A Faithful ADVERTISEMENT TO ALL GOOD PATRIOTS OF THE United-Provinces, In the present Conjunctures since the death of the PRINCE of ORANGE.  
Englished by the Dutch-Copie Printed at Leyden 1650.  
Reprinted by W. D. 1650.   

The summary, &c.  
That their Lordships found good to sand their Deputies unto the respective Provinces, to that end and purpose.  
That the Committees of the other Provinces are earnestly desired to second the good intentions of their Lordships, by their serious Letters unto their respective Principals.  
That in the interim all matters concerning the State, shall bee left in their usual course, and fundamental order of Government; the several Counsels, and chief military Officers remaining in their respective Commissions, and instructions till such time, as further order shall bee taken about the whole Government by the Provinces.   

THE ADVERTISEMENT.  
Dear Patriots! and upright lovers of your country, the good and faithful inhabitants of the United Provinces!  
WEe have good cause, indeed, to bee affencted with the untimelie and sudden Departure of his Highness Prince William of Orange; being thus snatched away from among us, in the flower of his Age, and in the midst of his Power and great authority; leaving behind him a memorable example, that neither Youth, nor Pedigree, nor any worldly respect or condition, availeth ought against the stroke of death. And therefore wee ought all of us, to apply our selvs to the amendment of our sinful courses, and prayers to God, that he would teach us to number our daies.  
Praising withal, his loving kindness to us, that he endueth the Government still with Wisdom, the spirit of unity, and Love, as is abundantly made apparent unto us, by the above-recited wholesome Resolutions of the Province of Holland, most unanimously and cheerfully yielded unto, and embraced in their Solemn assembly. And therefore praying to God almighty, so to guide and steer the hearts of the rest of the Provinces, that they may all meet with Instructions and Resolutions answerable to the desired( the only indeed and most absolute) establishment of mutual love and unity; to the shane & confusion, on the one side, of all our foreign enemies, who may change their hair for a season, though they cannot their kind; and on the other side, that the eyes of all such as were mis-led through any base and pernicious impression, and as if Holland should have harboured any thought or design to recede from, or desert the Union, may open their eyes and see how they are abused. shane overtake them, which counseled the good young Prince those extremities of last Summer's Expedition; the rather for that the said Counsel intended against both this, and all the Provinces, cannot but prove now the greatest prejudice to the house of him to whom it was given. he himself indeed having seen some of the bad fruits thereof, whereas in lieu of love and affection, the only and best ligaments and props of a State, he saw himself asspersed with all manner of cursings and reproaches; and the city of Amsterdam( whence both the whole country, and his Predecessors, had often been so mightily relieved with ships, Ammunition, moneys, and any thing that was in their power, as being the principal store-hous and Magazine of the republic) necessitated, by reason of such enterprises, to fortify her self, to double their guards and garrison, to repair their walls and palisadoes, and to secure the Amstel with out-works against the like attemts. he saw and heard the free and high discourses that were occasioned thereby in all the Provinces against his proceedings; and how flat and could the several procured and forced Thanksgivings were, from the respective parts in that behalf,( though they could not avoid it, seeing Amsterdam could not, but was fain to stoop) that it had better been left unperformed.  
And now after his death, his family see'th, that the Provinces, and all good members of the same, do most unanimously apply themselves to prevent the like mischief, as in his life time they discovered and suffered; which cannot but impair their repute and condition, that were wont hitherto to wield the State at their pleasure, and more absolutely indeed, then ever King did. For even the greatest flatterers of their own must confess, I appeal to their own consciences, That a free State and republic, ought not to bee under such Wardship.  
Where was it ever heard, that a Creature created its Creator? that one in Commission commands them that gave it? that one writing himself Your humble servant, doth bridle and ride his Masters at pleasure?  
The good and faithful services of the house of Nassaw are gladly acknowledged by all; That Prince William did help the laying of the foundation of the State that Prince Maurice and Prince henry have faithfully, zealously, and valiantly continued in it; that the like might have been expected from the late young Prince.  
