BARNEVELS' APOLOGY: OR HOLLAND MYSTERY. WITH MARGINAL CASTIGATIONS. NON PLUS Printed for Thomas Thorp. 1618. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL AND WORTHY DAVID PAREUS, DOctor of Divinity, and chief Professor of the same in the most famous and princely University of Heidelberg, all tranquillity of life. THIS, that I dedicate to your Worship (right reverend Doctor) is but small in bulk and matter, but great in estimation and respect. And although the bulk appeareth of itself, and of it own accord showeth itself to each beholder: neither is the labour any other, than a Translation out of the mother-tongue into Latin, and that almost word for word, without any ornament of style: yet Respect and Estimation do add an honour and grace to the bulk and labour: that even therefore I hope the work will be acceptable and pleasant when you read it. Acceptable verily, because I offer it to you with all singular affection, and bending submission to your gravity: Pleasant certainly, for that thereby you shall know the profitable proceeding of the sincere Gospel in Holland, as also the tottering and extreme ruin of the new upstart Arminians. For who among these was ever either a greater or bitterer enemy to our natural Allies, than this same, not so truly Oldenbarnevelt, as Berneuelt? Hitherto verily we feared, and trembled at him, as oft as any mention came unto us of that lamentable and noisome Schism to us, out of Gelderland, Holland, Utrecht, Ouer-Isle, Fries-land, and the other united Provinces: and we understood him among many to be the only One, who durst audaciously oppose himself unto the Ministers of the sincere Word: the only One, that, beyond the rest, malepertly and maliciously affirmed the secular authority to be above the Ecclesiastical, and all and any assembly whatsoever, or lawful meeting together, at the least of Doctors end Divines: the only One, that could and durst repress and keep under Prince Maurice his Excellency, now Prince of Orange (whom God grant shortly to be Prince of all Holland also,) that he should not restrain from their course those false brethren, false teachers, even far worse than the Papists, and stop their pestilent doctrine concerning Predestination and justification: that he should not hinder by strong-hand and warlike prowess all their conventicles, nor compel them to come to more wholesome Sermons, nor put to death those babblers and praters, who seditiously often repeat, and cry out for liberty of conscience: Lastly, the only One, whom no man durst offend, unless he himself would grievously offend, and at once overthrow himself and all his fortune. And yet this Champion is now driven to that straight by the secret underminings of some Protestants of sincerer note, being disrobed of his accustomed authority and desire of bearing rule, rather than any ability at all, that he hath that way, that he must become a suitor to the meaner sort, and crave their aid, whom heretofore he domineered over. Rejoice, O worthy Doctor, and be glad O dear Brother: and so much the rather, for that not he alone is thrown down, but because he hath also drawn down with him other of the chiefest followtrs and heretics of that most desperate Arminian sect, whose condemnation long since slacketh not, and their destruction sleepeth not. For Maurice the Prince of Orange his Excellency, who vouchsafeth neither to see nor speak with him, and most resolutely fighteth in defence of the Gospel which we profess, hath this year the first of january removed all the Arminians from the Senate at Nimmeghen, and hath put away the false Ministers of the Word, and from Zutphen called forth Damman, a man not easily to be seduced, and most constant for our true Doctrine; he hath called forth others also from other places, appointing them to their former rooms, these deeds of his he afterward approved in the next Parliament of the Duchy of Gelderland: So with the like courage and religious industry, he deprived from all honour and authority, wherein he much excelled in the Council of the States, the noble Lord Henry à Brinen, who had likewise opposed himself to the Court of the Hage, and favoured the Arminians: And so hath he brought to order all them of Over Isle; who, except Deventrie, were already wholly bend to Arminianism: and especially those of Campen he hath so daunted, who whilom since were utter heretics, making merchandise of the word of God, that scarce any one dare so much as whisper against the sound and sincere doctrine of the Gospel, as it hath been taught by that most learned and eloquent Doctor john Caluin. So that we hope assuredly that those Innovators of Campen, and false Ministers of the Word, Thomas Goswin, john Schotler, Euerhard Vosculinlus, Assuerus Matthisius, Satan's own excrements, who in the month of October in our consecrated secular year 1617. published their devilish Confession (that they might pollute and defile the common joy, almost through the whole Empire, and thereby give occasion to the Papists to write) against the Word of God, which endureth for ever: in which Confession beside other horrible matters, They have branded even the best and religious men. To alter a little from the words of our excellent Poet (happily as I suppose:) for I trust that thou, the Muse's darling and the world's delight, art still of the same integrity, whereof thou wert, when we reasoned so pleasantly together of our mutual studies: and hast not blemished thy fair conditions with that same foul Goddess of Daniel Hensius: who by reason of his inbred want of audacity concealed his name, that published excellent Epigrams against them out of a city in Holland; and set himself against a certain shameless Libel of those or some other Arminians, called the Scales or balance. We hope (I say) that those servants of Hell shall shortly be restrained, driven out, or by the help of God compelled by strong-hand to be of our opinion, and to make a better Confession. The like we desire also with our heart, to hear and understand concerning Grevenchovius, Bertius, Vorstius. Grotius, Vtenbogartius, Slatius, Episcopius, Venator, john Arnoldi, and other such like forerunners of Antichrist, whose dismal enterprises and horrid blasphemies do too often trouble our ears and minds. Be glad and rejoice (my Pareus) that those former ringleaders being subdued, without all doubt a Nationall Synod must be assembled: and happily by your advice declared in your Irenicon. Will it not be an honour to thee? and a commodity verily to us all. Especially if the warlike prince Maurice sit as Precedent therein, who will be able by his own power and presence so to terrify the adversaries, and above all, if Sir Dudley Carleton Leaguer for his Majesty of Great Britain, a most heavy friend to the Arminian-asses, be his Assistant, that no man dare utter a word, that he knoweth will displease them, and so will there be a most excellent peace, and great quiet in our invisible Church. Rejoice at leastwise, for that the first year of our New hundred after the year of jubilee both begin prosperously. For as in the former year we do of right solemnize a jubilee, from the first revolt of the renowned Doctor Martin Luther out of his irregular Cloister, and from the hard maiden-bed of the Augustine's, to the pleasing marriage of his chaste Catherine, and from his first disputation at Wittenberg against Indulgences, which gave the Pope (whom we by our law term Antichrist) the first wound: so our posterity may one hundred years hence rejoice, for the vanquishing and subduing of Berneuelt, Brertius, Grotius, and the rest, the first whereof was in a manner the very same among the Arminians, which that Bishop of Rome was amongst the Papists. Oh good Lord! what an occasion have we from hence to speak and fight against the jesuits and hissing Popelings (for so I had rather name them, then by any other counterfeit name whatsoever, lest I also with that most learned Goclenius be commanded by I know not whom, some new scoffing john Roberts by a marvelous Metamorphosis, to metempsychize and turn myself into a Swine or Giezi: though that also will not go scotfree, if I knew Ralph aright?) What an occasion hast thou (my Pareus) against the jesuit Adam Contzius, and Maximilian Sandie? Shake them up roundly, I pray thee, and let them understand that we have cause to rejoice, and to consecrate the hundred Year; but neither leisure nor heart to weep. For else I shrewdly fear, lest many guess amiss of thee, (pardon the truth) and of thy ability, and of our whole cause: and fall away to that side, where we are assaulted with unretorted weapons. Especially seeing many of our curious Protestants so eagerly read prattling Contius his jubilee of jubilees, and the Thema seculare of saucy Sandie the Hollander, and confess themselves unable to contradict them without one to instruct them: and moreover, that there is small efficacy in the Chronologie of the evangelical jubilee, not very advisedly published under the name of the Students of Nuiss by our N. N. a man very well beloved to thee and me: so that if it be sifted indeed by the jesuits (whom yet I trust are so busied about the overthrow in Bohemia, that henceforth they neither list to write, nor speak any thing against us) we may much blush thereat: yea even as much as we patiently did for your Syncretisme, after it lighted into the hands and style of Moguntinus the jesuit. Which jehovah the great God forbidden, in whom I wish thee well to far, and to take this my small gift in good part. From my Study at Francfurt this 27. of june. 1618. Yours most bounden and affectionate with all his very soul, Robert Houlderus, Minister of the Word of God. To the Reader of this Apology. THis Berneveltius (gentle Reader) is absolutely the chief of the united Factions in Holland. Now for that he hath some friends, and many enemies, and standeth accused of many crimes, that he might assault his foes, and defend his friends, hath published in print some few days since this Apology in the vulgar tongue. But while by all means he endeavoureth therein to avoid the dangers of Charybdis, he is fallen into the barkings and unlucky jaws of Scylla, being either too much moved with the hatred of his adversaries, or too much blinded with the love of himself and of his friends: or certainly, that being now an old man of 70. years of age, and doting before his death, might fall as a more propice and fat sacrifice at the Altar of Proserpina. Farewell Reader, and if thou desire to do well thyself, let this old Dotard have that favour at thy hand, that he hath deserved: yet I wish him in heaven, after he hath attained a sound opinion and faith, from either of which he is very far wide. BARNEVELTS APOLOGY: WITH MARGINAL CASTIGATIONS. Honourable and mighty, my very good Lords: HAVING heretofore employed my pen in writing for * An insinuating and deceitful exordium: What will the narration be? the good of the Commonweal, so far forth as calamity suffered me: a necessity seemed now to be imposed on me, yet little further to trouble you in my private behalf And that so much the rather, because some there are who attempt the weakening of the State, and welfare of the Country, by my (b) Let it be a part of the Readers care not to credit him. For how can his depression any way endamage the State, whose destruction would have purchased peace and security to it? affliction and depression. 'tis not long since a factious and seditious Book came to light, which owes it birth and conception to Amsterdam; it trimming & perfection to this place, full fraught with injuries and calumnies: which was afterward printed and sent out to the world far and wide, and every where publicly sold. This Book expressly and plainly without colours and dissimulation deprives your Excellencies & Honours of their proper right, (c) Truth justifies the contrary but his beginning witnesses in him a fear and distrust of his cause. and dismounts from their places and dignities the Governors of our free-cities; among whom I am reckoned under the name of a Pensioner-greater. And indeed fall who receive Pensions and maintenance from the Country are to be ●alled Pensioners, I acknowledge such may be found in our Dominions; some great, some greater, some (c) You are that grand-Pensioner, ●nd most pernicious, whatsoever our dissimulation pretends. grand-Pensioners: others little, less, and petty ones. (d) Your own guilty conscience suggests this. But I think this manner of speaking may occasionally beget confusion, offence, and sinister suspect both in the temporal, and Ecclesiastical state of what condition soever. ●f despite & hatred term them Pensioners who stand for the immunities and franchises of our Country and free-States; (a) This is that wherewith this ●orst of men seeks to hurt most. It follows, that these slanderers (if they be invested in the government of the free-Cities of our Country or otherwise tied to your Highnesses by allegiance) do oppugn their proper government, and bond of their oath. In Holland and West- Friesland the same men are Pensioners and Counsellors, and for the most part are either Burgomasters, or Aldermen, or Common-counsailours. In a word, this order of stipendaries lived in good account, and estimation among them. And all this while (b) Your ambition manifests in you greedy desire to engross this commendation: but the world hath ●aken notice of your Fox's skin, and makes you fall short of it. our Commonwealth was prosperously administered, both before, and after, as also in the time of war, and is so still, the same Governors sitting at the helm. So that it is not a little to be marveled at, why these cavillers seek to draw the government thereof into disgrace and envy, by their libeling and carping books. As for my particular place, and function, it was heretofore many years before the war in good repute and credit with the (c) Self-love makes you overprize yourself. You ●hould rather have said, with drudges and Kitchin●oyes. Gentry, Nobility, and free-Cities of Holland and West- Friesland: yea and the very Princes of the Country, and the Governors thereof; always retained the name of (d) Can you challenge the name of Aduocate-general before the wars? You are taken in the manner. For if this be so, you were Advocate in your ●adling clouts, or when you could not sit on a ●unch of Straw. Advocate general, which it pleased the Gentry & Nobility, who appeared personally in our Country's Parliaments, to use as a set Officer. (a) Open your mind briefly, and boldly say, I was α and ω, the beginning, and the ending, the first and the last, of honourable and mighty States, of all the Counsels, and Assemblies, of all Statutes and Decrees. Altar your style and we will subscribe you wer● the original of all disasters an● calamities, especially such as happened upon the rent and schism in the renewed, and reformed religion, whose sworn enemy we avow you. The prerogative of my Office then consists chiefly in this: viz. to have a priority in all matters, and to defend the Sovereignties and rights of your Honours and Excellencies: and the immunities of our Country: to have the care of calling your public Assemblies: in them to have a voice in all businesses, to take charge of Remonstrances, and Petitions tendered unto you, and to exhibit them at time convenient: to consult, and deliberate with the Nobles concerning them, and all other things propounded in these meetings. That being done, to pronounce the verdict passed either by joint consent, or at least plurality of voices, to be your verdict: and to strengthen the same with allegations and reasons as should be most fit. Afterward, to demand the suffrages of free-Cities, to conclude by most voices: and, lastly to employ my utmost ability, that what then was decreed, might be put in execution. This Office was vacant both in Holland and West-Frisland, anno 1584. where my Predecessor Paul Buys renounced and gave it over. Now as I with others of the Nobility, and free-Cities of Holland and West-Frisland, first went Ambassador to the Queen of England, anno 1585.: So was the forenamed Master Paul Buys sent Ambassador thither by the States of Vtrickes That very year after my return out of England (two several Treaties being dispatched there with the Queen's majesties Commissaries) I (a) Your persuasions shall not persuade us to believe you. manifested my zeal and affection towards my best deserving Lord and Master, the Prince of Orange of famous memory. (b) Now your policy shrouds itself in a gown, which afterward we shall see changed into a soldiers jacket. I dealt earnestly, that the Government of Holland and West-Frisland might be delivered up to him by the worthy Lords the States of Holland, and West-Frisland, before the coming of the Earl of Leicester: because my thoughts told me, that he (by reason of a custom received in Brabant, and a rumour, which I took notice of in England) would make claim to it. The matter was determined of by the consent of the mayor part, though after a canvas and much ado. Towards the end of the year 1585. the Earl of Leicester entered into these Regions, & was every where (c) Whether do you command ●eere the person entertained, or his entertainers? entertained with great triumph, and at the Haighe about the beginning of the year 1586. ordained general Governor with absolute power, and authority. Now was Master Paul Buys admitted into the counsel in behalf of the Province of Vtricke. Hereupon it seemed good to the Gentlemen, Nobles, and free-Cities of Holland, and West-Frisland, to revive the Office of Aduocate-generall of the country. And Legates were sent by the Nobles and free-cities to the Governors thereof, as also (d) A matter of import no doubt, Which huff●puft lungs thus belches out privately to myself, to proffer that dignity to me, and exempt and acquit me of my bounden service to the Governors of Rotterdam. I (a) Now for a Momus: if this man's breast had a Lettuce window in it. urged then many reasons, that they would hold me excused. As first, want of money, which was required in a man of that place: then my desire to eschew emulation: and divers other causes: but no excuse might serve the turn. Thus was I enforced to adventure my shoulder under a (b) This the language of dissimulation, with whom a escape passes for currant, under the name of coughing burden unsought for. Nevertheless, I put in two cautions. First (c) This underhand-packing is then most treacherous, when it is covered with the cloak of honesty. You sweat much in labouring to avert the suspicion of close league and intelligence betwixt yourself and the Spaniard: but credulity itself will not credit you. in case consultation were had of returning these Regions to the Spaniard (which I feared for many weighty causes) that then I would be discharged of this Office ipso facto. Secondly (d) Herein I assent to you, though the reasons which you allege, will not abide the trial. For put case none of the feared inconveniences followed upon your absence; yet would not you be won to leave the Country: unless you might hope to fill your pouch with pelf, and bribes, and turn your absence to your private commodity. that I might be sent no where out of the Province without my own free consent; that by this means nothing might scape my knowledge, and I might in person withstand those, who haply would embrace all advantages, which my absence promised, in infringing our customary proceed: the rule whereof was to be sought for at my hands. I undertook this weight in the beginning of March Anno (e) Then the war was not afoot. How then durst you broach a lie before? But this is no uncouth matter with you, who in these few sheets have transgressed th● bounds, which truth prescribed not fewer than a hundred times which every attentive Reader m● observe, and consider the Dutch Proverb which says, Show m● a liar, I'll show you a Thief. 