before placed
on a man's shoulders, astride of his neck; but in this way I took
my leave of the German Ocean. There is not a rock to be seen on the
shore; which consists of fine sand thrown up from the sea, and
forms a bank about twenty feet high; the highest land on the coast
of Holland, forming a ridge from one to three miles wide along the
northern coast. Screvinning is principally inhabited by fishermen.
The road to the Hague is perfectly straight, level, and smooth,
lying between two rows of oak trees, one row of which divides
between it and a collateral canal--the accompaniment of every road
throughout Holland. At 5 p.m. we went to the French Protestant
Church, the place in which the famous Saurin delivered his eloquent
discourses. The congregation was thin; my emotions and
recollections of Saurin contrasted with the present preacher and
congregation. The pulpit was at the side; the form of the church
was amphi-theatrical. I noticed old Bibles, and Psalms; the text
was Luke xxiii 27-28. A moderate preacher, calm, solemn and
graceful; baptisms after the service. Went from the French to the
English Church; only fifteen persons were present, including
ourselves. I spoke to the clergyman (Mr. Beresford), introducing
ourselves, and the object of our mission.

_February, 24th._--Went to the British Embassy with Rev. Mr.
Beresford; from thence to the Royal Library; and then proceeded to
the Chinese and Japanese collection of curiosities; then on to the
Gallery of Paintings; some very exquisite. From thence to the
residence of the Russian (Greek) clergyman, Chaplain to the Queen
of Holland, who kindly shewed us the Queen's private
apartments--refined taste, and great magnificence. Then on to a
Protestant school, of about 800 poor children, which is supported
by subscription. The King is a subscriber to the amount of 1,000
guilders. The teachers consist of a head master and four
assistants. No monitors; admirable construction of the seats;
excellent order of the children; rod never used--shame, the chief
instrument of correction; fine specimens of painting; Scriptures
read, and prayers four times a day; salary of the head master 1,000
guilders, and assistants from 300 to 400; books furnished to the
children, and all the stationery; an excellent b