But I pray; have they not also from the beginning, sought and found their own particular interest in, and by it? was not the first rise more from Court-Jealousie( against the Spanish Faction and direction at Brussels) the Common make-bate in all Courts, then from any thing else. Doth not Borre aver, that Prince William knew not well in the beginning, whether he should bee of the Lutheran, or the Reformed profession? did not he advice that the Lutheran should he maintained as principal? did not Prince William aim at the sovereignty? is not the Original Act to bee seen in the Court-Rowls of the late Prince, which he had gotten from most Cities already: you may see it in Borre and hoofed. The Princes his Successors, have they ever more asserted or eased the Land in their true privileges, liberties and immunities, then the Kings did? have they ever remitted ought of their own authority or interest to the State? nay have they not been semper Augustus, interesting and possessing themselves of whatever they could, especially the giving of Patents, or Commissions; the disposing of Garrisons( which in the beginning was, and ought to bee, and in Friesland yet is, taliter, qualiter, in the State's hand, both for Cities and country) and the whole power of the signory? have they not forced a pmmier Noble upon Zealand, by which means they got the whole Direction of that Province into their own hands. Did not the last Prince, but a year ago, make a change in the Magistrates of that Province, especially at Flushing, contrary to their customs? Did not he in 1649, by mere authority and power of the signory again dispossess those of Nimmegen against their will of their free Election of Magistrates; which by very old privileges they claimed like other Cities of Gelderland, and now by virtue of the Peace they are to enjoie? have not all the said Princes swayed the assembly of the States General à la bagnette, under the rod? The like particulars would bee too long to rehears all, it being needless, and none indeed ignorant of them; none can deny, but they have all of them sought their particular Interest, pretending the public; if you desire a fresh example, peruse but the late particular Treatise, and what conditions are put there upon the King of Spain by the Prince of Orange, besides what is conditioned in the general Articles of the Peace; and those stately concessions of Turnhout, and Sevenbergen for my lady the Princess Dowager.  
And who know's not, what honourable and princely Enterteinments, Emoluments, Profits, Pensions, Advancements, Presents and Honoraries have continually been drawn and enjoyed, as well by the Princes themselves, as by those of their house and kindred? which is in no wise alleged here to upbraid them with; being a thing both equal and customary, and the style of the world; But it must bee said, to show, that if they did great service to the State and country, they were likewise most royally rewarded.  
And for those services they performed, was it not still with and by the means of the Land? Have not the Commons been fain to gather it together with their sweat and blood? Have they ever contributed a penny towards it, out of their own purs? Nay, have not they and their Families always been exempt from all excises, impositions, and Taxations, which the least peasant and poorest inhabitant was forced to pay still? Nevertheless it was held fit and convenient, and I do not discommend it: I speak it not to lessen their Merit, Honor and respect; the Land sped not th worse for that.  
But in regard that some few pick-thanks here and there take upon them to discourse, to the prejudice and discouragement of the Land; as if the State could not subsist, now it is destitute of a Governor; Let this serve for better information and instruction; That the true, and perfect sovereignty is in the republic, which never dies, and that the wisdom, prudence, concord and Love therein doth not depend upon a person. At Venice and Genoa théy have a dog or Duke, when he death, they choose another; and all is well. The thirteen Swisser-Cantons are kindled and allied together, much like our seven Provinces; and though of different Religions, yet they live in peace and concord among themselves: they know of no Governor, Captain-General, or stadholder; he that meddle's with one, doth rouz them all; they meet twice or thrice a year in a general assembly, consulting of such things as concern their general Weal. They lye betwixt Austria, Venice, the Pope and Spain; yet none dare's annoy them maintaining not onely themselves, but their Neigbors also, as the Valtoline, Geneva, &c. Bern is like unto Holland, the second in order, and greatest in power, England at present hath wars( I leave the cause and circumstances to themselves) and therefore they must have a Head for the Militia. General cromwell is but a member of the Council of State, as also of the parliament, having, nor claming no prerogative, no not the least above his fellow-members. And do not wee daily see and hear, what mighty things are don there both by Sea and Land? The republics of Nurenberg, Strasburg, Ulm, and all the rest of the free Imperial Cities are governed by Burgomasters and Senators, and have maintained themselves in that sort for many hundreds of years, making their own Magistrate, and knowing of no stadholder, or Governor; though in case or fear of war, they choose a Head, sometimes a Nobleman, otherwhile one of meaner condition, a fouldier of Fortune, to command their Forces. Embden itself, hard by us, doth practise the same, though no Imperial or free city. Venice, Genoa, Luca, and the Swissers do the like. But all after such a manner, that they find it no sooner otherwise expedient, but they lay those Heads, Generals or colonels by again, in part, or altogether, more or less: and it is so far from it, that those military Heads should make any resistance, or prescribe unto their Masters, that on the contrary receiving their Dismission with all submission, they pray, that upon the next emergencie or opportunity, the Magistrate would bee pleased to remember them with further employment.  
