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254 harmony of its tones. The pulpit is admired for its carving, and the windows for their stained glass representing various historical and religious stories. One of them, perhaps the best, and certainly the most interesting, describes Philip IV. of Spain, in the habiliments of his regal dignity, presenting to the deputies of Holland the treaty by which he acknowledges the independence of the United Provinces. This church also contains monuments erected by the city of Amsterdam, or the states-general, in honour of various naval and military commanders, whose services have thus called forth the gratitude of the republic.

Such is the wise and liberal toleration allowed by the government of Holland, that scarcely a religious community is to be named, which has not some place of public assembly or worship in Amsterdam. The Portuguese synagogue is perhaps the noblest temple in which the jewish worship has been celebrated, since the dispersion of that fanatic people. It is a lofty, spacious building, fitted for the purposes of religion, according