ?] PERIOD I. What is the name and extent of this period? 1. What is the first grand event which history presents? Why is the scriptural account the only one worthy of implicit belief? 2. Give a brief account of that event as there related -[What were the occurren the sacred historian? What is recorded of wickedness which soon prevailed upon the It will be noticed, that the same order which prevails through the History, is preserved in the following Questions-and also that the Questions on that part of the work which is printed on the smaller type, are included in brackets, thus [ ]. ( was their deliverance accomplished?-[Describe the ark.] Distinguished Characters. Who were the distinguished characters of this period 1-[What further particulars can be given of Adam and Eve? What is said of Jubal in Scripture? Who was probably among the earliest civilizers of the world? In what was Tubal Cain an instructer? What was there peculiar in the character and history of Enoch? For what was Methuselah remarkable }] PERIOD II. What is the name and extent of this period? 11. How far do the records of China extend? What different accounts are given of the foundation of this empire 1-[Into how many dynasties are the sovereigns of China divided? Who formed the first dynasty, and how long did it last? What is said of Gu-tu? What of Ky-a?] 12 What is the character of the early annals of Egypt? When, and by whom is it supposed to have been founded? What four kingdoms arose from the division of the land among his children? What circumstance prevented the increase of civi lization in this empire? When did this event occur, and how long did it last 3-[Whad did Menes accomplish? Under whose reign was the country invaded, and by whom? What king of Thebes was worshipped 1. In what manner did God bring the wa-under the name of Mercury? Why was ters upon the earth? How long were they Tosorthros styled Esculapius? What did poured upon the surface of the globe? How he invent ?] old was Noah when he entered into the ark? Who went in with him? How long did he remain there? What was his first act on coming out of the ark? Where did he settle -[How high did the waters rise above the summits of the highest mountains? On what mountain did the ark rest? When did they leave the ark ?] 2. By what is the truth of the account given in the Bible, of the deluge, confirmed? | [What nations have had some traditions respecting it? What anecdote is related on this subject? How is this fact indicated by the surface of the earth ?} 3. What was the covenant which God made with Noah after the flood? How did he confirm it ? 4. Why was Canaan, the son of Ham, subjected to a curse 1-[What was the age of Noah, and how long did he live after the flood?] 5. In what parts of the world did the three sons of Noah settle 1-What nations were derived from the immediate descendants of Shem? What from Ham? What from Japheth ?] 6. How long after the flood did all the descendants of Noah speak one language? What was the origin of a diversity of tongues? What does the name given to the city signify 3-[Of what materials was the tower built ?] 7. Why must the history of mankind from this time, be given in distinct nations? Distinguished Characters. Who were the distinguished characters of this period, and for what were they em nent 7-[What is known of Nimrod? What is Menes called in Scripture, and what was his character? What more is said of Ninus and Semiramis ?] PERIOD III. What is the name and extent of Period Third ? 1. From whom were the Hebrews descended? Why, and when was Abraham called of God? Why does the history of the Hebrews instruct us in a different way from that of all others? From whom were the twelve tribes into which it was divided, named 1-What is meant by the calling of Abraham? What promise did God make to his descendants Why was one family thus set apart from the rest of mankind} To which of Abraham's children was the promise made? Who were the children of Isaac ? How did Jacob obtain his father's blessing? Why were his descendants called Israelites? Of what nation was Esau the founder?] 2. When, and in what manner did Jacob close his life? By what means had he been brought into Egypt? What do the occur rences by which Joseph became minister 8. Which was the oldest nation? Where to the king of Egypt, show ?[What is the and by whom was Assyria founded? What character of the story of Joseph, as record was its capital, and by whom was it builted in Scripture? Mention some of the prin How long did it continue before it was uni- cipal incidents.] ted to Babylonia ?-[About what time, and by whom was Babylonia founded? Under what king was it united to Assyria? By whom was the seat of government removed to Babylon ?] 3. When did Joseph die? What was the consequence to the Israelites? What means did Pharaoh take to prevent ther increase? What was his success? In what way did God prepare for them a dehverer? 9. How did Semiramis signalize her name? [How far did she extend her conquests?] 4. From whom were the Canaanites de 10. By whom was Semiramis succeeded? scended? How many nations did the term What was his character, and that of his Canaanites include 1-[What did they suf successors?