This is liberty and Freedom; of which wee had, and enjoyed but the shadow here all this while.  
All the ancient, both Greek and roman republics kept the same course; employing in time of war, none but their fellow-Citizens; who when the war or expedition ceased, forthwith surrendered their charge and authority.  Juvit sumpta Ducem, juvit demissa potestas. 
It was never heard of in a republic, that there should bee a General, where there was no war; so as that he should have the absolute Command of the State-forces, even to employ the same against his own Masters. In the field indeed it is expedient, that the General or colonel dispose of the Charges and Offices, by reason of sudden emergencies and accidents, brooking no delay, and that there on the place, they know best, who deserv's best. But at home they ought to bee disposed of by the Pai-masters. To say, that a Prince doth bestow most of the Offices upon the worthiest, is ridiculous; For wee have seen with our eyes; that scarce any here get them but fawning Courtiers; the old and good souldiers remained still what, and where they were. Doth it go by favour too among the Pai-masters, that is less strange; they are masters. The Princes far exceeded therein; I have often heard Gentlemen complain, that there was scaree any thing left for them to endeavour, or aspire unto, whiles the princes kindred was so numerous. Wee know, there can bee no perfection here on earth, and these and the like above rehearsed complaints stood daily in a multiplying condition.  
The Ambassadors sent over into England about the Match, made the King there believe mighty things, of I know not what hereditary Governmentship, and mighty Assistance that King might thereupon expect from this State.  
Touching the former, there need's no producing of Acts; do not wee see at this present, how upon the Princess royal her delivery, the Court-spanniels prate and keep ado, as if the State was necessary obliged, there being a young Prince, to admit him without dispute to the charge of Governor-General, and Stadholder. Is not this claiming Inheritance and sovereignty? Hath there not been intimation presented already, that these things might not bee debated. For, proceeded in they may turn to the prejudice of her issue; What remains then for us to do, but that wee pass an express Act of hereditary Governor, to make good the Ambassador's word;( though unwarranted) that so wee may the more easily bee brought likewise under that unlucky house of the Stuarts, which the English themselves have shaken off, and the Scots themselves declare, to bee full of blood and sin; although I pass no verdict on it.  
It will bee said, that nevertheless this rule was followed into the third Generation: it is partly true; but yet after Prince William, wee took Leicester; and after him Prince Maurice and Prince henry: Howbeit, it is remarkable, that he who in those daies had the chiefest direction in the affairs of State, counted it serviceable for his turn, to devolv the authority on Prince Maurice; that by the Prince, being but young then, and standing in need of courting again the favour of the said Director, he might every where supply the Magistrates, with his Creatures; whom Prince Maurice afterwards, in the year 1618. cast all out again. Upon that ground also, and the advice of the said Director, was it that Prince Maurice in Anno 1611. changed the Magistrate of Utrecht, and took the election to himself, as also at Alcmar, and the Election of the common-council at Rotterdam. Prince henry likewise in 1625 was as suddenly received, without instructions: why? he had the Republick's arms and forces in his own hands then.  
Upon the Birth of the late Prince William, there appeared a ruere in servitium, each one striven to bee foremost in offering the survivance, or Reversion. One of Over Yessel, one of Utrecht, and a few more elsewhere knew how to manage and compass the same. And since, what the Provinces got from Spain, they lost from time to time in their Freedom, Laws, and Privileges, Quantò quis obsequio promtior, opibus & honoribus extollebatur. Base fellows, and oft-times strangers, whom none knew whence they came, being but once entered and settled at Court, were look't upon, and held like pettie-gods.  
When any State's-matters was propounded; the first care was how it would relish at Court. The State's interest came not once into consideration. Was there any thing that merely concerned either his Highness in particular, or any of his house and could allies, that must bee dispatched forth with, not according to the interest of the State, but in favour and to the advantage of his Highness, or his kindred and alliances.  
