Mr.

one of peculiar celebrity. Haarlem will always be illustrious in the history of literature, as being the residence of Laurence Coster, to whom the Dutch attribute the invention of the invaluable art of printing. Konig, a member of the Dutch Society of Sciences, devoted much time and industry to prove that the first attempts in this art were made by Coster about the year 1420. The first two books executed by him are preserved in the stadthouse. His statue, also, has been set up in the street before the house in which he resided: it is nine feet high, placed on a pedestal, on one side of which Coster is represented carving letters on the bark of trees; and on the other, working in a printing-office. This town gave birth to the celebrated painters, Wouvermans, Berghem, Ostade, and Ruysdaal. Haarlem was the principal seat of the celebrated mania for tulips, which prevailed in Holland in the early part of the last century, when 10,000 florins are said to have been given for a single root. Though the extravagance of the passion has subsided, the flowers, and more particularly the tulips, raised here, are much esteemed, and bear high prices.

DELFT-HAVEN, HOLLAND.

[The place of Embarkation of the Pilgrim Fathers.]

THE above shows the present (September, 1853) appearance of Delft-Haven, a ship building village, about two miles south-west of Rotterdam, on the river Meuse, and about 20 miles from Leyden, containing about 2,700 inhababitants. It is an object of interest on account of its being the place from which the "Pilgrim Fathers" of New England embarked for America. The village, with its docks and warehouses, has quite an ancient appearance, where large ships can come up, and where ship building, to some extent, is carried on. The wharf, or quay, seen in the central part of the

engraving, is believed to be the spot from whence the pilgrims embarked. The following, relative to the Plymouth settlers during their residence in Holland, is from "Morton's New England's Memorial."

In the year 1602, divers godly Christians of our English nation, in the north of England, being studi ous of reformation, and therefore not only witnessing against human inventions, and additions in the worship of God, but minding most the positive and practical part of divine institutions, they entered into covenant to walk with God, and one with another, in the enjoyment of the ordinances of God according to the primitive pattern in the word of God. But finding by experience they could not peaceably enjoy their own liberty in their native country, without offense to others that were differently minde; they took up thoughts of removing themselves and their families into the Netherlands, which accordingly they endeavored to accomplish, but met with great hinderance; yet after some time, the good hand of God removing obstructions, they obtained their desires; arriving in Holland, they settled themselves in the city of Leyden, in the year 1610, and there they continued divers years in a comfortable condition, enjoying much sweet society and spiritual comfort in the ways of God, living peaceably among themselves, and being courteously entertained, and lovingly respected by the Dutch, among whom they were strangers, having for their pastor, Mr. John Robinson, a man of a learned, polished and modest spirit, pious and studying of the truth, largely accomplished with suitable gifts and qualifications to be a shepherd over this flock of Christ; having also a fellow-helper with him in the eldership, Mr. William Brewster, a man of approved piety, gravity, and integrity, very eminently furnished with gifts suitable to such an office.

But notwithstanding their amiable and comfortable carrying on (as hath been said) although the church of Christ on earth in holy writ, is sometimes called heaven; yet there is always in their most perfect state, here in this lower world. very much wanting as to absolute and perfect happiness, which is only reserved for the time and place of the full enjoyment of celestial glory; for, although this church was at peace, and in rest at this time, yet they took up thoughts of removing themselves into America with common consent; the proposition of removing thither being set on foot, and prosecuted by the elders upon just and weighty grounds; for although they did quietly and sweetly enjoy their church liberties under the States, yet they foresaw that Holland would be no place for their church and posterity to continue in comfortably, at least in that measure that they hoped to find abroad; and that for these reasons following, which I shall recite as received from themselves.

First, Because themselves were of a different language from the Dutch where they lived, and were settled in their way, insomuch that in ten years time, while their church sojourned among them, they could not bring them to reform the neglect of observation of the Lord's day as a sabbath, or any other thing amiss among them.

Secondly, Because their countrymen, who came over to join with them, by reason of the hardness of the country, soon spent their estates, and were then forced either to return back to England, or to live very meanly.

Thirdly, That many of their children, through the extreme necessity that was upon them, although of the best dispositions, and graciously inclined, and willing to bear part of their parents burthens, were oftentimes so oppressed with their heavy labors, that although their spirits were free and willing, yet their bodies bowed under the weight of the same, and became decrepid in their early youth, and the vigor of nature consumed in the very bud. And that which was very lamentable, and of all sorrows most heavy to be borne, was that many by these occasions and the great licentiousness of youth in that country, and the manifold temptations of the place, were drawn away by evil examples into extravagant and dangerous courses, getting the reins on their necks, and departing from their parents. Some became soldiers, others took upon them far voyages by sea, and other some worse courses, tending to dissoluteness, and the destruction of their souls, to the great grief of their parents, and the dis honor of God; and that the place being of great licentiousness and liberty to children, they could not educate them, nor could they give them due correction without reproof or reproach from their neighbors.