-[Who was the last of the As-fer in consequence of the curse denoimced syrian kings?] against their progenitor 5. What are the first authentic accounts | brated ?-[1. Relate the principal incidents of this people? What judgment was inflict in the life of Abraham. ed on thein fifteen years after this event? What change did this effect in the face of their country ?-[What peculiarities mark this sea, and the adjacent region?] 2. What is known of Melchisedec? 5. What did Cecrops teach the Athenans? 6. Of how many letters did the alphabet 6. What other events have been trans-consist, which Cadmus introduced into mitted to us, relating to this people, during Greece 1] this period? 7. Is the early history of Greece authentic? Where do we find any information respecting the descendants of Japheth, during this and the preceding period? From what event do we date the commencement of Greece? Who founded Sicyon -[Who are the greater part of the deities worshipped by the Greeks, supposed to be? Who was Uranus? Who was Saturn? What is said of Jupiter?] 8. Describe the ancient inhabitants of Greece. [What is the most ancient name of Greece, and from what is it derived?] PERIOD IV. What is the name and extent of this pe riod? 1. What was there remarkable in the history of the Israelites at this era? By what means did Moses effect their deliver. ance from Egypt? How long did they wander in the wilderness? How far were they conducted by Moses? What is the date of this event ?-[Relate the first incident which is mentioned after the Israelites left Egypt ? What other instances of rebellion against 9. When did the other states of Greece God are recorded? What punishment was arise? How long did the descendants of In-inflicted on them for these sins? What achus retain possession of the throne of Argos? Who founded a second dynasty ? [When, and by whom was the kingdom transferred to Mycena? Which were the only two States founded by the native Greeks? When do we find laws among them? How were they governed previous to that event?] was the sin and punishment of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram? When and how did the Israelites begin their conquests?] 2. What did Joshua accomplish for them? How long were they governed by judges? Why did they desire a king 1-[By what miracle did Joshua enter Canaan? What followed this event? Why were the Israelites 10. When, and how was Athens founded? | often brought into bondage? Who were inHow did Cecrops divide the inhabitants 1-struments of delivering them, on these oc[What did Athens afterwards become ?] casions? What is related of Gideon? Of 11. Who was the successor of Cecrops, Samson? Of Samuel?] and what event occurred during his time? 3. Who was the first king of Israel? Who was the third king of Athens, and for When was he anointed, and what was the what is he celebrated 1-[To what does the character of his reign? Who was his sucdeluge of Deucalion owe much of its im-cessor? What was his character, and the portance? What event occurred during the reign of Amphiction?] 12. Give an account of the founding of Corinth. 13. By whom was Thebes founded? When did Cadmus introduce letters into Greece [Of what nation was Cadmus a native ?] 14. By whom, and when was Lacedæmon founded? How long did the government continue in his family 1-[To what did the names of Sparta and Lacedæmon properly belong? Where was this state situated ?] 15. To what do the events of Egypt, during this period, chiefly refer? When and where did Nitocris reign? Is any thing known of the other kings of Egypt, during this period -[What was the character of Nitocris? In what way was Sesostris distinguished?] 16. How long did the second dynasty of China continue? Of how many emperors did it consist 7-[What was the character of Ching-tang, its founder? What anecdotes are related of two of his successors?] Distinguished Characters. state of the nation under his reign? By whom, and when was the foundation of the temple laid?-[What more is said of Saul } Of David?] 4. What was the fate of the Canaanites? 5. What arts were early cultivated among the Phoenicians? What were their principal kingdoms? With whom was Hiram contemporary -[What is related of the foundation of Sidon and Tyre? How far did their trade extend? In what way did! their king assist David and Solomon ?] 6. How is the history of Greece pursued during this period? What was done for Athens by Theseus ?-[How was he treated by its citizens }} 7. Why, and when did a change take place in their government 1-[What anecdote is related of Codrus? What office was created at his death ?] 8. How long did the family of Sysiphus reign in Corinth? By whom, and when was the last king deposed? 9. Give an account of the last great enterprise of the Greeks?-[What is said of the cause and success of this expedition ? What games were instituted on their re turn ?] Who were the distinguished characters 10. Mention the two wars which occur. in this period, and for what were they cele-red in Greece during this period. |