Let us but reflect upon England. At the beginning those of the parliament, as formerly the Scots also, were favoured; but no sooner was the match concluded but wee heard another tune. Whatplots were therenotlaid? what practices remained unattemted to engage us in War against England? France, Spain, Denmark, did never so much as look about once in the King of England's behalf, though near in blood, and Kings themselves. Wee a republic, of no kin, were haled along pede ligato, to provoke and attemt a rapture, Indeed wee may thank Holland wee stand yet unengaged. How often and frequently, without any notice given to the State, have our ships been attending the service of that King? what store of Ammunition; Officers, and Souldiers, have there been transported? What labour and industry was there not busied by a certain man at Middleburgh, to engage zealand in hostility against England, without any regard of hazarding the lives and estates of the Commons there, but onely to pleasure his Highness, and thus to play the master in Zealand, putting by his place a right honest, old, and honourable Council-committee-member, against all order and custom there, to seat himself in his room.  
In the assembly of the States-General, it went much alike in most things. Those of Holland have great cause to desire, that the State's Assemblies of the Provinces may come to the Hague once, and look to these matters, and carriages; for their ordinary Deputies saving but a few, evermore had their eye upon and steered according to the Court-motions in all deliberations.  
The Queen Regent in France, though sister to the King of Spain, yet is too honest to have the least regard to the interest of her Brother in prejudice to the State, where shee is seated; of that wee have seen proof enough these many years.  
Here, on the contraie, the advantage and interest of this State must not bee regarded at all; but the question is presently; Doth it concern his Highness, or the King of England, or Scotland, or Denmark, or Friesland? if so, that sufficeth; wee must needs steer by that Compass, and by no means according to our own.  
In Spain, Portugal, at Brussels, at the Court of the Grand signor, and elsewhere, there is no scruple made of admitting of the Agents of the parliament of England,; the particular Provinces have given public audience to the same. But at the General assembly in the Hague, none durst vote the like; and why? Not to dis-oblige the Court forsooth. And yet they made no difficulty at all to give public Audience to Commissioners of other neighbouring States and Cities; and to the Scot's Commissioners also, as soon as they saw them disposed once to Treat with their King.  
But to those of England, by no means, which indeed had never been denied, had there not been that respect to his Highnesse's alliance, whereupon at last is followed that just affront wee received, by sending the Ambassador Joachimi thus home again; which as much as in them lay, those of Holland providently endeavoured to prevent, by sending over commissary Sharp. For it can no ways stand with the Commerce and Navigation of Holland, to bee in broils with England. But lo, this was so resented by most Deputies among the States General, steering ever according to the Court-winde, that they made it a State-treason, and Breach of the Union.  
How many other matters presented themselves from time to time, which the Presidents durst not, for fear of displeasing the Prince? And therefore was it an inveterate custom, that no President durst adventure to come into the assembly, without repairing to the Prince first, and making him privy of all matters of importance, there to receive, and after to say his Lesson.  
And truly I cannot blame any of them; for it is natural, that every one love's and seeks to advance his Children, Brothers, Friends and Kindred; and there was not any advancement almost to bee had, but by him and his means. But if any have complied thus of mere design and malice, to bereav and despoil the Land of it's Freedom and Privileges, they above all others are unexcusable.  
Neither can I find fault with his Highness; there is not a Boor, Burgher, Gentleman, in Court, Town, country, but strive's to advance his Fortune. The Monk or Friar would fain bee Abbot, the Abbot Bishop, the Bishop Cardinal, the Cardinal Pope. Greatness and Ambition is but an human condition. His Highness saw homines ad servitutem dispositos, the opportunity; and improved what others fitted for him.  