Fourthly, That their posterity would in few generations become Dutch, and so lose their interest in the English nation; they being desirous rather to enlarge his Majesty's dominions, and to live under their natural prince.

Fifthly and lastly, and which was not the least, a great hope and inward zeal they had of laying some good foundation, or at least to make some way thereunto for the propagating and advancement of the Gospel of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world, yea, although they should be but as stepping stones unto others for the performance of so great a work.

The reasons of their removal above named being debated first in private, and thought weighty, were afterwards propounded in public and after solemn days of humiliation, observed both in public and private, it was agreed, that part of the church should go before their brethren into America, to prepare for the rest. And if in case the major part of the church did choose to go over with the first, then the pastor to go along with them; but if the major part stayed, that he was then to stay with them.

They having employed sundry agents to treat with several merchants in England, who adventured some considerable sums in a way of valuation to such as went personally on in the voyage: the articles of agreement about the premises being fully concluded with the said merchants, and sundry difficulties and obstructions reinoved, having also obtained lettera patent for the northern parts of Virginia, of King James, of famous memory, all things were got ready and provided, a small ship was bought and fitted out in Holland, of about sixty tons, called the Speedwell, as to serve to transport some of them over, so al-o to stay in the country, and attend upon fishing, and such other affairs as might be for the good and benefit of the colony when they came thither. Another ship was hired at London, of burthen about nine score, called the Mayflower, and all other things got in readiness; so being prepared to depart, they had a solemn day of humiliation, the pastor teaching a part of the day very profitably, and suitably to the present occasion. The rest of the time was spent in pouring out of prayers unto the Lord, with great fervency, mixed with abundance of tears. And the time being come that they must depart, they were accompanied with most of their brethren out of the city unto a town called Delft Haven, where the ship lay ready to receive them, so they left that goodly and pleasant city, which had been

their resting place above eleven years; but they knew that they were pilgrims and strangers here below, and looked not much on these things. but lifted up their eyes to heaven, their dearest country, where God hath prepared for them a city, Heb. xi. 16, and therein quieted their spirits.

When they came to the place, [about July 1st, 1620.] they found the ship and all things ready; and such of their friends as could not come with them, followed after them, and sundry came from Amsterdam to see them ship, and to take their leave of them. One night was spent with little sleep with the most, but with friendly entertainment, and Christian discourse, and other real expressions of true Christian love. The next day, the wind being fair, they went on board, and their friends with them, where truly doleful was the sight of that sad and mournful parting. to hear what sighs and sobs, and prayers did sound among them; what tears did gush from every eye, and pithy speeches pierced each other's heart, that sundry of the Dutch strangers, that stood on the key as spectators, could not refrain from tears. Yet comiortable and sweet it was, to see such lively and true expressions of dear and unfeigned love. But the tide (which stays for no man) calling them away, that were thus loth to depart, their reverend pastor falling down on his knees, and they all with him, with watery cheeks commended them with most fervent prayers unto the Lord and his blessing; and then with mutual embraces, and many tears, they took their leave one of another, which proved to be the last leave to many of them. Thus hoisting sail with a prosperous gale of wind, they came in a short time to Southampton, where they found the bigger ship come from London, being ready with all the rest of their company, meeting each other with a joyful welcome and mutual congratulation.

DORT is an ancient town of the Netherlands, in South Holland. It is built on an island formed by the Maese and the Biesboch. It was first separated from the main land by a dreadful inundation which occurred in 1421; and after breaking down the dykes, swept away seventy-two villages; in which 100,000 persons perished. The present town is well built, and although the fortifications are very slight, yet its natural situation gives it great security. In the annexed engraving we give a partial view of the town and harbor. The harbor is spacious, and its commerce in Rhenish wines and lumber, (which is brought down in rafts, and exported to Spain, England, and Portugal,) is important. Ship-building, the manufacture of salt, bleaching, and the salmon fisheries, are extensively carried on. Dort has an artillery and engineer school. It was formerly the residence of the counts of Holland, and is the native place of De Witt, John Gerhard Vossius, the painter Varestag, and other distinguished persons. In 1618, and 1619, the Protestants held here the celebrated synod of Dort, the resolutions of which still constitute the laws of the Dutch reformed church. The synod declared the Arminians heretics, and confirmed the Belgic confession with the Heidelberg catechism. There are several large docks, and a considerable trade carried on in linen, &c. The population of Dort amounts to nearly 20,000 persons. It is thirty-six miles south by west of Amsterdam, and fifteen north-west of Breda.