1586. and I found all former customs, and orders inverted. All authority was transferred upon the Earl of Leicester. Grave Maurice, and Count William received instructions for their government of the foresaid Earl. At Zealand they moved questions touching the extent of their borders & portions, to the great annoyance of the Hollander, and West- Frislander. The (f) Persist in your lying, and exaggerate all things: that you ma● lay a sure foundation of your braggarisme, and vainglory, for yo● have the trick of it. Companies of the Grand-provinciall Assemblies, the Masters of Accounts, and Magistrates of the Haighe were so animated against the States of Holland, that both by words and writing they called into doubt, whether the States of Holland, and West-Frisland, had so much authority left them, as might warrant them to enjoin the performance of the tribute and contributions imposed. Many also of the Governors of the free cities were sinisterly affected towards the State, by reason of the detaining of certain goods, and some proceed intended against them. (a) Hitherto you did but spatter now you begin to spew, and a● the poison which ●ay in your infected stomach, that with noisome belches you disgorge upon the innocent Ministers of God's Word whose shoo-latchets you are unworthy to tie. But look to yourself, you must swallow down on● again these stinking gobbets. Many of the Preachers would no longer now acknowledge their fealty to the States: and they demanded of the Earl of Leicester, without the privity of the States, the indiction of a (b) The Readers own observation may tell him, where this Arminian Bernevell his sho● wrings him. That he may molest and let the future Synod ordained for the public good, h● draws the name of a Synod, a● the authors thereof, into envy. S● it is a customary thing for men 〈◊〉 hate the light, which work wickedness: and they who covert disperse and scatter abroad v● truths, come in place where tru● is unmasked against their wil●▪ But the Arminians were now a good while since desperately uncurable: concerning whom, that may be truly spoken, which is stamped in pieces of money, and other coin● used at the Haighe, What need spectacles when a man will not see? Synod Nationall, as they call it. The garrisons had bound themselves by oath to the said Earl. The promiscuous multitude was an enemy most what to the States. And not long after the cities of Graves, and Vendloe and others were possessed by the Spaniard. Nimeghē was violently assaulted: there was great hurly burly, and disorder about contributions, and the procuring of money. For moneys lent we were necessited yearly to pay twelve pound in the hundred for use, & two pound more for brocage. The charges were greater by many degrees than our revenues. The Earl of Leicester established many Edicts, in which he used his own name and seal. The shipping not only of foreigners, but even of neighbour Kingdoms and Provinces, was by public decrees subject to his power: here I staggered in my purposes, and was, not without just cause, doubtful what to do: but the Lord strengthened, and enabled me to attempt the fittest means for the calming of these storms, whereinto these straits had cast us. Many enormities were observed by certain of the most principal men (in which number was the Lord Governor Ʋander Myle, of famous memory, a man at that time best seen in the Country's affairs) as also by some of the Nobles, and some of the free-Cities: and it was found out, that whatsoever was done tended hitherto, that (a) This was that which you longed for, that you might fill your bag, and with open violence oppress the innocent, and skulk in all these mischiefs with impunity. war would suddenly ensue. Some few days after, an innovation began at Vtricke. Many ancient and honest Patriots of eminent place were both thrust out of their Offices and dignities, as also out of the City. The Government was allotted to strangers. Bellencer of Flanders was created Precedent; Agileus of Brabant general Procurator: Praetors, Consuls, Questors were all Brabanders. Master Paul Buys was cast into prison. (b) Let men of discretion, and such as are acquainted in the mystery of the business, pause here awhile. For if these were to demand a reason of your words: you would slip the collar. The Reformation instituted in St. james his temple, which (c) Was not the description thereof worth your pains? But you purposely omit it, that you may more securely pack, and shuffle in your untruth. at first was accepted of by the most principal men, seemed now not sound and sincere enough, & therefore was altered. And yet, this was not sufficient. There was further in the said place an Act made by the Common-Counsellers, wherein they delivered up the Province of Vtricke to be absolutely commanded by the Queen (d) Hear I could wish, that that royal Prince lived: or if not so, yet now haled you, hanging back, with her virgin hands, before Radamanthus' his judgement seat. As sure as what is most sure, if either the one, or other of these two things were granted, you were utterly undone. of England at her pleasure, without prefining any conditions. This mean while the (e) Do you not covertly accuse these noble orders to be faulty? Hear now I appeal from the Readers to the pronouncers of judgement: yet by way of information, not accusation, lest I jeopard his head: and thus much he shall be beholding to me. States of Holland and West-Frisland used their utmost endeavours for the performance of those things, which they granted & promised the Earl. All these things notwithstanding, they exhibited remonstrances, and complaints about the redressing of misdemeanours: but they obtained nothing but promises and fair words. The Earl departing from the Haigh, pitched his camp about Doesburg and Sutphen. The plots of james Reingout, and Stephen Paret, are here (a) And let me tell you, so are yours, lest perhaps you flatter yourself too much. discovered, and it appeared by Reingouts papers, that Vtricke was delivered up by his privity, and persuasion: and that it was therefore convenient, that this old leaven should be purged out there. Decrees are published of an intended Nationall Synod. (b) That is, Advocate Bernevell, their mouth, and ears, an enemy to the ancient reformed religion, who is not worthy to enjoy the light of the Sun, or tread upon the earth. The general States made a scruple to approve these without the consent of the States of the Provinces, every one severally for their own parts, by whom they were deputed Delegates. Which act of theirs offended very many, and made themselves odious. Writings, assaults, and public sermons in Churches were made against them. The (c) What an indignity is this, that these famous Orders should be thus slandered? that they should be ranked in the number of double-harted baselings, which pretend one thing, and intent another. States of Holland temporised here, and thought they might do well to accept those decrees for a time: provided, the states, Nobles, and each free City should retain in the Interim their power, and (d) Buzzing whisperer, tell me whence had they this power and right? Was your head or the three-headed Cerberus the mint of it, or both? I know you allege Brentius here for confirmation of your purpose: But I refer you to that light of our reformed Church, Master Caluin, who in his Book of Instit. Chap. 12. s. 8. and so forward, is of our side, and divinely teacheth, that the Ecclesiastical authority of a Pastor, and the power of the secular Magistrate are 2. things, so disjoined, that they are incompatible in the same person or State: If you reject Caluin, you are an Heretic, and worthy to be burned. right in placing, and displacing the Ministers of the Church. The Earl of Leicester, and Council of the States gave out acts approving this. The States complained of (e) Dare you yet again twitte our Preachers as factious persons? the Ministers of God's word? But you blabber out these things, either to sow sedition in Holland, or to help the growth of it now already sown. But command your tongue silence rather, for all Prea●hers, if indeed and truly Prea●hers, are lovers of Peace. As ●or your Arminians, they are the Diu●ls instruments, and the bellowss to blow the fire of contention. factious Sermons: it was coldly and doubtfully answered, that they were to be constrained to use another manner of preaching. The States (a) So will I, and those of the ancient reformed Religion for your banishment; with this proviso, that you may be carried to the black-Islands, where you may not have the benefit of the light, nor stuff more Papers with lies & slanders. importuned Reingouts banishment. This was determined in the Earls presence: wherefore Reingout at his parting, burst out into these words; I have made shipwreck of my authority and power. Reingout then (who was so religious, that he would not suffer man or maid in his house, that received not the communion) (b) We shall shortly hear the like news of you▪ For whatsoever you say, the Spaniard is a great Man in your Books, and you are already half a Papist, and more mischievous than a professed Papist. revolted to the Spaniard, and died a Papist. The Earl of Leicester, after he was resolved to go for England, dealt privately himself in Holland with (c) Noble Prince, can you hear these things and endure them? Perceive you not the underminings of this subtle Fox? 'tis a calumniation and a slander against your Excellency, let him smart for it. Grave-morris, that he would departed with him. I letted the success of this intendment, which in a frequent and full Assembly was cast in my teeth: and the Earl of Leicester, after the hearing of my allegations, said, he was not now to learn, what these things aimed at. The Earl of Leicester at his departure, left behind him two Acts concerning the proceed of Provincial affairs. After this Earl's death, Stanley and York (for not only ambitious, turbulent, and beggarly fellows, but traitors also have their place in factions) disloyally surrendered Deventer, the hold of Sutphen to the Spaniard, as afterward Gelderland was betrayed by Paton. The Lord's General of the States about the beginning of February by their letters did represent their complaint to the Queen, and the Earl concerning Leicester, of the Acts of both the said Earl and his followers, and retainers. Then did you enlarge the authority of Grave-maurice, and of the Count, making the former (d) Do you not envy his Excellence, this Title? The more judicious sort descry your windings and contrivals: but your worth most excellent Prince secures you. For howbeit most pages of this your adversaries Book level at your person and authority, yet it is to no purpose. Son dared, sans fair coup, il à lancè en vain. Vostre airain enrouè le pouserà soudain. Against your woundless bres● he bolts his dart in vain: Your clattering Brigandine still beats it back again. governor, and the other, general Lieutenant; allowing them 80 companies of soldiers for the safeguard of the said Provinces. And whereas the said Earl purposed himself to return hither unto us in person, he sent before him his Secretary, whose wiles and instructions were discovered, and defeated by my pains and industry. The Earl returns, loses Sluse, the commonalty of Middleborough, makes an uproar in the Abbey. The Earl cherisheth their sedition, and goes on forward to Dorth: some were sent thither to him by the States, to crave other ordinances. In the mean while I was certified, that he had a commission, to propound a treaty to make peace with the Spaniard. That do I then publish to the world: he had notice hereof: he (a) Who can credit this? are you, with whom lying is familiar and ordinary, a tell-truth, and the Earl of Leicester a perjured liar? but by this time your voice hath rung over all Hell. Aeacus openeth the gate to you, you are led to judgement, unless haply Great Britain's King seize on you by the way, and having first caused that hand and tongue to be cut out (which so malapertly disgraces the Earl even after his death, and privily seeks to gall Queen Elizabeth and King james) after, when you are thus dressed turn you over to the other unrelenting judge. swears, forswears, calls God and man to witness, and utterly denieth that he had any such charge. He hies him to the Haigh, and commands certain troops of horsemen to go to Sluse upon Mose, and the port Delfe. The Burgomasters, Wingarden (who was afterward Precedent) and with him Casenbroodt, came to me by night, and advertised me, that the Earl made a search for me, with a purpose to convey me into England. I betook myself to Delfe by night, and there I understood, that it was rumoured in Zealand, that Grave-maurice, myself, and some others of the States, should be certainly sent into England. Consultation was had concerning these matters at Delfe, and it was agreed upon, that Prince Maurice should departed the next day from the Haigh, which was accordingly performed. Master Walk, and Master Loosen came that self same day about noontide to Delfe, to treat with me there about Prince (b) Belike then Grave Maurice was in his nonage, and you were his Guardian and overseer. Maurice his return, but all in vain. The Earl of Leicester, after he understood that Prince Maurice, and Count Hohenlo mustered soldiers, departed to Vtrick, and hoped, after he had dispatched all things there according to his wish, to bring ●nto his subjection the Church, by which name he meant Amsterdam. But his purposes were detected, and prevented by the fidelity of the true hearted Hollander, Consul & Captain Peter Boom. Therefore he went forward to Horn, in hope to seize upon Capell which had confederated itself with Anchusen: but the good Patriots having ●ntelligence of his intent, denied his entrance into the city. While the Earl lingers in North-Holland, two heavy messages were brought to him: first, that his plots thrived not in the good city of Leiden, and that the remnant there had escaped by flight; & presently after, that Colonel Cosmo, Captain Maud, & james Valmaer, Elders of the Church, were punished with death for their attempted treason. A second thing which paid him, was this, because his intercession, that treaty of Peace might not be offered the States, was cried out on in England, and he was commanded the second time to propound the matter either himself, or some English man for him. After he had received these tidings, he said, It was now high time for him to (a) Let his example be your Precedent: This counsel I give you unasked. Charity wishes to give counsel where it is not asked. Hasten your course, but beware you take Dort in your way. You may conveniently exchange Rotterdam for Antwerp; or if you be pleased to visit Vtricke, and your clients there, you ●…y make a short cut to the ●ukes wood, being guarded with the Arminian brethren: and that you may travel with more safety, and not be intercepted by the spies and warders (Leiden and Vtricke threaten no danger, but their borders very much) send before you Bertius, and Vtenbogartie, like two defensive dogs to scour the way, and forewarn such as lie in wait. Afterward fly into Spain, and die a Papist. But hear, which I had well-nigh forgotten, that way is dangerous too, and may tumble you into Purgatory: and send before you even hither too those your two companions, that you may safely pass, while the Porter of the Purgatory busies himself with them. look to his head. Wherefore suddenly, yet not without suspicion, he journeyed first to Vtricke, from thence to Delfe, then to Flushing; and lastly from Flushing he betook himself into England. While the Earl stayed in North-Holland, your Highnesses and Honours assembled at Harleme, that you might be in more readiness for all assays. There than the Magistracy of Vtricke, which consisted of (b) If you were bound to prove this, you would sweat for it. strangers, were instant with many, both by writings, and by divers of their (a) You would be clean spoiled if you should not make Preachers to have a finger still in all mutinies: so that you were borne as it may seem, to check and taunt them. Preachers, as also by word of mouth, that they would persuade your Highnesses, and Honours to enlarge the Earl of Leicester's authority: but their endeavours were stoutly withstood. I cannot express in writing (my good Lords) in (b) This is Lordlike indeed. The God of war himself dare not open his mouth to parallel his strength with yours. how great dangers, menaces, and pain I passed those two years: with what courage and alacrity most grievous distresses were vanquished, and the country defended. As * What reckoning, trow we, do you make of your oath: who are forward to discover secrets. Know you not the old Proverb, A servant must not utter all he knows: but a desire to cover yourself, and the hatred of your adversary makes you forget yourself. concerning the Peace, (which was first propounded by the Earl, and afterward desired of the Queen of England by Ambassadors extraordinary) it appeared, the matter was commenced in an assembly of of the general States amongst those, who were deputed thereto by the Provinces, and also amongst the particular members, and Cities of Holland and