Recently, I have read in one history textbook that due to the lost independence of Poland in the late 18th century, Polish nationalists in the 19th century had portrayed the country as a "Jesus Christ" of European nations. These nationalists supposedly explained that Poland would become independent (compared to the resurrection of Jesus Christ) and would follow a new path in history after is independence.
Are any sources, specifically from Polish nationalists, that support this claim? I have not been able to find any sources online. I am curious after reading about this section. Thanks in advance.
The metaphor comes from the famous national poet / playwright Adam Mickiewicz, specifically from his "books of the Polish nation" (1832).
Norman Davies gives a good summary in his chapter "Polish National Mythologies," in Schopflin, Hosking eds., "Myths of Nationhood" p. 150.