The Synod of Dort was a national synod, summoned by authority of the states-general, the provinces of Holland, Utrecht, and Overyssel excepted, and held at Dort, 1618. The most eminent divines of the United Provinces, and deputies from the churches of England, Scotland, Switzerland, Bremen, Hessia, and the Palatinate, assembled on this occasion, in order to decide the controversy between the Calvinists and Arminians. The synod had hardly commenced its deliberations before a dispute on the mode of proceeding, drove the Arminian party from the assembly. The Arminians insisted upon beginning with a refutation of the Calvinistic doctrines, especially that of reprobation; while the synod determined, that, as the remonstrants were accused of departing from the reformed faith, they ought first to justify themselves by scriptural proof of their own opinions. All means to persuade the Arminians to submit to this procedure having failed, they were banished the synod for their refusal. The synod, however, proceeded in their examination of the Arminian tenets, condemned their opinions, and excommunicated their persons: whether justly, or unjustly, let the reader determine. Surely no one can be an advocate for the persecution which followed, and which drove these men from their churches and country into exile anc poverty. The authority of this synod was far from being universally acknowledged, either in Holland or in England. The provinces of Friesland, Zealand, Utrecht, Guelderland, and Groningen, could not be persuaded to adopt their decisions; and they were opposed by King James I and Archbishop Laud, in England.—Buck's Dict.

UTRECHT, eighteen miles south-east from Amsterdam, is built on rising ground on the banks of the Rhine, and is one of the most beautiful cities of Holland next the Hague, and contains upwards of 30,000 inhabitants. The banks of the canals are steep and high, and the water is twenty feet below the street. The access to them for the servants of the adjoining houses is by a subterranean passage. These canals are much neglected as to cleanliness. The place boasts of great antiquity, being known to the Romans, and was one of the principal fords of the Rhine.

The ruins of the Cathedral afford a fine specimen of Gothic architecture; one aisle remains, scarcely injured by time. In this, public worship is performed. The tower is lofty, and from its top, fifty-one walled cities and towns may be seen. The view is said to be the most extensive in Europe. This church contains monuments in honor of several bishops, as well as the tomb of Admiral Van Gent, who perished in an action with the combined French and English ships in 1667.

The University of Utrecht was formerly highly celebrated, but the number of students is now much diminished. It has, however, an observatory, museum, &c. The Town House is an ancient building, but is remarkable as the place where the famous peace of Utrecht, in 1713, was signed. The principal manufactories are for woolen cloths, bleaching, bricks, silk, and fire-arms. The environs are full of gardens and pleasant walks, which, added to the general purity of the air, make Utrecht a very agreeable residence.

BELGIUM.

BELGIUM is that portion of the Netherland lying on the south-west of the lower branches of the Rhine, as Holland lies on the north-east, and consists of the provinces of Brabant, Antwerp, East and West Flanders, Hainault, Namur, and Liege. These unitedly form a compact country, now a distinct kingdom, with about four millions inhabitants. The political history of the country (the province of Liege excepted) is nearly the same as that of the northern provinces of the Netherlands, until the epoch of Dutch independence in 1579. The southern provinces were less successful in freeing themselves from the Spanish yoke, and hence their period of national freedom has been postponed to a much later date. In 1714, they were ceded by Philip III of Spain to his daughter Isabella, when she espoused Albert, Archduke of Austria, by which change of masters they became known as the Austrian Netherlands.

In 1795, they were united with France, and continued under its dominion till 1814, when they were attached to the northern provinces, to compose the kingdom of the Netherlands. Their separation in 1830, to form the Belgian monarchy, and to depend, for the first time, on their own united resources, is known to every one. More French in charac

ter and language than the Dutch, and almost entirely Roman Catholic in their religious profession, the Belgians differ in various respects from their neighbors in Holland; they are, however, not less distinguished by their industry and love of order, and have attained a considerably higher taste for art.

The revolution which ended in the separation of this important continental state from the Dutch government, may be said to date its commencement from a meeting principally composed of citizens, which was called at Brussels, August 24, 1830. From that moment the whole of the Netherlands seemed at once determined to throw off the yoke of the Dutch monarch; and it happened somewhat strangely, that one of the most popular monarchies on the continent became the first to follow the example of France, in changing its form of government. On the 26th of November, in the same year, a national congress, which had been convened by the people came to a resolution, by a majority of 161 to 28, to exclude the House of Nassau from the Belgic throne; and in the following month they decreed-1. That the territory of Belgium should be divided into four great territorial arrondissements, which should be called the first, second, third, and fourth divisions. 2. The first should comprehend the provinces of East and West Flanders; the second, the provinces of Antwerp and South Brabant; the third, the provinces of Limberg, and Liege; the fourth, the provinces of Hainault, Namur, and Luxemburg. 3. Each arrondissement to be commanded by a general of division. 4. Each province to be commanded by a general, or superior officer, who should have at least the rank of lieutenant-colonel.