West-Frisland: and likewise amongst the * You are always bitter against the Preachers: Le vent nourrit le feu; & en soufflan l'allume. The same wind cherisheth the fire while it is young, and after kindles, and brings it to its strength and height. Preachers, and societies, and brought to that pass, that the Queen of happy memories demand should be satisfied. Wherefore it was necessary to use singular dexterity, labour, and pains to reconcile the dissensions and schisms of the Provinces (among whom the Frislanders were so (c) You are an enemy to Peace; are you not? But if you had endured, what even the chiefest and best in Friesland have, you would be an enemy and hater of war. Non sa quae val'la pace, & non l'estima, Chi provato non a la guerra prima. They know not how peace to prefer, Who never felt th' extremity of war. desirous of peace, that there Commissioners were not only enjoined to assent to, but further to repair to the place appointed for the making up thereof) that this once effected, Ambassadors might be sent into England unto the Queen, who might lay before her sundry difficulties and considerations of import, which withstood this business, which she according to her excellent wisdom should ponder of: and whose determination concerning the same, the said Ambassadors should bring back unto us. By which Embassage the States were excused from treating of the peace, without breach of their duty and honour. * Shall we credit, whatsoever it pleases you to forge: Fie, what a deal of froth have we here? Moreover, what difficulties happened anno 1588. and 1589. about compounding the seditions in Medenblick, Gertruydenbergh. Heusden and other cities, and forts: What Prince a What think you of this, most excellent Prince? You are acquainted with the fellows wiles and deceits: know yet further that covered fire breaks out violently. Maurice writ to the Parliament, and Council of England, to demonstrate, that the abovenamed Colonel Snoy impiously pretended the colour of Religion, in his plots and treacheries: What charges we were at against the Spanish Navy, against the counsels and assaults of the Prince of Parma, against the city of Birghen apsome and the fortresses thereof, together with the territory of Vander-Tholen. How the Province, and City of Vtricke had liberty given to depose illegitimate Governors, and restore legitimate. How the agreements of peace betwixt Spain & England were (b) Never was any man so shamelessly confident in his doings, as is our Barneuelt. intercepted by me: How an expedition was undertaken against the Town of Breda. By what means the government of Gelderland, Vtricke, and Transysulania was conferred upon Prince (c) Excellent Prince do you think any of these Greeks' to be without fraud? Maurice, was furthered and effected by me. What an expedition was made against the Cities of Nymeghen and Graves: what a building of a fort there was without Nymeghen; after what manner the fortress of Terheide, and Steinbergh was taken, by what means all things were prepared, directed, and successfully effected until the expedition of the year 91. when we won Zutphen Deventer, and Delfs-Ile, and other adjacent forts, and lands, when we fortunately won Hulst and Nymeghen in the same year: and how the Prince of Parma, to his great loss, and damage, was enforced to leave the fort beyond Nimeghen it were too tedious to relate. I will only say thus much: (d) How easily would your modesty suffer you to hear that of the Po●t applied to yourself; unus homo nobis cunctando restituit rem. One only man by grave and wise delay, Preserved the country made to th' foe a prey. But your ambition is apparent: and your vaunts prove you to be as vain as Vanity itself. I had a principal hand in all these matters; as also in this that always premised (Gods assistance) your Honours and Highnesses lawful authority was on a sudden in more favour, credit, and respect, than it hath ever been heretofore. Now after all affairs of the States, all matters concerning War, Government, justice, levying of moneys was brought into some tolerable form and order; I showed your Honours and Highnesses Anno 1592. as well face to face, as by writing in my absence, that I had formerly complained more than once o● the weightiness of the Office imposed upon me, & that I desired to be freed from the burden thereof. But our affairs being then perplexed, I fell short of my wish. Then afterward all things being happily finished and dispatched, I renewed my suit to be discharged of the place, without expectation of any further (a) Quis veteres avias tibi de pulmone revellet? Who dares attempt to quite your bragging breast, Of this proud devil, wherewith you are possessed? Your brags are unreasonable: and you then vent them, when you have least cause. recompense but this, to wit an immunity ever after from the undertaking of any other office and charge whatsoever. But my Petition, though earnest and hearty, prevailed not: and I was with my honour requested, and my pay (b) A man may see you have read the Comedian, and observed this out of him; All men are bound their self-good to procure, And thereof in th' first place themselves assure. purposely increased, that I should not give over my Office, and it was declared this was hearty desired of each member, and City of the whole assembly. Thus I was compelled to persever in my charge and Office. From this time, viz: from the year ninety two, until the year 1608. I never left, nor was any way wanting to my Office. From the year (d) Now this base, impudent, and vainglorious fellow, this perjured and adulterous naughty-pack enters afresh into his bragarisme. Mais pourquoy t' en croyra on, puis qu' en un champ tu●n ' ouys iamais la trumpet? But who will believe him, who durst never venture himself within the hearing of the sound of a trumpet? and ever after he continues in his vanity, and tragical lofty style? 88 unto the year 1606. full out, I went thirty six several times to Prince- Maurice in his Camp, either sent for by him, or otherwise deputed, that I might unfold unto him the course and order of our proceed, and procure the establishing of your decrees; which I performed to my commendation and praise, oftentimes (e) Have patience a while and we will enroll you in the number of the Gods: but it must be the infernal ones. beyond the hope and expectation of all men. In this interim too I undertook, and worthily performed four (a) Wonder, reader, and give this mighty man the way. For he was sent Ambassador from hence in the behalf of a potent Commonweal. But why did you accept of those Embassages (as you call them) when in the entrance to your office you provided, that you might be sent no where out of the Province; but I know added some proviso & exception: and I know moreover, that your ambition gapes for great employment, & an impotent, and unrestrained desire of praise makes you adventure yourself blindfolded in pursuit thereof. Princely & royal Embassages, to the great good and benefit of the Country. And when a treaty tending to Peace was laboured in the emperors name, and the Prince of Parma's, in the names of Erueste, and Albert archdukes, and the general States of the adverse and contrary faction; the (b) You are an enemy to Peace, and shall never enjoy peace. But I marvel you durst be so impudent as to profess so much. Especially since the interest paid for your debts (which were occasioned by breach of the Peace) surmounted your imposts, contributions, and exactions. Yourself alone were the original of these inconveniences. But what became of all these moneys? Give up your accounts, for you must be no longer Steward. breaking of this Peace cost me a great deal of pains. Now since the King of France made a league with the King of England, the King of Spain, and the archdukes, the money paid for our debts and other arrereages were so excessive, that they amounted to more than the Subsidy & contributions (though they were greatly raised) could satisfy, by the sum of twenty six millions of florence. Furthermore, the two last years were passed over with much infamy and loss, and yet again greater danger was feared (two expeditions prepared by the enemy being hardly removed out of the way) because at the very instant time foreign aids were both less firm, and more burdensome to the country, than heretofore they were wont to be: and because the interest-money came to that height, that the State of the whole seemed desperate, as our counsellors and Treasurers three years since had forewarned. And now after this advertisement, the burdens imposed exceeded the revenues of the Country, about six or seven millions of Florence's, within the compass of the said three years. (c) Why do you extol this, as though it had been effected by your industry? You are not Iwis, the preserver, but the betrayer of your Country, and scattergood thereof. You have not relieved her, but thrust her into further debt: and the commendation, which you would engross, is either no commendation; or if it be any, it belongs not to you. And truly whereas the Spaniard made a composition on such easy terms, in so desperate a time, that must be ascribed to the hidden counsel of God, who turns all things to their good, whom he hath predestinated thereto. Otherwise, I was myself an eye witness of such abashment, in the subjects of the confederated Provinces, and an ear witness of such desperate counsels, as were never heretofore heard of: and therefore you coined money (wherein there was a mystery) with Peter's floating ship, and this inscription, O ye of little faith, why do you fear? Which you divided amongst the Orders, and heads of the State, as a present for honour's sake, not of duty, according to a received custom among you. Whereof I had a part, and do profess myself to be a well-willer of the good of the Commonweal, not of your faction. But if God had not helped in these extremities, those counsels had been to little purpose, and certain others more to be abhorred (I speak the truth) which proceeded from desperation. Here no man ought to marvel, that is not destitute of reason, why (since it appeared that the King of Spain, and the archdukes yielded for their part unto the Provinces their rights and liberty, and this granted, would end all matters with the Lords of the States, not now as their vassals, and subjects, but Governors of free-dominions, to which they made no claim: and since it was hoped that by this means so long, bloody, and chargeable a war, might sort to an honourable wished and secure end) why, I say, such a meeting was intended. At my first entrance into this meeting (wherein the Common Council, and Ambassadors of France, Great-Britain, Denmark, and of the Electors Palatine, and Brandeburge, and divers Princes Euang: of Germany) I plainly perceived the first attempts of my adversaries against my person and proceed, both in open assemblies, and in libels, which were cast out: which was done by their directions, who were (a) This is but your opinion and conjecture, but others know there is no such matter. offended at this treaty concerning Peace. I declared so much to your Honours and Highnesses: and proffered nevertheless to resign my offices, and live a private life: and therefore of set purpose I absented myself from the Assembly. But (b) This was kindly done of them, howsoever the fear of a greater inconvenience made them choose this: & you laughed in your sleeve, when you perceived that the Fox's skin availed there, where the Lions could not. You are very politic, I wish you to continue so. I understood both by word of mouth, by the commissaries of the Nobles and free-cities, and also by letters, that the Assembly of your Honours and Highnesses did with one accord approve of my offices, and services, and willed me to persist therein, and again resort unto the Assembly, & that they would furthermore esteem so of all inconveniences, which happened unto me, as if they should happen to the general Assembly. I obeyed your Honours, and Highnesses herein, persevered in my office, brought the treaty to a desired and (a) You know what Menelaus says in Homer: — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. It is worth the wishing for, to be without the compass of exception. commendable issue, and with others subscribed thereto. (b) Better & better still, but you hunt after praise with too great earnestness: Was not the once uttering of these things sufficient? But happily doting old age hath deprived you of your memory, so that you observe not, that in a short space you repeat the same thing over and over: But the Reader must hold him excused, he was sometime wise, new he dotes. Nam quaecunque sedens modo legerat, haec eadem stans Profert, atque eadem cantabit versibus ijsdem. What sitting erst he read, that standing he rehearses; And vents the self same things all in the self same verses. — Gaudent— I was employed also in diverse Treaties, with the Ambassadors of the Queen Mother in France, with Ambassadors in England, both as long as the foresaid meeting held, and before: as also to continue the same. Moreover, I was made governor of the forces, which were sent by the King of France, and put in trust to make even the debts betwixt us and the King of England: all the agreements whereof were sealed by me. Afterward I was chief instrument, and procurer of uniting the Provinces, which the King of England helped first of all more than 24 years one after another: afterward with the countenance and authority thereof, and great store of money, and now (by the care and direction of the Kings of the foresaid Kingdom) things were brought to that pass, which I told you a little before, that they could fully discharge the debts, wherein they were engaged, and redeem their cities, and places laid to pledge, and recover their bonds and obligations. (c) Garrula securi narrare pericula nautae. So Mariners when all is safe and well, Their perils overblown do joy to tell. Yet you soothe yourself too much, and make yourself the Atlas, and sustainer of the whole state of Holland: But let me tell you in your ear, for I hope you will understand me; Si suelen algunos hombres subir tan alto, que se pierden à se mismos de vista. Many have mounted so high, that have lost the benefit of their sight. It is the language of a nation, with whom you are now familiar, and well acquainted. And I settled the money-matters of the Provinces in those terms, that the companies of the Admiralties, which before in the year 1609 were burdened with about two Millions, and eight hundredth thousand Florins, were so eased, that whereas in the beginning of my office we paid yearly pensions of 12 in the 100, and 2 for brokeage, now instead thereof, our last borrowed money is at 16, and three in the hundredth for brokeage, to be redeemed at 9 in the hundred, or at use at sixteen. Whereas (a) Some Times have their opportunity, and some Opportunities their time: and there will both time and opportunity be found, to put up complaints against you: do you conceive me? then after so many, so great, so singular and extraordinary offices, and services for so long a time continually performed, the administration of the Common wealth is now complained of: whereas it is pretended, that they know not whence and what I am: whereas I am accounted a foreigner, a stranger, and that other suchlike unseemly reports are noised abroad: these things must needs trouble me, having sustained more than 32 years the office of the disposer of the affairs of the country, in all your Honours and Highness' Assemblies, and being possessed in the said Assemblies of another place and office nine years before. But I answer; I was borne at the city of (b) Is it so? come you from Amersfort? then you know how to brag and swagger, triumph, and joy in it: But how do you prove yourself to be of that noble Family, or to be legitimate? If New-kerke in the Welue will give you a Testimony of your legitimateness, I will easily believe it: they may justly make claim of a place in the meetings of Gelderland, you unjustly. But I spare to speak of these things, and you happily were borne in a place of no note, where you were not known to your nearest friends. Amersfort, where my predecessor in office was also borne. By my father's side, I derive my pedigree from the ancient and noble stock of the Olden-barnevells, the line descending every way lawfully from our ancestors for many years: which Olden-barnevells for some hundred years appeared alway upon warning in the Provincial assemblies, and other meetings, of the Gentry of Welue, as they do yet even at this day. By my mother's side, a matron of worthy memory, I descend lawfully every way too from the worshipful family of (d) I know nothing but good concerning that Family: yet I add thus much, but not in scorn, Such once we were, etc. And I further marvel, why you should so carefully search, and as it were mendicate these things, for you have no reason at all to make mention of the family of Lockehorst (which you do a little after). I know both that Family and you, and therein Merchants also, at Amsterdam in the Warmestraet: but you reply, he is an Anabaptist. So by the same reason Wynbergen of Amersfort shall be no Gentleman, because he goes in black. It is not the Garment, but the Place and Office which debases men. Winbergen is principal of the Perfectists, and you of the Arminians, both your Religions are stark nought. Amersfort, which in progress of time, after the branching out (hereof, was called Wede: and this was also of good account, and ancient ●oo, which now some 300, or 400 years since, (in treaties of peace betwixt the Count of Holland, the Bishop of Vtricke, and others, as also in affairs with the governors of Amstel, and Woerden) was ranked in the order of gentlemen, and was possessed with some thousands of acres of land, goodly Lordships, great store of goods, and jurisdictions. Neither can I be accounted for a stranger in Holland, since that is contrary to the union made, heretofore more than 80 years, in the reign of the emperor Charles, of happy memory, betwixt the Hollander, and the men of Vpricke, the Lords of the States of Holland being earnest suitors therefore. Since which time both the Hollanders in Vtricke, and those of Vtricke in Holland, have been admitted promiscuously into all offices of both places, and are so yet. My accuser will take order to have my life and acts written: but I (a) Your pains will be fruitless; for there will be nothing in the discourse worth the hearing: but this your accuser whosoever