But now, that God almighty hath delivered our Dear country from that impending Servitude, and reacheth forth the golden liberty from Heaven into our Lap, wee were indeed the most unthankful and abject people of all the world, if wee did not in all due manner embrace the same. he might well say afterwards of us, They have forsaken me, and give us a King again in his wrath: For the Scripture is plain, that republics are more acceptable or agreeable to God, then Monarchies. Which may well make us to wonder and ponder, whence it is that some Ministers are such abominable flatterers; Sure Ambition lies at the Bottom. Peradventure they will not have the name of Bishops and Prelates; but really, they mind the thing, they covet authority. For, having the favour and ear of the Prince, they never leave till thereby they are impowered to domineer it as well over their fellow-brethren, as in Civil and State-Affairs; like unto that perverter of Scripture, Teling in zealand, and that Parasite, Sterremont, at the Hague, who, in the rehearsal of the circumstances of his Highnesse's death, and in the Pulpit, took upon him to prophecy, that the princes death was but the fore-runner of the ruin of these Countries. All good and faithful Ministers of the Word of God, may take warning, and bee sure that such Flattering, Court-hunting, Court-depending Preachers do seek for somewhat else, then they can find in their Bible; and that they do not follow the Lesson to bee like unto the least; but that they gape after the Surplus: that like the Bishops, quondam, in England, they may bee men of authority, and bear sway over their brethren, stooping to them to bee provided or advanced-with good fat Livings, lying in their Discretion. What bitter complaints there were taken up against such, by the better sort of Ministers in England, together with woeful effects of such enormities is notorious: and wee have seen some copies of the like, not onely at the beginning of the Truce, when Utenbogart for it was termed Pope at the Hague; but likewise at the beginning of this Peace. For it is not Religion, but affectation of Greatness which haunt's these men, possessing the good young Prince and his Confidents with such things as came short of heaven and earth, and which never entred into the thoughts onely of the good Magistrates in Holland and other Provinces; as if they should have gone about to alter the least tittle in matters either of State or Religion. What mean else these several blewcoat-books of Bicker's tumults, the Free discourse, the Bay-garland, &c. but to render the Civil Magistrate, which found the Peace wholesome, Christian and necessary for the State, suspect and odious, and even to ass pers and blame the late Prince henry himself, and the surviving lady Dowager( whose solicitations of the Peace, and earnest painful pursuing thereof as by themselves, so especially by my Lord Knuyt, hath been conspicuous) as guilty of the same fault, which now they charge upon the whole Government. Her Highness self, and all the house of Nassaw, do manifestly disapprove the extremity of last Summer's attempts; declaring their wishes, that it had never happened; and yet a Sterrimont and Teling dare take upon them to extol it; most impiously applying and abusing the holy Scriptures and passages thereof, to shelter their wicked assertions.  
Those that are invested with the Government, do not know themselves yet to this hour, what mo ved his Highness to those strange proceedings, and these prattling fellows dare of their own haughty ambitious spirit pronounce sentence; and know how to apply Scripture to that no man know's, that which hath no being, and which none of all the rest of the pious, discreet and sound Ministers do meddle with, but are willing with every one to remain ignorant of.  
The Governors of Holland nevertheless, are so discreet and prudent, that they can wink at all, never troubling themselves either to search into the causes( which cannot but bee vain and frivolous) or to remember what is past; it being apparent, that it is to bee imputed to nothing else but the bad counsel of his Highnes's consisting of the forenamed and public Sycophants; but they declare, and make it manifest, that their aim is no other, but to maintain Religion, the Union and the Militia, together with all mutual Concord, Love and Friendship; inviting all the other Provinces to repair by their States-Assemblies into the Hague, to advice and draw together, of what may bee most expedient in the present high and weighty conjunctions. For then and there they shall see by their own eyes into those upright, and peaceable intentions of Holland, in the behalf of a firm and unchangeable wel-fare, and prosperous condition of our common Father land, against all foreign and domestic, especially, such flattering, venomous enemies, and haters of it's Rest and unity. And this is that hearty wish and desire of all the good ordinary Deputies in the generality themselves, as finding themselves not warranted, and abhorring to bee lead by the nose, and move at the book of the above-named, or any such like flatterers.  
