distance we could see the leaning tower of Delft. Within sight of its high

arches, William the Silent had been murdered and there Grotius had learned to

construe his first Latin sentences. And still further away, the long low body of

the church of Gouda, the early home of the man whose wit had proved mightier

than the armies of many an emperor, the charity-boy whom the world came to know

as Erasmus.

 

Finally the silver line of the endless sea and as a contrast, immediately below

us, the patchwork of roofs and chimneys and houses and gardens and hospitals and

schools and railways, which we called our home. But the tower showed us the old

home in a new light. The confused commotion of the streets and the market-place,

of the factories and the workshop, became the well-ordered expression of human

energy and purpose. Best of all, the wide view of the glorious past, which

surrounded us on all sides, gave us new courage to face the problems of the

future when we had gone back to our daily tasks.

 

History is the mighty Tower of Experience, which Time has built amidst the

endless fields of bygone ages. It is no easy task to reach the top of this

ancient structure and get the benefit of the full view. There is no elevator,

but young feet are strong and it can be done.

 

Here I give you the key that will open the door.

 

When you return, you too will understand the reason for my enthusiasm.