he is, if he do undertake the setting forth of your Acts, and life, I hope he will paint you in your proper colours, and this fear already torments you. will save him the labour, and do it myself briefly and shortly. When I (b) Who were your Schoolmasters? for it is of great import under what teachers, and discipline, youth is brought up. had made some progress, how mean soever in my studies, I went in the year 1564 to the (c) Accursed was the Haighe to have Bernevell for an inhabitant. Certainly you deserve to be used as the Boar is, which is yearly sent from Vtricke to the Haighe, neither shall the reformed Church ever be at peace, till this be done. You know whether I will bring you. Haigh; and there, that & the year following I practised. The years 66 and 67, I followed my study at Lovane and Rohines in France. Many other students, and myself were constrained to leave France about the later time of the year 1567., by reason of civil war then arising: from thence therefore travailing through Burgundy, the Archdukedome, and County of Bisantium and Mompeillart, I came through Switzerland to Busille, and from- thence along the river Rhine to Colen. Being provided at Colen with a fresh supply for my journey, I went to (a) This was one of the chief reasons why I writ this Apology (most learned Pareves and kind brother) unto you. He avers he sucked in this poison at Heydelberge, that he was made an Arminian at Heydelberge, before Arminius his name was heard of: That he may disgrace your University, traduce your Doctors of Divinity, & fraudulently scandalise the ancient reformed Religion. Though the impostor fawn, yet he bites, privily fastening in his poisoned teeth: but he shall not carry it away scotfree. Wherefore I leave him to you (famous Pareus) and your judicious and learned pen: canvas him according to his merits: so may you thrive, as you persist to whip him again and again, and cease not from the dawning of the day, until the shutting up thereof. Heidelbergs; where I followed the study of the law: and divinity disputations being then frequently held concerning Predestination, I for my part embraced this doctrine, as sound, and (b) Christian; That a good Christian ought to believe, that he is predestinated unto salvation by the grace of God, and for the satisfaction which his Saviour and Redeemer made for his sins: and that by the same grace of God he hath received this faith, whereby he firmly believes, (c) How sound and Christianlike your Religion is, every Cobbler knows, and further that monstrous and wicked impieties were hatched there, or in confederated Belgia by this your Religion. that his salvation is only founded in the grace of God, and merits of our Saviour jesus Christ: and that though he slip into grievous sins, nevertheless he ought constantly to hope and believe, that God will not suffer him to continue therein, but that he shall in mercy be converted, and brought to repentance, that entreats for mercy; and lastly, that he shall persevere in the faith unto his lives end. With which opinion that very year I acquainted the two divinity professors, Bocquin, and Zanchius, and Olevian also their principal preacher, who said, that I might rest therein without any further inquiry. I have continued in this mind through God's grace now 50 years: and being wellnigh 71 years old at this present, I hope I shall from henceforth live and die therein. Concerning a further search of my religion, this was my verdict and profession, (which my great-grandfather Nicholas (a) While you strive to approve your Religion, you stick not to make your great-Grandfather irreligious: But a word or two in your ear. You are an Atheist, you neither believe in God nor care for him. And so much your verdict and saying in the point of Faith, unfallibly proves. Olden-bernevell (whose wife Adelheidis of Lockehorst, my great-grandmother descended legitimately and directly from the ancient house of Lockehorst, which is situate nigh Amersford) left behind him) It is the surest faith to know nothing. I travailed through Germany and Italy in the years 68, and 69: and having finished my course of study, at my parents charges I came unto the (b) Let the Haigh dress this beast as he deserves: or if she be pleased first to fat him with the mast of her Wood, let her do it quickly, lest he slip away out of her, for the Town hath no ward nor gates to prevent his flight. Haigh, to dwell there, and was Advocate of the Court. (c) See how the Fox holds with the Hare, and runs with the Hounds. I was one of the three Advocates, who in the year 1572 first acknowledged his Excellency of famous memory to be the lawful governor of Holland: and the same year I determined with myself to spend (d) H●se velut stricto quoties Lucilius arden's Infremuit, tubet, auditor cui frigida mens est Crimimbus, tanta sudant praecordia culpa. When vexed Poets take their pens in hand, Meaning therewith the faulty times to brand, Gild dies the fearful blushing Readers face: Their troubled thoughts constrain them sweat apace. But you are so earnest in diverting all suspicion from you, that we cannot easily believe you. all my thoughts, and utmost power and ability herein, viz. that there might be an irreconcilable alienation betwixt me & the Spaniard, and his adherents: which I also effected, both in causes (e) What have you to do with Church-matters? do you therefore prefer civil authority before the Churches, because you would be Pope? I know both this and you, and that you are an eaves-dropper. Ecclesiastical & Civil, and all others whatsoever. In the beginning of the year 1573, fearing lest the Spaniard would (f) I wish he had, for this might have prevented many ensuing evils. surprise me at the Haigh, I removed to Delfe. That year I was employed in honest employments: your Honours and Highnesses used me as Advocate of the Court of Holland, as did also most of the Lords and Nobles, and not a few of the free-Cities, Colleges, and officials. The same year I went to war at my own charges, amongst the number of the voluntary soldiers, to raise the siege at (a) How great punishment had you escaped (to which you are now reserved) if you had either been shot, or hanged at Harlem-siege, or kept the Gates at Leyden with Peter Pau, or been otherwise humbled there, upon the blue stone in the great Broad-streete; or been drowned at Soetnier in the River adjoining thereto? Harlem, from whence (b) un beau mourir c'est mourir dans ses Arms. Yet the Proverb says, It is a fair death to die in Arms. I freed myself very fairly. In the year 74. I was personally in many expeditions, to break up the siege at Leiden: but while we lay before Soetnier I fell sick, and was hindered from raising the siege. In the year 75. I married a (a) Of what house was she, noble, or ignoble? descended of a Merchant, or a Country man? I marvel why you conceal this, who were so far overseen by reason of vainglory, that you pulled, by the head and shoulders, the Family of Lockhorst into your lineage, and confounded it therewith: you should have gratified your sons thus far, that hereafter in public writings and testimonies they might have showed their nobility, and have endeavoured to thrust themselves among the assemblies of Gelderland. This would not have stood both with yours, and their honours. But she is some base woman, and of the meaner sort: and (that he may not gull the Reader) shall I say any more? she is a Papist, yea and perhaps worse. Every man thinks his own Crow white, especially if it tend to profit. wife: whom I loved for her person, but the more for that she brought with her in present for her dowry, and the assured hope of increasing and mending thereof. In the year 76. I was wooed to accept a Counsellors and Pensioners place in the city of (b) If you had been tied to Erasmus his statue, and both it and you fling headlong from the bridge, none now at Rotterdam had been infected with Arminius his frenzy, and opposed their lawful Magistrates. Rotterdam. I had good reasons which induced me to undertake that office; and therein for the space of 9 years I performed (c) I will relate them for you hereafter: and now take this for one with you; viz. you accepted this place for fear otherwise to have gone many times supperless to bed. extraordinary services both to the said City, and the whole country in general: in respect whereof the Consuls, and Governors of Rotterdam did not only honourably thank me, but conferred the office of Aduocate-Generall in Holland upon me in the year 1586, my (f) I remember the Man, you mean him with the golden Armour. brother being elected into my place, (that this might testify their gracious acceptance of my service) who continued also in their service to his dying day. What I personally performed in this office bestowed by your Honours, what (d) To your bed, and your belly. (e) Le paon love aussi tot fait la rue, Et le recache alors, alors qu'on ne le love. The Peacock when he's viewed disshevels his fair train: When Men draw back their eyes, he knits it up again. others under me, I have (a) Yes, we knew long ago. briefly heretofore rehearsed. I can (b) Look, the man swears: questionless he desires to be a good man, without doubt to be counted so: But he is stark nought, yea guilty of perjury, for swearing thus: for he cares not a straw, either for this or that side so himself may be sure to be provided for. truly avouch thus much for myself, that I from the year 72, to this present, have always been as (c) Impudent, thou art as changeable as the weather, and darest thou speak thus? unchangeably forward to defend the country's right, both with my goods, blood, (d) None will take your word, Parasite, and you have no proof: where are the Wounds, where are the Scars, where are the damages received in the common wealth's behalf? While you brag that you served as a voluntary soldier, you ran away from Harlem in the expedition to Leyden, you counterfeited yourself to be sick, you never were in any battle: nay when you were a young man, you never durst look a Soldier in the face; what will you do when you are old? Le ferite, & la perditata dei membri sono le collare & le medaglie Dei famigliari Morti: Wounds and lost limbs, are the golden chains, and brooches of Mars his followers. You have womanish and dainty limbs, fit for sporting and the Chamber, than the Camp: And certainly if you had but a sparkle of a soldiers courage in you, you would not so carefully have reckoned up your safe journeys to Grave-maurice his Campe. and life even to the utmost, against the usurped claim of the Spaniard, & his confederates, as (e) These are the leasings of a Coward, for there are multitudes, which out strip you herein. Even I for my part dare challenge you, and have both gone through greater matters, and am more ready to part with my life for the good of the Country, than you or any of your sect. I forbear to say more at this time, lest if I draw the curtain quite open, all should be discovered. any one whatsoever, (I except none) & will continue so for the time to come by God's (f) Which lies in your boots, after the kitchenwench hath greased them. grace. In like (g) You are nothing but words. manner that I have even to the utmost maintained with all alacrity, sincerity, and resolution, the privileges, liberties, rights, and jurisdictions of the Provinces, of the particular members & cities of Holland and West-Frisland; and do presume, that I shall (h) You are too troublesome with your repetitions: You were ill taught in your minority at Louvain: my opinion is, that either the Monks learned you to chant it in their quire, or old beldames to use the Distaff. persist in this purpose by God's leave to the end, without alteration or change. I have always as much, if not more than any remembered & extolled the deserts of my Lo. & Master, the Prince of Orange, in procuring the liberty, & rights of the Provinces, and the maintenance of the true evangelical religion. I doubt not, but these honourable personages following will give me testimony (a) But why do you not bring in these testimonies? especially the testimonies of Grave-maurice, and Prince Henry, and the rest of those which survive? Do you take yourself to be a man of so great credit, that your word will serve the turn? I warrant you none believes you: not those Princes whom you reckon up: yea you seek to blear their eyes & put tricks upon them: but your plots speed not, God is on their side. thereof. The Lady and Dutchesse-dowager his Excellencies, of happy remembrance, his widow, my good Lords. The now Prince of Orange, and Prince Henry his sons: the Countess ab Hohenlo, (b) I, Yes, she owes the Papists a good turn, especially since the tokens of Prince William his death are yet to be seen in the Monastery where she lives. But if I be not much deceived in her, she is a professor of the ancient reformed Religion, and an enemy to you, and your followers. the Duchess of Portugal, the Electoresse, and Countess (c) What affection those duchesses of Germany bear you and your Arminians, I know better than yourself. Yea, I know that you most freely cite them for witnesses, who are further off: as though here were not some present, who respected the welfare of low-Germany, and knew not your fetches and treacheries long ago. You deal cunningly (Arminian) you do: and that you may supplant the true Gospelers, you pretend yourself to be a gospeler, and one of the reformed ancient religion. In the mean time, what our duchesses think of your report, what a reward your presumptuous impudency deserves, if no body make you shortly feel indeed, I will tell you by writing, unless you repent betimes. Palatine, widow. The Duchess of Bovillon, Toars. The Countess of Hunno: and Countess Palatine Bipout: daughters to the Prince's wife, and all their commissaries jointly. And I have yet in my custody many letters of thankfulness, and writings of remembrances. How (e) The vaunting of a benefit is an upbraiding thereof: but still to harp upon this string (as you shamefully do) is a monstrous reproach. Then those visitations, if necessary, were they not enjoined you either by your place and office, or by the command of the honourable, and mighty Lords of the States? Why do you prate then, if you being a servant executed your master's behests? Why do you brag of your mercenary labour? But what say you to this (most famous and gentle Prince of Orange?) I see he levels at you with his weapon's point, and menaces close wounds, yet most noxious and pernicious to the author thereof. And here those your divine words wonderfully affect & please me, as also all the approvers of the ancient Reformation, which I must needs express in a more lofty language. — Ben che trafitto Io piango il feritor, non le ferite Che l'error suo piu ch' el mio mal mi pesa. That such a hand could wound, it grieves me more, Then th' anguish, which I suffer by my sore. Yet, howsoever the speech challengeth commendation, take heed, lest you too confidently continue your enemy's assaults: especially, since no treason is so close and dangerous, as that which is cloaked with the name of duty and friendship. much I have laboured in furthering the government, and performance of of your renowned Princes Mandates: how I have been with him in his Camp thirty (d) If you had, we should have seen them long before this time. six several times, sometimes a whole month together, sometimes less. How many thousand times I have gone up, and came down his chamber stairs, that knowledge of your mutual affairs, and unity of your minds and consents might be continued betwixt you, his honourable Excellency best knows. His Excellency's honour and authority were always dear unto me, and my endeavours were wholly bend to accomplish his desires, so far forth as was lawful for me. And I verily persuade myself, that his Excellency had and exercised more ample authority in Holland, and West-Frisland, then in any other part of his Provinces and government. I assisted his Excellency in all his wishes, neither was I ever wanting to my power to himself, or those whom it pleased him to commend unto me, as far as my honour and oath would warrant me. Thus (a) If they had known your conditions, they would not have bought your affinity. For you are one of them the Poet speaks of, Faciem cum aspicias eorum, haud mali videntur, opera & fide fallunt. Their faces promise truth and honesty. Their deeds are full of guile and treachery. his Excellency always thought: thus he spoke of me; and gave evidence thereof many ways, both in respect of myself and my children, providing for both my sons, out of those estates which were in his gift and disposing. Which I desired his Excellency to do, to the intent that they might be tied unto him in more straight bonds, and obliged to his faithful service. I married all my children into those (a) If they had known your conditions, they would not have bought your affinity. For you are one of them the Poet speaks of, Faciem cum aspicias eorum, haud mali videntur, opera & fide fallunt. Their faces promise truth and honesty. Their deeds are full of guile and treachery. families, who were always reputed the greatest well-willers of the Country; and both those, Princes: I mean, the Father and the Son. My eldest son to the only daughter, and heir of the Lord of Brantwicke, whose (b) Heree again you bring in a Catalogue of yours, and your children's Progenitors. But what doth this concern you? Was your Wife of the degree of a Gentlewoman? Was your Grandmother so too? your son is not admitted into any of the Assemblies of the Welue. No, not though his wife be an heir. Grandfather, a Prince of famous memory respected, and used as the best deserving Gentleman in Zealand. My younger son to the (c) Your inquiry finds out heirs for your sons, for no other reason, but because they are rich, this was known long ago. One thing I marvel at: Why, since you requested Philip Marnixius his daughter in marriage for your son, you did not rather praise him for piety, and diligence in making books against the Papists and Monks, amongst which his Beehive, and translation of the Psalms into Verse are most excellent: but you only mind high matters; and whatsoever concerns religion, that you slightly pass over. You neither believe in God, nor fear him. only daughter and heir of the Lord of Saint Aldegonde, whose father and grandfather were great and notable Statesmen, and wished all good to his Excellency. My (d) If you were your son in law his own father, you might justly triumph, and lawfully defend your