The Grand Haven news., 1865-12-27
Corrsspondsnce Of the New York Observer.
Religions State of Holland.



| rarely mention Holland in my cores
pondence; for this country exerts little
influence over the rest Of the world, and
its books and journals find few readers
outside Of its borders. s,je is
IL would be unfair, however, not 70
give any sympathy or heed to what is oc-
curing 10 Holland, especially in a rslig-
ious point Of view. The Inhabitants Of
this country possess noble and interest
ing history. In the sixteenth century,
under the command of William Of Or
snge, they gained their religious and po-
liiical independence against the tyranny
of Philip II, by prodigies Of valor. They
showed themselves intrepid, devoted, per-
seseriug, capable Of enduring the greatest
sacrifices for the defence Of their rights
and their faith. e6 s as
AT a later period, the Dutch boldly
resisted the iniquitious attacks Of Louis
wv, and forced that proud monarch to
accept their conditions Of peace. At the
same time they extended generous hos
pitality to the French Hugenots, who af-
ter the revocation Of The Edct Of Nantes,
could no longer remain in their nativc
country, sida {as ra 5inas
These thousands Of refugees were a
source af growth md prosperity TO Hol-
land. They brought with them the love
of labor, industrious habits, a universally
acknowledged honesty, strict morality,
and above all living and unshaken pie
ty. The name Hugenot became a syno-
nym of trust and honor. 3a
For several generations the fundament-
al doctrines of the Reformation were faith
fully professed among tho refugees who
established French or Wallone congrega-
tions, and Holland furnished the interest
ing spectacle Of country where the
most evangelical doctrines existed with
full religious liberty.
\ Unhappily, of late years, this state Of
things has undergone great changes. The
theologians of Holland have yielded to
the German Rationalists. Among the
professors Of Lydep, Gronngen, and 9TH
er universities, the new school finds ma
ny adherents; and the pupils of these
theological institutions, after receiving
pastoral license, have preached very loose
opinions. D 8 ip0a
We do not wish TO exagerate. There
are still in Hollvnd, thanks TO God, faith
ful preachers, energetic and devout Chris
tains, among whom the pious Groen Van
Pripsterer holds the first rank. They
render firm witness to the faith, and hon.
or their Church by their works. But
many other members of these Wallone
congregations, while calling themselves
liberal, rush TO the extreme OF Rational
ism. This change is especially visible at
Amsterdam and at Rotterdam. Aa
=, Two or three pastors, among others M.
Pierson, an Englishman BY birth, and M.
Busheu Huet, of French origin, have re-
signed their Office because they saw that
their Rationalism was inconsistent with
their duties as pastor. This is an hon.
orable example on their part. But other
pastors are not so honest, although they
express the same negative ideas; SO that
the churches of Holland often resound
with the ialsest opinions. 1t is no long
er the Christian dortrine, but philosophi-
cal instruction. .s tii aa f1
Great divisions have broken out in this
country. We await the future. The Uni
versal Evangelical Alliance will hold its
meetings in Holland next year. This
will be means of awakening and recon
verting the population. ~ a eeaaaasa
las Yours, &c, ag ***5