The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1920-03-18
Pastor Scots Church, Rotterdam.

For years it was popularity imagined
that the world In general and his
torians in particular knew every thing
of interest about the Pilgrims during
isheir sojourn in Holland. Indeed.
there was widespread idea that their
stay in the Low Countries was of no
great Significance and there was a.-
most no recognition OF the undouhted
influence of twelve years. residence IN
the then mast enlightened nation of
Europe IN that impress:onah1e
group of english men and WON en-.
Until recently there was little re-
search in the Leyden archives ard
that little was concerned with merely
n name here and there and was Meth
err systematic nor exhaustive
This former attitude of neglect is
now completely abandoned A mum =
Der of distinguished Dutch scholars
have given this matter their earnest
attention. and a least one great Eng
lishrnan has enthusiastically furthered
their Investigations To DIR. ]. Ran
del Harris, of Manchester belongs
the honor OF being a leading spirit in
these discoveries, and--what is still
better--of having encouraged and
helped the Dutch scholars in all they
undertook.
zeal Of young professor lately ap-
pointed to the chair of modern church
history in the University of Loyden.
Professor A. Eckhof threw hiul@elf
heart and soul into the task of finding
out in Holland and in America what
was to be known about the Dutch
Reformed Church, and about other
kindred churches of the Reformation.
His researches carried him to London,
II "a
old Dutch centers in the United States,
Of which, indeed. he has written a
standard history DR.. Eekhof's re-
searches brought him into frequent
touch with Pilgrim records. Fired
with "a contagious enthusiasm 10 make
their story more complete, he has
taken up the subject Systematically
and in series of articles has given
the world the benefit Of much that
had been forgotten or neglected,
Professor Eckhof's writings in the
Dutch journal of Church History
should be ca refuIly studied by All who
are writing on the Pilgrims. as he sets
forth many important points hitherto
obscure For example, he shows the
wide learning of man like William
Bradford. his accurate and extensive
/ knowledge of Dutch, anl makes clear
that the Pilgrims were Jealous, indus
trious and we1l-behaved, absolutely
refuting some asperSions cast upon
them by a recent Iagazine writer.
One Of the most interesting of the
many discoveries regarding the Pill
grims was made recently in Levden
by DR. p, Plooy. the secretary of the
Netherlands Pilgrim Fathers Com :
mission 1t seems that, when the Pill
rrims were about to leave Amsterdam
and go to Leyden, they wrote~to 'ee
Leyden magistrates, asking permission.
The magistrates granted their request
but King James r. through his am
bassador, Sir Ralph Winwood de-
nounced them to the council of Hol-
land. as ''ili- conditioped Brownists,
not submissive to king and hierarchy
l--hanished men. who deserve no sym
pathy" The magistrates replied in Y
mobile document which IN reply to the
accusation states:
1T is, however. true that in Feb
ruary last a petition was n""sc.,fr
l}s in the name OF Jan Robarts e. e.
John Robinson), minister of the Cos
snel,s haSet hes Mithssa4ala peapie. o,t Tbs
Reformed Christian faith. born in
England reauesting that. as they in
tended tan;.'G UP their abode in Ley
den. they might be granted free per-
nnission 10 do So We answered OH
eially stating that We, did not refuse
Tree entrance 10 honest people that
behaved honestly and submitted TO the
statutes and ordinances OF the city.
end that Therefore the entrance Of the
petitioners would be welcome and
agreeable 10 u.s.
This may be verified by the petit
ton and by our reply OF which we
send your excellency a copy
We may add that no further steps