cause. Now seeing you are more fearful than a Hart, you trouble yourself with the publishing of other men's actions to no purpose. eldest daughter, to a noble man's son, viz. Lancelot of (e) Did not the true race of the house of Brederode fail, and surcease, when the residue of that noble family (within the compass of a few late years) viz. four male children, perished altogether? Brederode, while he lived Lord of Veenhuyse, who took part with the Lords, and Nobles, when the first union was made amongst them for the liberty of that Country, and also against the Spanish Inquisition; who was besieged at Harlem, and there had his head cut off: my younger daughter to the Lord Governor Ʋander Myle his son. Who always showed and approved himself to be a faithful, and good friend to the Country, to the (f) Yea, of the ancient reformed religion: with which yours being compared is heretical, and false; and yourself the son of perdition. true religion, and to both the Princes. I persisted constantly in a (g) Here is a lie with a witness. Our ancient religion is conformable with God's word: yours contrary thereto, and devilish: and your opinion concerning predestination was suggested by hellish Furies. The grief, whereof he makes a show, is counterfeited, and if one doit might purchase a rope to hang all the professors of the ancient reformed religion, etc. Whatsoever his writing speaks, I wish the reader to advise of. For my part I will not set a mark upon every particular lie in this place. Hereafter I shall have fit occasion to do it. religion agreeable to God's holy word, and sincere doctrine, and in my fore-uttered opinion concerning predestination. I was hearty sorry for the dissensions growing betwixt the Remonstrancers, and Contra-remonstrancers. I always used my utmost endeavours, that they might not break forth, and be published abroad: and obtained first, that Arminius his cause might be examined in private, sundry Ecclesiastical persons having the oversight and hearing thereof. And for this purpose the matter was reasoned in the Lord of Noortwicke of famous memory, his house, as the more ancient overseer of the University of Leiden. Afterward it was commenced in a great convocation betwixt Gomar and Arminius, Ministers of divers Churches of both parties being umpires. I neither simply accepted, nor rejected either party's opinion, since I (a) Yet let me tell you, that he neither thought so, neither was it possible he should. And how can truth, and apparent falsehood be joined, or agree together? The one is inconstant, and variable, the other firm and stable. La Verité d'un Cube droit se form, Cube contrair au leger mowement, Son plan carré iamais ne sedement, Et en tous sens a tousiours meme form. The truth resembles, right, the right Cubes figure; The Cube contrary to light instability, Whose quadrant flatness never doth disfigure, Whose solid form admits no mutability. understood by a second writing, and learned instruction of the King of England, that both of them might be tolerated, without prejudice to the truth in Christian union & charity. And I will beware (b) For all your wariness we will convince you to be the ringleader, and original of them all. of judging the authors of these Tragedies, and hurly-burlies. But I (c) What an age is this, what fashions are therein! you perceive, reader, (for I cannot choose but interrupt you) that the Megarians counterfeit tears deserve more credit than his. Heaven stands still, and the earth shakes in admiration of this impudence: He makes the Synod, the Divines and Ministers of your Excellencies, the raisers of the troubles in Holland, that he may banish them from thence. O monstrous impiety! suppose the greatest evil proceeded from a certain decree of a Synod, which enjoined the divinity Professors of Leiden and all the Preachers thereof, that in the fear of God they should attend to those things, which were contained in the Confession of Holland, and a Catechism of Heidelberge: and if they doubted of any thing, that they take note of it & send it to their Classes. Which Decree was caused by all those former Church-differences and controversies, which took their original from Gasper Coolchaes, H. Harbarts, Taco Sybrandts, Cornelius Wiggers, and many more about the understanding, meaning, and different interpretation of certain points contained in the two forenamed writings, and chiefly about the point of God's Predestination. And that therefore your Honours, and Highnesses, in the year 1597. understood that the Confession was to be revised and corrected by a synodal Congregation. For after your Commissioners had certified you concerning the forementioned Decree of the Synod, you judged that it was not convenient that the doubts of the Professors, and Preachers, should be delivered to their several Classes, fearing least by this means an unquenchable fire of dissension might be kindled amongst the Divines. Wherefore you determined that those doubts should be kept in private, either by yourselves, or your Deputies, until a Synod should be assembled, and that then they should be discreetly laid open, and unfolded for the use and benefit of the Church, and Country. To (a) Let the Reader, whosoever he is, tread warily, and circumspectly here. Estamoes à tiempo, que merecer la cosa, es principal part para no alancarla. We live in such times, as to deserve a good turn is the next way to lose it. overthrow this synodal Decree, and your determination, certain Acts were exhibited by some of the Almarick Classis, which were read over in a Classical meeting (in which some Preachers, not of the meaner sort, of that order then appeared) and it was known that all Preachers ought to have subscribed thereto. Five Preachers showed themselves very backward in subscribing, as though the matter had been strange and new. They were threatened with the Church's censure, than they complained unto you: you appointed that such like proceed and censures should be differred for a time; as contrary to the foresaid Decree of a Synod, and your determination. They which were of the Classis maintained they were not bound to obey your Decrees. You persevered in your determination. They which were of the Synod of North-Holland joined themselves to the Classis and made a great complaint of the prohibition beforementioned. By these and such like manners of proceeding by the sect of the Remonstrancers, the Preachers were (a) Dissimulation suits well here, lest haply you should discover your affection to your brethren, whom you stirred up to sedition. moved (fearing lest this might be their chance) to exhibit their Remonstrance. I (b) Which you suppressed lest the states should be offended, and oppress your fellows in their birth and rising, which then might have easily been done. But you deal like an old beaten Fox. suppressed that a long time, hoping an agreement might be obtained by the convocation of a lawful Provincial (c) Your cause, and the cause of your followers was so desperate, that you hated a Synodal meeting, as much as the Devil doth the Papists Cross. Synod. To which end the means of a convocation began to be used, but there was variance and jarring herein: when as therefore this hope (d) Le vous croyrai, quan ie le verrai. I will believe you when I see it. deceived me, I presented the Remonstrance spoken of. After the reading whereof, none seemed to make any question concerning the Articles of the remonstrancers opinion: and some (e) Do you not (most respected) perceive what this crafty Fox intends? The nets are spread, and snares laid, look to him, most excellent Prince of Orange, and you great Advocate and Ambassador, Lord Arsem, and my other good Lords, and famous defenders of the ancient reformed faith. Will you let things ●asse with silence, and suffer a public calumny to be fastened on you, who stand in defence of God's honour, and true Religion, and the good of the commonwealth? Remember, I beseech you, that the stone is to be fitted to the square, not the square to the stone; and this must be done while the mortar is new, before it wax hard, lest the ruin of a fair building ensue. plainly and expressly (which now maintain the opinion of the Contra-remonstrancers with tooth and nail) said, that such a doctrine, as the Contra-remonstrancers was then averred to be, was (f) You are the same man still. But we know what you aim at. Namely, that you may open a gap to the Arminians for the committing of all impieties, lusts, rapes, etc. & hinder the progress & peace of the Contra-remonstrancers who are the founders and furtherers of the true Reformation. never before this time heard off. We (g) Observe the cunning & wiles of Antichrist (for why should I not call this Pope and Priest of the Antichristian Arminians so?) how stily he steals in, that he may murder, wreck, and destroy. We rejoiced says he, because he himself was joyful, and could not hold for laughter. seemed to rejoice, that there was no greater difficulty and trouble in the matter. The Remonstrancers desired a Copy, that their chief men might upon consideration confer thereof: and a conclusion of all things might be made in a few days. After (a) This was effected by this machivel's legerdemain and cunning: and whilst others less intended the business, he most desirous to establish his opinion, obtained what he wished, and restrained in our men, the liberty of conscience, which he would not have burdened. O father of mischief! these things it was determined, that none should be troubled in conscience about the foresaid opinion, but that it be free (b) Most dissolute libertine, & corrupt Atheist! How could this be possible in a matter of greatest import, in a matter of faith, and a point necessary unto salvation? But yet too few know that you are most expert in pro and contra, that you may overthrow both parts, and yourself gain by the mutiny. for every one both to think and teach further in the matter. (c) Forbear for shame to thrust now this third time on us the repetition of falsehoods, and untruths. Wherein nothing else was done, but that which the Ecclesiastical persons themselves from the beginning of the Reformation both approved and agreed too, as well in the University of Leiden before the Professors of Divinity there, as also before many Preachers of Cities and towns, who were left in their places & office, though it was evident, they were of the same opinion, and did teach the same. The Queen's Majesty also of Great Britain in two several Letters liked & counseled the said toleration: so that your Honours and Highness' forenamed determination might by no means give any just cause of the lamentable schism of the present times: which tended to nothing else, but that the gospelers (who were the greater part of the country) might be divided among themselves, and so weakened. As (d) Here are Coleworts twice sodden: yet they agree well with this old dotard's stomach & palate. concerning your authority in and over causes and persons Ecclesiastical, I protest, (as a thing necessary both for the services, and safety of your state, as also for the preservation of religion itself, and matters akin thereto) I protest I say, that I have always defended it as the singular and most necessary prerogative, and superiority of the country: whose profit and government to procure, I am bound both by (e) Pol qua opera iurato credam tibi, una opera adligem fugitivum canem agninis lactibus. Trust you? yes so I will, a straggling Dog, Haltred with tender Lambsguttes to a clog. oath and duty. Which (a) The Prince knows what Basill says; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The respect due unto Churchmen proceeds from God, and is to be referred to him. opinion from the beginning of the war, the Prince of Orange & the States always avouched, and defended for good against the Ecclesiastical persons, who defended the contrary. I always laboured to preserve the authority of the (b) L'euento è spesso giudice non imperito delle cose. Things are many times well judged of, by the event. company of Civil judges, as it did become me, and according to the instruction of the said Prince & States, & conformed the Churchmen to the rule of your determination, as it was both fitting & most necessary for them to do, for the peace & good of the Country and free-Cities. The (c) I would I might once see that performed indeed, which you profess in words. only end of all things which were done by me either in your meetings, or with the deputed Magistrates & Generall-States, was the countries, and your honour, service, and good, and the enlarging of the laudable estimation of the same: wherein I always used discretion & moderation: so that I desire, and from the bottom of my heart unfeignedly wish, that my successor may for so many, or more years do you as much good, & (if it be possible) greater services, & with your better approbation, and liking than I have done. And I refer myself in as much as concerns my forementioned actions & proceed both in your meetings, and in the meetings of your deputies and the general States, to your own (d) The time will come, when you will wish you had eaten that word. inquiry and judgement, and the judgement of your Commissaries, both those who in general, and those who in particular have had to do in your companies and meetings for these 32. years last passed: seven or eight whereof do yet survive in the alone city of (e) Take heed how you call honest men to witness in your cracked cause: they are of the true & reformed Religion, you never were so. Amsterdam, and either are, or have been Burgomasters of the same city, who have been acquainted with my actions and proceeding these 25. years. If being slandered against reason, and set upon with apparent lies (which by reason of a consciousness of my daily and faithful services I could not digest) I therefore sometimes reproved this impudence and slander a little too bitterly; I entreat, that human (a) Behold & laugh to see the old dotard become suppliant & brought on his knees: so a childdreads the sire. But what if he being a shameless and lying fellow be too sharp in his reprehensions, and therein exceed the limits of truth and modesty? May we not then apply that in sacred writ unto him; Let him that is unjust be unjust still, and he that is filthy be filthy still? This is my opinion. For he is now grown old in his sins and impieties. infirmity and my old age may herein excuse me. Now if any thing, though (b) What have we here? Is your bleating so soon changed into bellowing? Beware of him Reader, he purposes slaughter under a Lambs-skinne: yet seeing he provokes us, let us make a public inquiry. Bernevell, why do you make no conscience so often to lie? Why do you so maliciously oppose the reformed Religion? Why are you an enemy to the Ministers of your Country? why do you extenuate their authority? Why are you a hater & hinderer of a future Synod? Why are you a traitor to your country? A private friend to the Spaniard? A hunter after glory & wealth? A foe to the house of Nassave & Orange? A spendthrift of the common Treasure? A persecutor of all good men, and favourer of evil? Will you answer me? Do; but publicly: otherwise you shall be held as guilty of all these crimes. never so small in businesses either public or private managed by me, seem liable to the reproof of any, let that man openly speak it, whosoever he is, I crave no favour. I presume I shall convince him, and in reasonable terms show him his error. It is true, that (according to a custom received in transactions of leagues and peace) I received gifts, more than the Lords condeputed with me, though they were of great estimation: and of this, public notice was taken. But that either (c) He that hath not learned to lie notably, fails in confirming his own cause. Swear, forswear: do any thing sooner than bewray your secrets. before, or after the Treaty, either directly or indirectly, either by myself or any proxy, I either did take, or purposed to take any thing whatsoever more of the Spaniard or his complices, or had the least dealing, communication, or treaty by myself, or by another with the Spaniard, or his confederates, without public knowledge: that I solemnly avow to be devised, feigned, and most contrary to the truth. Furthermore, it is known unto you, that I myself motioned, and thought fit, that the gratuities before spoken of, which were bestowed on me, should be kept for the public good & benefit: and some others there were, who approved not hereof. For the space (a) How oft have you sung this song? your repetition of the same things argues your memory lies in your heels. of 32. years (in which as Advocate of the Country I bestowed my pains in your service) I was thus much honoured, that I was often entreated by the (b) What do you mean man? here is another gross absurdity, you leave out your great friend, the King of Spain, whose right challenges the first place in your Catalogue: But you will say, it is conditioned bewtixt us, that I should not name him but upon the rack. Excuse me, I was not privy to your crafty dealing. King of France, by Eliz. Queen of England, both of famous and immortal memory: That I was often entreated by the King of great Britain, & the K. of Sueland, the Elector Palatine of Bradenburg, (c) It is suspected you had too great dealings with him, and afterward through his means with the Spaniard. the Elector of Colen, in divers occurrences and businesses concerning them, to do unto them acceptable Offices, and services. This I did being so desired, either by their Letters, or Ambassadors, or Commissaries, in such matters as might be done with the benefit of the Country, or at least without the loss and hindrance thereof. Namely and for example, I laboured in the Elector of Colens behalf, that agreement might be made betwixt him and the Archdutchesse of Arschot, the Countess of Neeuwevaer, the Count and Countess of Solmes: even to the finishing & compounding of matters controverted among them; & finally with the Count of Benthem for restitution of special Offices of the Archbishopric of Colen. For which services he both thanked me by Letters, & presented me with gifts: In like manner I helped other Princes, Counts, and foreign Cities earnestly requesting me thereto, by my good counsel. And thus much also was performed by me to Domestic Provinces, Commanders, Counts, Lords, and moreover to great societies, and also to many private, and particular persons, who willingly & of their own accord acknowledged these my services, although I never asked or demanded