If each Province shall bee pleased then, to choose another Stad-holder for themselves, either in general, or particular; they may dispose and determine, every one according to their pleasure. That lies in every one's breast and freedom; as also to impart such Commissions and instructions, as they think good themselves. But to receive or admit of a Governor without instruction, without limitation, is absurd, and not practised in any place, no not where Inheritance give's title; for even there are Capitulations, and stipulations made, and men do not blind-fold and hood-winkt subject themselves to any. Much less here, where the States of the Land themselves are the Sovereign's, past all dispute, and acknowledged such by all the Kings, Princes and Potentates they have, or had to do withal. For which sovereignty, the good Commons of the Land have now these fourscore years so freely adventured, and contributed their Estates and lives, expecting now at length some eas and reposal. But how will that bee compassed, when there shall bee no relaxation, whereby Debts may bee cleared, the signory and other charges readily defrayed, the Companies kept complete and full, all the disorders in musterings redressed, as much as possibly may bee; for now it is too too bad and palpable; Captains being through bad counsel, winked at by the Court, especially strangers; to have them in the better readiness, and by them to Lord it over the States themselves. Have not wee seen & heard it, in the late Attempt and siege of Amsterdam, how the military men began to brave and crow, how they triumphed and insulted over the States, and trampled the Freedom and Privileges of the Land under their feet. All confidence between the States and His Highness was out of date; there was no trusty, familiar, and intimate communication both with military men and flattering Creatures; According to whose appetite and liking, new members began to bee obtruded into the Magistrates every where, even and altogether, as if wee were no more a republic, but down-right slaves. Whatsoëver was intimated, that it went not thus in other republics, greater and smaller, that was put by as mis-applied, wee wanted discretion, wee were unworthy to enjoie that liberty, and those Privileges, that were wrested out of the Spaniard's hands; Hogs wee were, and to bee put into the sty, onely forsooth to make fat and great a small company of base flatterers.  
Till God in Heaven above could no longer endure it; who now once again hath reared us up, and disentangled our feet, and opened our eyes to see what wee lost. If wee are not possessed now with a spirit of giddiness: if wee will not return to feed on husks; here is a new-creäted occasion for us to bee as true and complete a republic as Venice, Genoa, Luca, Geneva, England, Switsers, and all other free Cities and placcs, and to become masters of our own houses. Wee have cause still to look well about us; the flatterers are not gone yet, nor quiet, they have not yet forgotten the relish of the sweet morsel their flatteries procured them: if they can enveigle and hood-wink us again, they are sure both then and after to bee made much of, and to get as much as they are able to swallow, and bee the best and busiest cocks in the pit still. Sterrement and Teling will not bee long to seek for Texts out of the Bible, and rather pull them by the hair, and wrest them into any metamorphôsis but they shall serve their turns, to Pope it among us.  
The question is, What wee should do then? That is answered by the summary above rehearsed, at the head of this discourse; namely, That all matters concerning the State and the Militia, shall bee left in the usual course and fundamental order of government the several Counsels and chief military Officers remaining in their respective Commissions.  
many of the Cities in Holland, Gelderland, Overyssel, Groningen, Zealand, and Friesland, have their own Election of Magistrates, and had the same under former Sovereigns; which Sovereigns, either of good will and freely, or for money, gave up that right unto them. Groningen got it by capitulation of Prince Maurice Anno 1621. every city may now endeavour for the like, so as it may bee don by the States, and have the stamp of Sovereign authority. And why should not Middleburgh, Ziricksea, and Tolen enjoie it as well as Goes? Why shall not the rest of the Cities in Holland, Utrecht, and Nimmegen have it as well as Horn, Enckbuyse, Edam, Munikedam, Arnhem, Zurphen, Bommel, Harderick, Kampen, Deventer, Swoll, Hattum. Elburg, Wageningen, Geelmuyden? The nobility and gentry in all the Provinces appear likewise, either by their quality, or by a free Election of their own, and therein no Governor ever meddled.  
To what end then should a Governor or Captain General bee requisite unless it were to command all the signory at his pleasure, and to force such Resolutions upon the States, as his humour prompt's him; and to bow and bend our Freedom and Privileges according to his own fancy, and then to return again to the old course; No, not so, my Dear fellow-Patriots. In the very beginning of the War, the Governor had no power to dispose of Patents or Commissions; but with the knowledge and allowance of the States; but if wee creäte a new Captain-General, let us tie him never so strictly by Instructions, he will, by means of the flatterers and other practices, never rest, till he have wrested all the Direction from time to time into his own hands again, beyond all possibility to prevent it.  
