Something I Did Not Know

We Gather Together

In 1585, the city of Antwerp, in Holland, was captured by Spanish invaders.  All Protestants living there at the time were either killed or exiled.  This display of ruthless Spanish control over both the government and religion of the Dutch was only one more episode in the ongoing 30-year struggle between the two peoples. 

Dutch Protestants fought aggressively against Catholic and Spanish oppression.  The kings of Spain responded with widespread executions and higher taxes.  Finally, after several unsuccessful efforts, William the Silent, Prince of Orange, wrested control of the Dutch Provinces from Spain. 

This ushered in an age of peace known as Holland’s Golden Age.  From this time, we might recognize such greats as Rembrandt and Vermeer from the art world.  Also, exploration, trade, and colonization highlighted further prosperity of the Dutch. 

It was also at this time that an anonymous author penned the words of a song we often sing at Thanksgiving: 

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing… 
And pray that Thou still our Defender wilt be.                                                                                                     
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Thy name be ever praised.  O Lord, make us free!

The song remained sacred to the Dutch only for over two hundred years until it was translated in 1877 by Edward Kremser.  Now, we sing this song of the Dutch Reformation and are reminded of God’s Providence and deliverance for His people throughout history.