any of them any thing, directly or indirectly by myself, or by another. The (d) Now he swells: Reader give him the hearing. Now a stiff gale fills his sails: lend him your best observance. Here are great, main matters of greatest consequence and import. Brag is a good Dog still. chief matters which I did perform for the united Provinces are these: (e) He haps again upon the same string, you see he dotes: but he is old, we must pardon him, for he was a great bragger from his infancy, shortly he will leave it. First, five times I performed a Regal Embassage, and in four Embassages, the managing and (a) How the commonwealth was adminished by his words, guidance, government, and success; behold now he meditates. direction of all things was committed unto me, and I myself spoke to Kings, face to face. The first was in the year 85, wherein we first obtained of the Queen of England, the aid of four thousand armed men, to raise the siege from Antwerp: & afterward a promise of 5000. footmen, and a thousand horsemen (the Garrison at Brill, and the Forts of Flushing and Rammekens not reckoned herein, because they were places, and cities delivered up to her Majesty, as pledges, & for security's sake) to be maintained in the time of war. The second Embassage was in the year 1598., to the King of France: a promise was made by his Ma: of paying two millions, & nine hundredth thousand Florins to the States, within the space of 4. years: & furthermore, a security concerning his majesties full and sincere purpose to preserve the good of these Dominions. In my third Embassage, performed the year premised, unto the Queen of England, I (b) Paice vol figlio di padre crudele. We have a sweet son of so cruella Father. effected, that (howsoever the King of France had covenanted a league of peace with the K. of Spain, & the Archduke at Veruyns) nevertheless his Majesty was moved to defer and suspend the like Treaty. In my fourth Embassage into England, a remission of the third part of the exacted debts, esteemed one and twenty hundred thousand Florins was obtained of the Queen's Majesty. So that it was agreed (much labour and difficulty preceding) concerning the payment of fourscore thousand pounds Flemish, and the term of payment appointed for the half part (viz.) forty hundred thousand pound, was about twenty year, when in the compact made in the year 1585., we covenanted to pay the whole debt within the space of four years: and the term, when we should pay the other half, was delayed and put off till another time. In my Embassage to the King of England at this day, I obtained, that the King gave us liberty to muster two or three thousand soldiers in Scotland for the benefit of the Provinces, and also consented that the King of France, for that year should lend unto the Lords of the states-general a thousand, three hundred, and fifty pound: two thirds in his own name, and one in the King of Great Britain's name, to strike off some of the debt, wherein the King of France was engaged to the King of Great-Brittaine: upon sight of which agreement, the King of France, in the year 1603, for the King of Great-brittaines' third, gave the sum of three Millions of pounds, five hundred, and fifty thousand, and so much for himself: so that the total sum, was ten millions of pounds, 350000. By reason of these five Regal Embassages, and tractates, it happened, that the forenamed Kings afforded to the States more than two hundred, & five hundred thousand pounds, from the payment whereof the confederated Provinces (I having a principal hand therein) were discharged, and their Obligations surrended, as also their Cities and strong holds laid to pledge. Another thing yet is this, that I for the most part, was a special overseer in our resolutions, expeditions and warlike attempts, as well secret, as all others whatsoever, from the year 1558, until this time: and to further these things, as also to provide all our purposes might be effected, approved, and put in execution, (a) Dare you only here brag of yourself, and your doings? where were the orders? where the states? where Grave Maurice? I thirty (b) How oft will you hit a most Martial Prince in the teeth with this? Do you think he could not have managed the affairs without your help? Yea it is to be wished that sometimes you had been absent when you were not. several times, either accompanied his Excellence, or met him in his Camp, and there I continued sometimes a month, sometimes more, or (c) That was when you were afraid, for it is most certain, Sempree longiunto ne un medesimo soggetto l'insolentia con la timidita. less according to different necessity of businesses then in hand. A third thing is, that I was a chief instrument and hindrance (with policy, with pains, and weight of Reason) now more than thirty years (d) Would you persuade this also unto me? but be it, that you were such an one then: Quantum mutatus ab illo: You are now strangely altered. that the propositions, concerning peacemaking with the Spaniard and his confederates, might not take effect, so long as they persevered to insist in their pretended courses Especially because they avouched that the inhabitants of these Provinces were their subjects. But after they renounced this claim, and pronounced that they accounted the Provinces free, to which neither in their own behalfs, nor in the behalf of their heirs, they made no challenge, and were content to determine of matters with the States upon these terms: and a meeting begun upon these terms might seem to promise a divine, honourable, and secure dispatch of all things (by the intercession of the Ambassadors of the Kings of France, Great Britain, Denmark, and divers of the Electors and Princes of Germany, special friends and confederates to these Dominions,) with singular difficulty, labour, danger, and constancy I bestirred myself to obtain the forespoken end of matters, until the time all things were quite finished: whereupon that (a) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. These are sure truths, which we may build upon. But why did you change the war against a foreign enemy into civil war, against the followers of true Religion? for this was no less difficult, chargeable, and I would not bloody too, than the other. difficult, bloody and chargeable Belgic war was ceased now and appeased for ten years. A fourth thing is, that I was one of the principal, by whose means the dangerous and pernicious plots of the (b) The same thing now ten times repeated. Earl of Leicester, and his complices plots were avoided and defeated, and of those who provided that the confederated Provinces might not be ruined by his two years unfortunate government, and come into the Spaniards power. A fift thing is, that about the (c) Nothing but the same song still, Parrot? Repeat it a thousand times, but to yourself alone. beginning of my forenamed Office, to wit of my being Advocate of the Country, when all things were in great confusion, & the very name of the Lords of the States was hated: within the compass of a few years, matters were brought in better case, so far forth that there was correspondence, agreement, and love betwixt the Lords of the States, his Excellency as Governor, the Companies of the grand and Provincial Council, the treasurers, and accountants, and the officials and Magistrates of cities, and commonweals. A sixth thing is, (d) Still he stirs a stinking puddle. That all the heads, Admirals, Commanders, Administers of the principal Offices of war, Governors of horsemen, Captains, Officers, soldiers, which earned pay either by sea, or by land, all these, I say, acknowledged the Lords the States of Holland and West-Frisland, as paymasters of their stipends, swore faith and obedience unto them, and honoured his Excellence as Captain General in commanding the execution of such things, as the Lords the States determined: that every one intended his Office and place he was called unto. And moreover, that for many years the (a) Was not this always opposed? You cannot show any prescription to the contrary: Fret if you please, yet will we have what we wish. Ecclesiastical persons acknowledged your Honours, for their lawful and chief Governor. So that for the space of well-nigh thirty years, in which the Lords the States had sometimes threescore troops of horsemen, seven hundred companies of footmen, and more than an hundred Captains making war by sea, there was never any (b) And now how great mutinies are there among brethren? If you then made peace among others, why are you now yourself seditious? Haply this comes into your head for defence of your Arminians. Great tranquillity, is not procured, with great hurly burly. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, etc. God knows who is author of all these stirs and evils. dissension, rebellion, or treachery among them. And the Commonalty was kept in rest and quietness, & due obedience to their lawful Governors. The matter certainly was strange and singular, worthy our observation, and consideration, especially in nations so different. For, besides strangers, we used at those times (either as entire companies, or otherwise divided and bestowed) Germane, Frenchmen, English, Scots, Swissers, Walloons. Whosoever shall certainly weigh these things, and hath read the ancient times, and shall consider what things have been done under us for these fourteen years, and so onward, (while the war continued) under the Spaniard, they shall find that we have just occasion to render Almighty God praise and thanksgiving therefore. Many men famous for their power, dignity and learning, have highly commended this matter: And thereby the Lords the States, and his Excellence have won much credit, praise and authority not only with the inhabitants of the confederated Provinces, all neighbour Nations, Kings, Electors, Princes commonwealths, and people far removed, but even with the Spaniards themselves, and their accomplices and fellows. A (a) These things were forgotten by this time. Therefore your repetition is seasonable. seventh thing is, and which must not be accounted for the least benefit, that I have always been a principal and daily instrument so far to increase and augment the credit of the Lords of the States, that whereas for many years, before I took upon me this Office, the States had no credit with men, whereby moneys might be taken up in their names, and by their consents, and upon the mortgaging of their revenues, and pensions: and therefore great store of money was to be taken up in the Receivers and Treasurers own names, and upon their own credit: for which moneys for the space of ten or twelve year there was a yearly pension of twelve in the hundredth to be paid: and moreover two for the procuring thereof. * The Latin Castigator hath observed, that the Dutch copy is corrupted and faulty here, and in divers places elsewhere, and it shallbe sufficient once to have showed so much. Whether the Author or the Printer is to be blamed therefore he doth not determine. That year in which I undertook the Advocates Office, the general Treasurers every fift or sixth year gave up their accounts. Some of the Exactors of the Commons goods and riches, theirs in the fourth year: and some of the Treasurers of the church-good and others, theirs in a longer time, and many more years. Which fashion was thus far amended, that afterwards accounts of the Commons good were given up every half year, and of other goods every year at the furthest. When I entered into my office, fourscore hundred thousand Florins could scarce be raised in the generality for maintaining the charges of war, by reason of the penury and want of the States of Holland and West-Frisland: but at this present they pay more at the least than (b) Tell me, I pray, whose purse is filled with these thousands? upon what use are they bestowed? That you and yours may be enriched thereby, the subjects beggared? O Holland. Where is thy liberty? For what purpose didst thou suffer so many grievances and annoyances in that most lamentable war? O Holland, who bestowed fatherly direction upon thee, and used a motherly care and compassion towards thee? Thou wert reserved to a stepmothers brawls, devoted to pillage and spoil, left desolate by the lust and rapines of miscreants: wert thou therefore pulled out of the Spaniards claw, that thou mightest be trampled under the feet of the Arminian Goats and Hogs? and now shouldest perish more lamentably in dirt and mud, than thou couldst at that time in the air. Pluck up a good heart, resume thy strength, acquit thyself of these enemies. Let them perish, who seek thy destruction. two and forty hundred thousand pounds. But here it is to be observed, that the costs of the war for these thirty two years, wherein I continued in Office, were so great and extreme, that you cannot choose for the present, but get more by the charges of Holland alone and West-Frisland, then in the year 1586. could be gathered both for the charges of the generality, as also for the particular charges of Holland and West-Frisland; namely, more than two millions of Florins, every year. Which nevertheless, besides the forementioned forty two hundredth thousand pounds do accrue & are paid out of the countries yearly rents. And howsoever it is more fitting to burden the Country, than quite to lose it: yet wisdom and providence wills us to observe (as the Assemblies of the grand and provincial Council, and the Masters of accounts showed by writing in the year 1604.) while the burdens and grievances exceed the revenues, the Provinces must necessarily at last be undone and ruined: and if these last ten years we had been charged with so great costs, as we were these ten foregoing years; the burdens of Holland and West-Frisland only would have amounted by this time towards the sum of four millions of florence. Which evil (that I may let pass in silence other dangers and troubles as well foreseen and known) the (a) Which was the beginning of Civil war, accidentally at least. truce lately made, salved, and helped. And my good Lords: I had almost (b) He acknowledges his memory fails him. It is well yet that he will once confess his fault. And if her in he had not forgot himself, he would have amplified & extolled his wealth till he had been hoarse again. forgotten, that some ill-willers both to you and me, envy and repine at my estate, and fortune. I would have you think that it is neither so great, nor so subject to envy, as their words and speeches make it. I profess that I had by (a) This is good, that this old Beldame is brought upon the stage now the second time. Bless the Papist, save you goody-Mistris, save your Lady's hip. my wife (whom I married (b) Therefore you were married in your twenty seventh year: and the commonwealth lost nothing thereby. forty three years since) so much goods and lands, as might honestly have maintained me. And my stipend and practise at that time (for I was an Advocate of the Court) so great, that without controversy they yearly were worth (c) This is a large reckoning, but you are afraid lest somebody call you to account: for if you yield you then got four thousand, you will now willingly grant, you have forty thousand yearly by your office; your Advocates office I mean: and so much by the Seal, twice as much by being of the Council, four times as much by your practice, and ten times as much by nimming and juggling. It is no marvel if these tricks made you as rich as Croesus. Especially if we reckon herein the gifts of Kings and Princes bestowed upon you: and namely of your special friend the King of Spain. four thousand Florenes. For I was not one of the least (d) You would rather than your life have called yourself the greatest, but your writing erred for modesty's sake. practisers among the Advocates, and we were but eight in all. In the beginning of the year seventy seven (e) Repetition is a Rhetorical figure, wherein you are very cunning. my first employment was in Rotterdam. Out of the wages allowed by the city with other veils I could well-nigh maintain my family, being now made richer by two children only. Furthermore, I can truly demonstrate, that from the said seventy seventh year, unto the 1616. year full out, both I and my (f) Your lovely Helena shows herself now the third time. And take heed lest too often: for if women keep not their houses, and dwell apart by themselves, they are quickly corrupted. Yea, even old ones too, lest you haply should deceive yourself. wife for our (g) Merchants, Factors, Usurers are oftentimes rich men. parts, as also for our kinsfolks and acquaintance parts, for ourselves, and for our children have possessed by inheritance, and attained by lawful succession and title, more than eight hundred measured acres, or according to the computation of Holland, four (h) In the higher or lower Welue, or in the Duinen, or Maestbrooke, or in Waterland, of which side will you turn it? hundred acres of ground; and for goods mortgaged, more than two thousand Florins yearly: a fair house in the City of Delfe, and in the open fields some houses beside, and some thousands of Florins in hand, and presently tendered. (i) The nearest of kindred to your wife were Brewers, and had fair houses. (b) Haec & Pylaea novit & tu Hygias. Yourself and your wife know this, let others speak of it. Moreover, that I won out of the water and mud more acres of ground (than the forenamed) longer ago then forty years past, and enclosed them with banks and hedges round about. That (c) Hear was strange practice: learn of him, Reader, how thou mayst grow rich? Yet I do not give thee such counsel. For you see the old proverb is verified in this Miser; Lafoy convoitise croist si les richesses' croissent. Et de noweaux acquests noweaux desires surnaissent. But let the Advocate remember what Christ thunders out in the Evangelist. It is more easy for a Camel to pass through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. at the same time I bought & sold, as well out of the goods I had by inheritance, as those which I bought at a price, about eight hundred thousand Florins. I (d) It is possible, yourself did not, but others for you by whose merchandise you gre●●more wealthy. never dealt in merchandise: but according to the custom of my ancestors, I employed all my stock in husbandry and tillage. And for all this, I brought into the great & general East-Indian Company (in executing whereof I bestowed foure-yeeres pains purposely to extenuate the (e) Ah, spare your friends. F●● by their means those crosse-bea●ring pieces of gold do shine i● your