And what need have wee of a Captain General? wee are in peace: Spain and France are in broils; germany hath laid down arms, being divided besides into many petty Principalities, Counties, Cities, standing in awe of us, and being ever jealous one of the other. Wee see no manner of appearance to draw us into the field; and if there should happen any sudden occasion, wee have a Field-marshal, the Lord of Brederode; the General offices for the horse, artillery, &c. are well provided. How doth Venice, switzerland, Genoa, and all these smaller Repulicks and free Cities in germany? not one of them doth so much as dream of having a Captain General, a Governor, a Stad-holder. he that should attemt but to speak of such a thing amongst them would hardly escape to be charged with High Treason. The Kings of Poland, Denmark, England, might leavy no Armies without consent of their respective States: no Prince nor Count of the Empire, neither,( but what is don by mere usurpation) because that an armed Prince doth always squecz moneys from his subjects beyond all equity and reason, through the instigation of flatterers, to enrich themselves and impoverish the Common. One of the many causes, why our fore-fathers took up Arms against the Spaniards, was, that he sought to bring in Armies into the country. So tender and delicate a point is that of military authority. And have not wee now much more right and reason to keep our signory, which wee pay our selvs, in our, I mean the State's own direction, and not to temt any with a new occasion of turning the same in nostra viscera, into our own bowels, as of late happened.  
Can any of the nobility and gentry, can any Citie-person rest secure in their homes and beds, as long as a General hath the power by secret and particular patents or Commissions, to command the army in one night, to bee at our Gates and Houses, and either by slight or force( both kindes have been essaied) to get into them. Truly no man can bee sure of pound or penny, no not of his own life and safety, or the best Jewel of his Wife and Daughters, if wee suffer the loose reins of military Direction to abide in the hand of a Captain or Governor General. At Sea wee have very good lieutenant Admirals, but wee are Masters of them, wee have the authority over them; wee must know where and whereto our men of war are employed. The Prince being Admiral never went to sea, and yet by the lieutenants wee see those services are well and gallantly performed.  
Why may it not as well bee don by land, though now there is no need of any; the most and main is achieved still by dependant Officers. The King of Spain is so jealous of his own Generals and Governours, that usually he changes most of them once in 3 years. The Archduke enjoies but Simulacrum Gubernationis. The King of France hath a new General stil for every Expedition, and several ones for several places. Venice and all republics are yet more circumspectly. England excused Fairfax; In a word, Every one is jealous of the Power he own's, and loathe to part with such a Jewel's absolute disposing, upon such easy terms, as wee did hitherto. Truly, when wee were under the King, wee had Stad-holders; and there was reason for it. he was absent, and had need of some in his stead or place, to manage the Government. And he changed them often. But here the Sovereign, the States of the Land, are present themselves. It is absurd and against nature and natural reason for us to have Stadholders; All Nations, especially republics, mock and jeer us, like children, and fools, wilfully and knowingly running into slavery. And now wee should prostitute our selvs much more, since by His Father's death there appear so many great Pretenders, which by reason of their Experience and long services might bee fittest, & would hardly brook it, every one to see that Honor enjoyed by another; each one pretending to bee the nearest and the worthiest; to prevent their jealousy, there can bee no better course taken, then to let things bee as they are, and the highest Command where it is. The several great Pretenders being well provided and placed already, doubtless will bee well enough contented.  
But most absurd and inconvenient would it prove sure, to make the new-born Infant our Captain-Generall or Stad-holder: For, of Monarchies it is truly said, Wo unto that Kingdom, whose King is a child; much rather would a republic bee counted mad and frantic to choose a Babe for their Stad-holder, Governor or Captain-General.  
This Infant-Prince will bee brought up by a Mother; whose Families interest shall swallow up all other, and ever bee preferred before these of our State, our Trade( the only support and maintenance of the State) and our own welfare. Hitherto wee were in some mediocrity yet, but this Prince will bee Nephew to Spain, to France, to Austria, Denmark, Scotland; and under this pretext shall his mind ever bee hearkening after a royal Alterra, and after majesty, and the ship bee steered still according to these Interests and intentions. Flatterers, Sterrem●nts, Telings, will not bee wanting. Haughtiness, ostentation, pomp, luxury, riot, pride and wastefulness will invade the land ten times more and wors then ever. O let us avoid it, as the most dangerous Rock, that would split our Ship. Our condition would bee ten-fold more intolerable then ever it was before. It were better every Province, saving their Privileges, had a Stad-holder apart; but best of all to bee and abide as all other republics. Nevertheless the corruptions are so great in the world, the practices and subtleties so manifold, that, looking merely on man's part, I have great cause to fear, wee may suffer our selvs to bee lulled asleep again, and cajoled out of this so admirably-recovered golden Freedom; Which God in mercy forbid, and due our good Governors with all increase of Wisdom, knowledge and Couragiousness.  
FINIS.