ITALIAN SCENERY, :V[ANNERS, A N D CUSTO:\IS. 19
P L A T E X.
T i i K n j i i n i r r A G E OF C A P U A .
HERMITS and Uidr retreats are of considerable antiquity. The anehorets of the Thebaid
appear to have been tlic hrst, fi-om « horn this institntion derived it's origin. T h e j spent
their Hves in meditation and prayer ; and fed npon roots and wild fruits of the desert. The
cxcmijlary eonduet of tliuse ivlio first withdreiv into solitude to avoid the persecutions raging
against Christians at tliat time, the renown of some of them as saints, and their works in divinity,
have given them a distinct and eminent place in the history of the Christian church.
The modern hermits are very dillercnt: it is true, that they live in the wildest and most recluse
spots, but always near some populous village, or convent of monks, to the authority of
which they are generally subject; and by asking charity for what they are or arc not in want
of, they live in plenty, and give to the poor of the neighbourhood their superHuities, first selecting
the best for their own consumption. The policy of the governmeut has thought
proper to place them under the control of the bishop in whose jurisdiction the hermitage is
situate. M'hen they have a chapel, the alms and voluntary contribution of the people
amount to a considerable sum.
The hermitage figured in the plate nuist bo a real mine of gold, as it's institution, and the
holy images, are powerfully calculatcd to promote the zeal and liberality of the faithful. It
stands between Capua and Naples, and is instituted particularly for the purpose of rcseunig
souls from Purgatory. On the right may be seen the picture of Purgatory, with two angels,
each of them taking up a soul from the e.xpiatory flames, and carrying it to Heaven. Un d e r
the picture hangs the aim's bo.x, implying no doubt, that the money which is put into it, and
for which masses are celebrated, is the true cause of the liberation of those souls. AVhen
these hermits can preach, Ihey represent with eloquence, that the souls still remaining in the
fire may probably be those of the fithcr or mother of the persons present; and then there
is not one of them, who will not put something into the box, according to his circumstances.
Our hermit holds in his haiuls another powerful spring, to set religious generosity in motion:
I mean the Imd, with a holy image painted on the outside, ISefore he gives it the devotee
to kiss, he relates a marvellous tradition or miracle relative to the bowl: and it is well
untlcrstood, (hat nobody will dare to kiss such a relic without putting some money into it.
The posture of the old woman on her knees, and the two boys, is a lively representation of
the mode of praying in those countries by the common people, in which, beside their extravagant
gestures, they hold a conversation in an audible voice with the holy images, and not
unfrequently discover their family secrets, running on as freely as if nobody could overhear
them. u <2,