chest: I say both those grea● pieces, and those little ones, which are neither round nor broad, bu●●ponderous, and weighty. Spaniards, and Portugals wealth) above the number of five hundred thousand Florins, by which sum fourteen ships might be set out: that by this means I might not only be thought a counsellor, but an (f) A helper to yourself, an● the filling of your own purse, yo● were always. helper, and succourer in some measure, in all those straits and difficulties, which I did foresee. Although my estate then were great and rich, yet in my opinion, none of you ought to repine at it: and yet further, I have already professed in an open congregation before you all, and now here again repeat it, in this my (g) I myself suffer with you and pity you: but I wish you t● comfort yourself with the remembrance of that in the Poet: Rara antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede poena claudo. We seldom vice so nimble-footed find, That her best speed, leaves punishment behind. Or this in Synesius; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The justice of God goeth slow and orderly: but for the most part it recompenseth the slackness of judgement with the heaviness thereof. distress (which hath continued more now then eight (a) Endure it stoutly and courageously, shortly you shall be cooped up, and suffer under a hand that shall take vengeance for all your offences. months) I took an account of my goods, & I found, that I must be constrained to sell so much goods, as are worth sixty, or seventy thousand Florins, that I may (b) That you may leave them free from charge, you will purchase damnation to yourself. leave no charge upon my children and heirs. And this I had rather myself see done in my life time, than my children should be enforced thereto after my death. Yet think not, I pray you, that I am grown weaker in my estate by any ill husbandry of my own: but by (c) Why do you complain then? Why like an Hypocrite do you deceive the mighty States and Orders? You pretend affliction was added to affliction, and presently forgetting yourself, you confess you became richer than before you were. What horrible lies are these? Durst you speak such incongruities in the Assembly, and sight of the States! but your covetousness privileges you in all things. A quel effect, à quel enorm vice, Ne pousses tu o inaudite avarice? To what effect, to what enormous vice, Pusheth thee not unheard of Avarice? succeeding four several persons, (whose sole heir I was) and certain others, where I had both coheirs, and underwent some costs also: further, I bought out more goods with costs and appurtenances thereto belonging: moreover, some things I compassed in with sea-walles, others I mended with money took upon trust. Now, if it stand with your pleasure to make an inquiry into your subjects goods, and tax them; I for my part easily (d) How would it terrify you, if the States should say so much unto you? assent thereto: for I am certain, that those, who in the general subsidy in the year 1599 esteemed not all the goods they possessed, worth fifty, or at most sixty thousand Florins, now boast, that they are twofould richer than I am: and yet the same (e) Worshipful friends, will you silently hear this defamation? Behold, that he may clear himself, he accuses you, and saucily insults over you. Yea he intimates that you got your goods unjustly, that unrighteously you taxed others, that for hatred and grudges, you subverted the laws of Equity, and justice: are not these manifest slanders? the imputations of a Sycophant? have a care I pray you of your good name. For if he weaken or overthrow you, who stand stoutly by yourselves for the ancient reformation, what can we hope for? LL. civiles pro vobis. L. vlt. C. de Accusationibus, etc. parties the said year upon a spleen numbered me among those, who paid most, and were taxed at two hundred thousand Florins. The makers of seditions, and infamous libels and books, two whereof, (the one being called A necessary discourse, the other The practice of the Spanish Council) are fraught with manifest and notorious lies, falsehoods & calumnies, (a) You cannot so easily acquit yourself, trust me: and many things which those books speak of, may be proved by records and sufficient witnesses: but this care I leave unto others, and therefore will not reply unto your new and trifling allegations. And I persuade myself I shall do so with your good leave. so far forth, as they speak of my actions; & say, that I have fat offices. I answer, this is usually compassed by long and trusty service, to the whole Kingdom, the Province, and the common wealth. My Predecessor in the first year of his office, was made keeper of the great Seal; under which Seal, at that time the bestowing of places in the wars (which was a very gainful matter) passed: which in my time was not so, neither was the custody thereof wholly committed unto me sooner than after the fifteenth year of my Aduocateships place. But since the keeping of the Seal fell unto me, some ten conveyances in all businesses thereunto belonging passed under the said Seal, by which I (b) Nevertheless, your servants were enriched thereby. made no gain, not a Doit, which might benefit me. The Vice-maisters place of the fees hath not allowed one half penny for stipend: and thus far I could gain but a little. In the year 1586. you named me for keeper of the Registers, and overseer of the Rolls: and when afterwards the Lord of Nortwick, and Precedent Nicholas were dead, you bestowed upon me (as the only survivor) the same state with joint consent. And I persuade myself, that I have done good service therein, both to the (c) And in the first place, to yourself and your own purse. country & the parties which had aught to do there. The set stipend thereof amounted to an hundred and eight Florins yearly. And although the stipends of others the like, were now grown threefold greater, than they were before the war, yet would not I (a) You needed not: for you paid yourself. entreat you for any of them: moreover, the profits are uncertain. In place of this condition my Predecessor was overseer of the University of Leiden, and of the privy Council of Rhineland. For my (b) He is already worthy to be sainted, the Pope will shortly canonize him. appearances in the meetings of Assemblies deputed by you, for these 32. years and upwards, and for all the businesses wherein I dealt with his Excellence, I received no stipend: neither received I any for my appearances in the Council of the general States in your name, all the time forementioned: although I had more than (c) He counts very accurately: it seemeth he noted it in his table books. twenty five several times a (d) Yea and rich performance too. promise of recompense from you. How falsely and shamelessly then these libelers dare speak, and write that which you know to be a tale, I think it worth my pains here briefly to show. That questions were (e) They did not then indeed begin to be first moved, but to be first published; to stir up the people, and subvert the Country. Confess your fault and mend it. first moved touching Religion after the truce, is without question false; forasmuch as in the doctrine concerning Predestination, and the appendices thereto, there was a diversity of questions and opinions too amongst the reformed Doctors, not only in the time of war, but before the beginning thereof. And they were always commended, who taught the same, unto (f) Provided that the truth, which is immutable, and to which we clave, might not be prejudiced. The Arminians were deceivers from the beginning, and yourself the forge of all lies. sobriety and edification. Now from the year 74. questions were moved accordingly as order required, in these Provinces; my good Lord and Master, the Prince of Orange, of pious memory, and the Lords and States averring that it was a (g) You affirm this so often, that it is loathsome and odious, but you do not prove it: Who sees not then your preposterous dealing? part of their office and power to make Ecclesiastical laws and orders; as those, in whom the lawful supremacy resided, according to a received custom in all Kingdoms, Provinces, Commonwealths, and Cities, which have entertained a reformation against the Idolatry, (a) This you said well; for the Arminians heresy is the most dangerous heresy: and so you confound yourself. heresy, and (b) You are the most usurping Tyrant, worse than the Pope: and if you will, I will strait way prove what I say, Priest. tyranny of the Papacy: as appears by his (c) Either you understand them not, or have corrupted them; for the words express not so much, as you of your own head devise: consider better of them. Ordinances and decrees then made, and afterward sent from place to place to the Nobles and free-Cities in the year 1610. which is also gathered out of the (d) If you had cited the text, you had brought a testimony against yourself: for, somewhat lies under the rind of the words. Ordinances made in Holland and West-Frisland in the year 1582. & 1591. In Zealand the same year 1591. In Vtricke in the year 1590. Lastly, in Gronland, and the neighbouring places in the year .1595. Your Honours and Excellencies know very well, that I, not only before the treaty concerning peace, but while the treaty lasted, and always afterward, (e) Hear what I will say, but in a hidden language and known to yourself alone amongst the Hollanders. Paga de muchos seruicios puede un hombre hazer, mas para un buen conscio pagar todos los Dios son menester. Do you speak these things from your heart? or without feigning, cunning fraud and treachery? seriously laboured both publicly and otherwise, that the Spaniard, and his allies might in no sort be credited: and that I openly professed, that it was uncredible, that the Spaniard should ever forget those injuries, which they conceived we did unto them: and that (f) This it is to be a man of note and famous: let the patriots mark it. we therefore should take the like course. Wherefore I always (g) Your diligence is commendable, if love and affection caused it: now seeing it is clean contrary, it must be scorned and hissed at. solicited, that the value of the (h) Have you not forgotten what befell unto Sixtus 5. your friend? He, when he had imposed new contributions at Rome, received this answer, Mi asciguo inanzi che il sole si venda. May not the Hollanders justly make the same reply unto you, Qui a oreilles, oye et intend. contributions should not only be continued, but increased; and that of the profits thereof by better husbanding might be made the uttermost: so that the truce being either broken or finished, we might proceed to war better (i) Nótre ànon est bien oreilié, mais il n' entendra pas cela. provided, then when the truce begun to be made. They allege in their book a certain answer given by the generall-States to the Archduke Erneste in the year 1594: but they add not that I was the author thereof, as likewise of six at least of the same kind, which were directed to the Lord of Reydt, the Count Mandescheyt, Charles Nursell, and many more, and afterward in progress of time sent over to them. By these things the libelers may seem only to expect this, viz. that we should have continued the war, either till Brabant, Flanders, and the residue of the Provinces had been conquered, and so have come to us as a refuge: or till the Spaniard had overcome our Provinces, and brought them in the same case, wherein others than were. Which (b) And provision was necessary, that you fainted not before you had done. business requires many words, much speech: as also, that we have made sundry chargeable expeditions into Brabant and Flanders: and howsoever the inhabitants, and cities there were warned and entreated to give a peremptory answer concerning a mutual union with us: yet not any one city, nay not any one man of note, showed or declared that he would be on our party. And they are compelled, who belong unto the other Provinces, whether they dwell here or else where, to believe & acknowledge, that the (c) Yours especially in sowing discord: you can make nothing else good, whatsoever you boast of. honesty, courage and constancy of our men (especially those of Holland and West-Frisland) hath been, and is yet at this day very commodious unto them. (d) He speaks truly here concerning you, (great and mighty States) you were always indifferent in the matter, if I except the Advocate and one or two more-He is the troubler hereof. You never denied a lawful (but not partial and divided) and equal Provincial Synod unto Holland and West-Frisland, but rather employed your pains to procure one. But a (e) Who made that Question? Or who used those arguments by way of opposing it? was it not yourself, and your Arminians? Out ye Popish knaves, sons of darkness, and night shadows, you fly the light, and dare not show yourselves in public, and defend your fopperies in an Ecclesiastical Assembly. Hence it is that you seek starting holes, and by passages, and devise things contrary to truth. But the time is near wherein all Arminians shall be repressed, and restrained. Bestir yourself and act your part (most excellent Prince Maurice) I most humbly pray you: and you my Lords the mighty States, bestir yourselves: buckle to it, Master Plancius, most decree and near, both by reason of one common and natural language, and also daily acquaintance and familiarity: and you Francis Gomar, whose care of, and for us, still shows itself: you Anthony Smoutius, Vrsine, Salignacus, Dammannus, de Lavignus Ellerus, and all the remainder of the Ministers of God's word, bestir yourselves I say, and defend our ancient Reformation, convince these Innovators, banish and root them out from among you, appoint and publish a Nationall Synod at Dort, or any where else, which the Arminians do more hate, than the Owl the light of the Sun. I for my part, if it be fitting, will strengthen and prepare myself therein against them with reasons, observations, histories, and testimonies of Scripture, to my utmost power. question was made, by what means this might be ordained in so great dissension & disagreement: so that it might tend (which was the principal matter) to the benefit of the Church and Country, and quietness of the Commonalty. And certainly there is a main difference betwixt the meetings of particular parts of one Province, or four parts thereof, and a Synod of a whole and entire Province; betwixt the times of schism and dissension, & the times of Peace and Concord. Men talk much of the Commissions, and Oaths as well of the Chieftains, as of the military rout: but it is evident, that such either have not seen, or at least understand not these things; seeing both the words and meaning thereof are much different from that which they undiscreetely coin. They judge of others according to their own false, perverse, and lying hearts. They do manifestly contradict the truth (I contest your knowledge) when they say Master Francis Francken of pious memory was Advocate of the Country. For you know that he had no public office in your Assembly, but that he was a Counsellor and Pensioner of Goud: afterward, leaving that office he supplied the Advocates place for some years and interceded for both Counsels, and afterward he was made a Counsellor himself. It is conspicuous that they forbear to speak the truth, when they report that I said to his Excellency, and also to some Preachers, that I had made (a) Your exception against the matter controverted gives not full satisfaction; or the original, which is writ in Dutch is false. Nevertheless, when he strives most to excuse it, he plurges himself into more errors. I will briefly therefore, since it is a matter of moment, lay down, what is here spoken. The Labellers say and prove by Barnevelts own words, that Vtenbogart was made an Arminian by him. Barneuelt denies he did any such thing, because forsooth, he learned nothing concerning the point of predestination either of Arminius or Vtenbogarte. Now I demand, if he have satisfied the objection, and approved himself to be as clear, as if he were washed with milk. He that hath any brain, sees he is not well in his wits, if he thinks as he writes; or else foolish altogether, if he think one thing and write another: especially, since the matter in question is the crime of Heresy, and the villainy of seducing in a cause concerning salvation. But what lets, why the Advocate may not be said to have made the Preacher Vtenbogart an Arminian? Because he affirms that he learned nothing of the said party: yea, this is rather a solid confirmation of the matter, especially since it is used for an excuse. To speak more plainly, Barneuelt is an Arminian: Vtenbogart is an Arminian too: the one made the other an Arminian. Now the question is who was the seducer? I, that I may end the controversy, will frame an hypothetical Syllogism, such an one as Cicero concerning Milo and Clodius. Either Vtenbogart seduced Barneuelt, or Barneuelt Vtenbogart. But Vtenbogart did not seduce Barneuelt, therefore Barneuelt seduced Vtenbogart. The hypothesis makes the proposition of an ungainsayable truth: the assumption is affirmed by Berneuelt himself. The conclusion than is, Berneuelt was the seducer. Vtenbogart an Arminian. This I said, that I, when Hermamnus Herbartes cause about 26 years since was handled before me at the Haigh, and amongst other things it was declared that he would not profess the Almighty God to be the Author of sin, that I, as I said, warned Vtenbogarte returning to his house, that this business of predestination, condemning, or reprobating, would stir up great troubles, as a matter that became not Christians, and was repugnant to my mind and thousands more: in which mind and opinion, I professed I had persisted from the year 1568. and therefore that I had learned nothing either of Arminius or Vtenbogarte concerning this point. 'tis false also, that I made them Burgomasters, Aldermen, and common Counsellors in free-cities-who fitted my humour: seeing these things were the least part of my care. In fine, that being entreated thereto by some few cities, I mentioned the matter to his Excellence. But his Excellence herein chief used the counsel of the Precedents, Ʋander Myle, Wingaerd, Iniossa and the Senators. 