, the famous pensionary of Holland, was the second son of Jacob De
, the famous pensionary of Holland,
was the second son of Jacob De Witt, burgomaster of
Dort, and deputy to the states of Holland; and born in
1625. He was educated at Dort, and made so great a
progress in his studies, that at twenty-three he published
“Elementa Curvarum Linearum
” one of the ablest books
in mathematics that had appeared in those days. After
he had taken the degree of LL. D. he travelled for some
years; and, on his return in 1650, became a pensionary
of Dort, and distinguished himself early in the management of public affairs. He opposed with all his power the
war between the English and Dutch, representing in strong
colours the necessary ill consequences of it to the republic:
and, when the events justified his predictions, gained so
great credit, that he was unanimously chosen pensionary
of Holland; first to officiate provisionally, and afterwards
absolutely into the office. On this occasion, some of his
friends, reminding him of the fate of his predecessor Barnevelt, he replied, that “human life was liable to trouble
and danger; and that he thought it honourable to serve
his country, which he was resolved to do, whatever returns
he might meet with.
” The continuance of the war was so
visibly destructive to the commerce and interest of the
republic, that the pensionary with his friends used all their
skill to produce a negociation. Ambassadors were sent to
Cromwell, who by this time had called a new parliament. To
this assembly the Dutch ministers were directed to apply,
but quickly found them very different people from those
with whom they had been accustomed to deal; for they
entertained the ambassadors with long prayers, and discovered a total ignorance of the business, telling Cromwell, that, if he would assume the supreme authority, they
might soon come to a right understanding. This was precisely what he wanted; and though he rejected their advice in words, declaring himself an humble creature of the
parliament, yet he soon after found means to get rid of
them, and took upon him the government under the title
of protector. He then made a peace with the Dutch; the
most remarkable condition of which was, the adding a secret article for the exclusion of the house of Orange, to
which the States consented by a solemn act. But the
article of the exclusion raised a great clamour in Holland:
it was insinuated to be suggested to Cromwell by De Witt;
and the pensionary and his friends found it difficult to carry
points absolutely necessary for the service of the people.
The clergy too began to meddle with affairs of state in
their pulpits; and, instead of instructing the people how
to serve God, were for directing their superiors how to
govern their subjects. But his firmness got the better of
these difficulties; and so far overcame all prejudices, that
when the time of his high office was expired, he was unanimously continued in it, by a resolution of the States,
Sept. 15, 1663.