New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-10-04
RELIGIOUS CONDITION OF HOLLAND.
BY THE REV. NJ. COHEN STUART OF ROTTERDAM
HOLLAND.

NJ.
HOLLAND.
DEAR FRIENDS: If any one here has ground
TO expect ndulgent and benevolent attention. think
Mr. Chairman, it Is l. Not. OF course, in my individual
character but the appointed delegate from country
whose name alone will awaken thrill OF generous sym
pathy every thorough American breast. AS England
may be called the mother country or this great common
wealth. Holland has right to claim the title OF Its spir
itua fatherland. And long the OF your ylJ
not say our D Motley finds echo both sides O
the Atlantic, as long the remembrance OF the ole
Pilgrim Slres, aud lang syne" though it be- lives IL
the hearts of their children Holland is to fine
friends on New-England shores. The facf
OF my being its representative, unworthy though
I may be, I regard my best introduo
ton and recommendation " among you,
consider my credentials in this assembly as my
patent OF nobility this great American Republic Blu
the honor OF which boast makes feel the he
responsibility Of the task nrustcd TO my care. MJ
first duty not TO precious time in Introductory
remarks. In q few broad outlines shall try 10 draw
the leading features OF Hollands egious condition and
life 1 wish to give you the opportunity OF getting
from the higher sphere Of Christon intuition general
though not therefore superficial bird'seye view, dis
cerble to the keen and sharp glance Of the American
ca ge's eye, OF the distant shores and plains OF my
country while endeavor TO give a succuct review
as clearly and mpartially able to do, Of the
country history character, religious life actual condk
tion aud future prospects OF the people 70 which
proud and happy TO belong.
Holland, the name signifying hollow land or more
probably woodland, forms properly the weathest and
most prominent: part OF the Netherlands or Low Coun
tries a small kingdom now, a mighty republic onoe
On the north coast OF the European continent
from Dunkrk TO Denmark and Mecklenburg stretches
long reach OF low aluya ground sand and clay carics
down by rivers Of Central Europe At the western
end OF this long stretch OF country at its very lowest
level the delta ground Of the schnc and Mas. behind
,,a, of ffs inc Or
lies Holland with the rich pastures of its deep greer
meadows under often couded sky, in damp and
misty air. country not favored by its cline eminent
for picturesque landscape. But other features has
well worth observing. II any country ever gave right
% ITS inhabitants 20 boast OF land made by themselves
il j. this Rivers and streams constrained by dykes aud
snices are compelled to follow the road man bids them
go, swamp and marshes been dried into golden
fields, enriched by the abundant deritus OF weeds and
plants fields Of tat and fertile clay conquered from
the
But II Holland il Is can in a certain sense be said
TO have been formed by men, rightly still can IL 10
asserted that the country has made and formed its in
habitants. Its outward appearance the country may
owe TO It's people; they owe TO its ground and clims
their character and mind. In the struggle for life wit
the mighty element their awful Zoe, but which was
vanquished so as to become their most powerful ally
the peoples character was hardened and inygorated
and a nation was formed OF bold and daring men. pre-
destinated By the nature and conguaOn OF their soil
10 navigation and commerce. Much more than these
outward circumstances has history done To put its own
ndeble stamp the character and life OF the people.
In this our Neherand Canaan 0he Hebrew name has
quite the same sgncation), God assigned their place
10 people which in many respects may be compared
Israel of old Small their land Is, but Il may well
remark this to Americans perhaps little too much
inclined to think highly OF the bigness Of
their countrJl small aud little are not thu