'tis a mere cog, that the King of France offered by his Ambassadors the relief of an hundred thousand crowns monthly. As this also was feigned that the charges of the war surpassed the sum of seven millions of crowns. In like manner, that three millions of crowns were requested of the King of France. It is also a plain lie, that I gave unto Precedent janyn, and Busanual some thousands of Florenes. As ye likewise know it to be a feigned tale, that I had power of disposing an hundred twenty thousand Florenes yearly. I had only in am of my extraordinary expenses, and the trouble of making correspondence within, and without the Country and the adjacent places, five hundred Florenes yearly. Which difference how great it is, let any man judge. They do sensibly, manifestly, and palpably lie, when they say that our treasure was lessened by excessive, and extraordinary charges since the truce; seeing (beside the payment of many thousands to the Frenchmen, which were neither reckoned nor accounted, & concerning which three years before & always after diverse demonstrances were tendered in the Assembly of your Honours and Highnesses) in the fines or mony-matters of Holland, and West-Frisland, there was no disorder, & no loss happened since the truce, but rather a great ease, and notable increase of things succeeded, as before I have showed. So that it was diligently provided, that the debts and charges might not exceed the revenues. It is an apparent lie too, that I promised Precedent janyn, that in the while the truce last I would bring in the practice of the Romish religion: I always laboured for the contrary, so that the propounding thereof hitherto hath been debarred, and kept here in private. For these many years I have laboured with tooth and nail, privately and publicly, to unite all the companies of the East-Indies, & make one general one of them all, to procure the approbation, and assistance thereof. Which many of the companies thereof can witness. And as soon as we may hope for a success of making a company for the West-Indies, I will bestow my pains herein too, and confute those that withstand it. If these forgering fellows would manifest and discover themselves, & maintain what they have written; I will undertake to make good & prove that in all other Articles, wherein they have deposed against me, they have done me notable injury: and that in many things they have trespassed against the authority, liberties, and privileges of the Country, and of Holland, and West-Frisland; and that therefore both themselves, as also they which had a hand in this business, (a) If they deserve to be punished, you deserve death, by whose instigations these courses were taken. deserve to be severely punished. When I would have ended these matters, I thought with myself, and also desired your Honours, and Highnesses in general, and the Nobles and Governors of free-Cities in particular, to consider, by (b) The assertions following are mere impostures, devised for Barnevelts protection, the overthrow of Grave-maurice, and the utter destruction of Religion. Therefore, reader, credit nothing therein. For my part, I will not make any stay in declaring so much; but show it in a word, where need requires. what means these tempests might be allayed. In fine, I say (with reverence and under your correction be it spoken) that all (c) This craftsmaster fears lest he should be called to an account for his doings, or rather constrained thereto. Wherefore for his own saveguard he persuades that violence may be used upon no man: the proofs he uses, are only for fashion sake, and that with great words and titles he may deter us from a further searching into the truth. violent courses (whereto the forenamed practices inclined) would be hurtful, and pernicious to the state of the Provinces and free Cities, to his Excellence, and his whole house, and every member thereof, to all good Patriots of what condition soever, but especially to the true and reformed Religion, and all those, who embrace it. And that that this was a mere plot devised by the Spaniard to the perturbation, and utter overthrow and destruction, of these famous Provinces. Wherefore (d) Mark how this bloodsucker here makes way for future tragedies: but his poison lies in his tail, take heed therefore of his venomous, and deadly sting. that aught to be approved of, which the King of Frances Ambassador very discreetly, and with good reason commended, & the King of England again and again counseled and persuaded both to the generall-States, and unto you too in the year 1613. Whereto his majesties admonitions, and advice given within this years compass may also be referred, and applied: as also the counsel and admonitions of the King of Switzerlands Ambassador extraordinary, and divers warnings given to the same purpose, in sundry assemblies both publicly, and privately. Namely, that all guile and dissimulation, all sinister suspect, and ambition, all conceived gall, hatred, and revenge might be laid aside, and the former grudges being forgotten, and not thought of (as far as was possible without notable prejudice to any) a new unity of minds might be made in charity, peace and concord. For this is the only remedy, whereby the counsels, hostility, and treachery of the Spaniard might be resisted. These things being done, special care is to be taken, that such, as are deputed for the Assembly of the general States, and those, which consult in common without any instructions, should persuade themselves that the last Vtricke union is the very foundation of their Assembly; well and advisedly providing, that the (a) Yea, the thirteenth Article too? Ah! I' ay sowent ovy dire qu' on cognovit l'animant au parler, & le pot au sooner. So guess we at the metal by the sound: So by the voice, the beast in chase is found. Articles concluded of therein, as their providence and pleasure thought fit, may be observed, and enacted; the defects of the former years contributions may be excused and supplied; Consents may be maturely and well obtained for the contributions of the year present, and satisfaction may be made unto Holland and West-Frisland, by the contributions of the other several Provinces proportionably for the money dispended upon two companies of footmen of the French, and two troops of horsemen: That (b) How stately doth he here like the principal commonwealths man prescribe laws unto the General States, and limit their power! and yet they are chief Lords, and Administrators of all things. But if this Foxes cunning be haply unknown to the Reader, I will briefly lay it open. Et à fin que ie ne te voye plus en sinister opinion de la chose, Regard, car des yeux ie t' osteray la nue, Qui des yeux des humains rend moins clare javenë. And that you may no longer misconceive the matter: Attend, I mean the curtain to unfold, Which yet the minds clear sight in doubt doth hold. The provincial States beyond Holland, and West-Frisland, and Vtricke (those beyond the Islands now also are conformed by the most excellent Prince of Orange his means) are of the ancient Reformation, and these are the Gelderlanders, the Zutfeniens, the Zelanders, and Groenlanders: some belonging to these Provinces are deputed to the Haighe, which make up the General States. Who being, as I said, of the ancient reformation for the most part, if they should judge Barnevelts cause, he were sure to be hanged. That this therefore may not come to pass, and to secure himself, he always highly praises, commends, extols, exhorts, counsels the Provincial States of Holland and West-Frisland, to whom this whole Apology is directed, viz. that they may countenance and defend his person, and not cause (for this is the mark he shoots at) nay, not suffer him to be drawn to a higher Tribunal; since all the Hollanders generally are Arminians: The Reader understands me. And to this purpose is that, which he adds concerning religion. the same Deputies take not causes in the foresaid union into their examination, and determination, either not committed unto them, or expressly reserved for particular Provinces by name; unless this be permitted unto them by the free consent of the Provinces jointly, all exacting of suffrages removed: since this is to be accounted the usurpation, and violating of the power and jurisdiction of the several Provinces; whereof no profit, but rather disprofit and destruction may hereafter arise. That this (a) That you may not please yourself a whit herein; Mark me: There the point in question is not concerning the Arminian Religion, but Romish Popery: which if you would bring into request again; you go against your oath, and that which you formerly averred touching the Governor javyn. And truly if the VtrickeVnion be to be kept, as you urge, than all Papists will triumph, who may freely then say all their Masses. Yea, if the thirteenth Article ought to be observed, all Monks are to be called back again into the confederated Provinces, all Ecclesiastical goods and Monasteries are to be restored. Let my Lords the States mark, whither he and his Arminianism comes. Are these Spanish Counsels, and the stir up of sleeping Wolves? is most fitting in causes concerning Religion, is manifest by the express text of the aforesaid Union, and also by divers other Treaties; namely, that the determining concerning Religion, and causes thereto appertaining, is reserved to each several Province: (b) I will speak plainly, you lie. and the custom observed for these thirty years last passed in the foresaid assemblies, was agreeable hereto, so that herein nothing at all was done without the joint-consent of all the Provinces. That his (c) Mauritius knows what the Anagram of his name imports. Mars vivit. Noble Prince, let him feel and have experiment of your power and valour: clear yourself, and your honour. Excellency, and the Council of the State in ordering the affairs of the State, and of the war belonging to the Provinces in common, do follow the Instructions, which the Lords the general States upon mature deliberation shall give concerning the same: and which they themselves interchangeably have confirmed by oath, that they will follow, and observe. And that it should be so provided that the Provinces might purge, and supply and make good their former defaults in giving their consents; and each of them, for their particular, keep Holland, and West-Frisland scotfree and harmless concerning the expenses which the French horsemen and soldiers with their Officers put them to: and further that good order might be taken for the yearly contributions and payment thereof, and that the charges may not far exceed the received contributions: and that care be taken, that nothing be done in matters of greater importance without the privity, and knowledge of the general States: that nothing be attempted contrary to the liberties, rights, privileges, and customs of the Provinces, free-cities & members thereof: and particularly that there be no let, & hindrance, concerning the performance of the two & thirtieth Article of the foresaid instruction, for very weighty causes therein contained. That his Excellence, and the Companies of the Admiralty, order the affairs, and proceed of the war by Sea, according to the means with their appurtenances, prescribed by the said instruction, which also they promised by oath: and that in businesses extraordinary, and of more moment, they proceed not without the notice and consent of the States general, foreseeing withal that the charges surpass not too much the revenues and Incomes. The Gentry, Nobles, and Deputies of Holland, and West-Frisland, argue not about any instruction, but consent unto the Articles proposed, or refused, and are bound to speak their opinion in all chances for the benefit and security as well of the Provinces in general, as also of the members and cities thereof in particular. Wherein chiefly must be regarded the union made betwixt the members & cities first of all, and then betwixt every particular Province, considering for what end the members and cities were interchangeably conjoined, and therein showing the ancient truth and honesty, with their sincere agreement, and assured confidence in the one and other: A forgetfulness cast over things passed for the good of the Provinces, members, and cities thereof. In the cause of Religion a toleration would be granted for a (a) How long shall this time be? as long as Barneuelt lives? or till Temothah. I speak unto my brethren in a dialect, which they only understand: rascag, raga, resoneet saddic iescamu? It were too long. Some speedier course must be taken; because eachone malach, Adonai savif lireau vai halletsem; and because pene lehovah begoserag, lehachrith meerets zicram. Only let them perform it courageously. time, & an agreement made with those, who are otherwise minded concerning the point of Predestination, and the appendices thereof: all other in conveniences in the mean time prevented, and in other matters a continuance in the reformed doctrine granted. Furthermore, an Ecclesiastical Decree must be made, and the Ecclesiastical society, and discipline restored according to the tenor thereof: From henceforth (a) How fearful he is of himself? but his punishment now draws near. keeping their promises and decrees, that no man be demanded, sifted, or troubled for his Religion, or opinion concerning the same: that every one may securely live in peace and quietness under the lawful government of these Provinces and Cities. And in case the foresaid opinions must needs be decided, then without partake, & according to reason it be inquired, & by what way, order, and meeting, that may best be done by the common consent. That his Excellence, and the Senators deputed by you deal in all affairs of the State, in Ecclesiastical and (bb) Noble Gentleman, & excellent Prince, give this coward the hearing, but follow not his counsel. Labori eux Athlete, & poudreux d'exercice, Qui ne trembla iamais pour un petit novice. And howsoever you have differred to cope with your enemy, dessous un far rouille n' est moins preux un Achille. secular government, in the wars belonging unto the Provinces of Holland and West-Frisland, the members and Cities thereof, specially according to their several commissions, instructions, resolutions, and Acts; and that in great and weighty matters your consent be sought for, and that in all things your decrees be observed. (bb) Noble Gentleman, & excellent Prince, give this coward the hearing, but follow not his counsel. Labori eux Athlete, & poudreux d'exercice, Qui ne trembla iamais pour un petit novice. And howsoever you have differred to cope with your enemy, dessous un far rouille n' est moins preux un Achille. That his Excellence and the judges in cases judicial, and other differences may equally administer justice, and be assisted for the better performance thereof. That the Exchequer in guiding the Dominions, and other matters left to the disposal thereof, duly execute it office, and be encouraged in execution thereof. That the Officers both in general and particular, and all governors of City: and Towns behave themselves decently in promoting a good and civil government, in the Administration of justice, the increase of the public good; and in a word, in procuring the peace and unity of Cities, Boroughs, strangers, and towne-dwellers, that they wisely use their authority, and be assisted and confirmed in the same. Now if these things be thus ordered, and every one have their own right, if every one's (a) How gladly would he be a great Lord and Master over all? but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. But there is a God that sees and surely punishes such things. authority, office, honour, and possessions be reserved to themselves safe and sound, without doubt within a short time all things will go better with us. My good Lords, I have been more (b) So have my castigations: therefore if you obtain pardon, I have no reason to despair of it, for in tediousness and prolixity we jump: only your cause us worse than mine, for the truth is strong above all things, and conquereth for evermore. tedious, than I was aware of: I entreat you all to look to martyrs as well generally as particularly concerning your prerogatives, rights, privileges and safety. For (c) And here thus agained. Souvent i'ay beu, encor qu' a country oeur, Quand i' avoy mal, de tres amers breuvages. O Socij, neque enim ignari sumus ante malorum; O passi graviora: dabit Deus his quoque finem. Those are not the first evils (Iwis) we have endured: & we hope, brave mates, to be rid of these. my part, such were my troubles (yet God delivered me out of them) in the years 1586, and 1587., under the Earl of Leicester, and in the years 1588., 1589 under the Lord Willoughby, his successor in the government of the English garrisons (under whose name these impudent forgers seek to shelter & patronage themselves) then in the year 1600 after the battle of Flanders, afterward in the year 1608. in the treaty concerning the league: For these 32. years the truth hath triumphed in her conquest over falsehood. I presume, (d) Amen, Amen, may God assail the the truth and her followers: but you and your wicked adherents, your Arminians, slaves to Antichrist, shall perish together. For thus much I presume except you repent, and conform yourself to Antiquity. God in his good time will assoil the truth, destroy falsehood, and confound the authors thereof: and others also there are (and those great ones and of good deserts too) not only in our Provinces, but in the neighbour kingdoms also & dominions, as well heretofore, as in this present age, who could not acquit & free themselves from such & greater calumnies & false accusations. I (a) And I most mighty God, earnestly beseech thee, from the supreme Throne of thy Majesty, that thou wouldst be pleased to look upon thy holy People, and the faithful Ministers of thy Church: and so fortify, protect, and defend them against their insulting enemies wheresoever, the false brethren and Prophets, and especially the maintainers of the Arminian wicked sect, who seek to trouble and break that union which thou hast confirmed; That they whom thou hast predestinated to salvation, may always have the upper hand, and triumph in the certainty of their salvation: but they, whom thou hast created unto confusion, and as vessels of thy most just wrath, may tumble and be thrust headlong thither, whereto from all eternity thou didst predestinate them, even before they had done any good or evil. Even so Father, because it seemed good unto thee: thy word is truth, thy word endures for ever, Amen. beseech Almighty God in mercy to open your eyes, (my good Lords) and with the blessing of his heavenly grace to strengthen and confirm you in your prosperous and happy government. From the Haigh, April 20. 1618.