Having by this and similar language, upon various occasions, sought to impress upon his countrymen the gravity of the position, he led them to seek the remedy in audacity and in union.  He familiarized them with his theory, that the legal, historical government of the provinces belonged to the states-general, to a congress of nobles, clergy, and commons, appointed from each of the seventeen provinces.  He maintained, with reason, that the government of the Netherlands was a representative constitutional government, under the hereditary authority of the King.  To recover this constitution, to lift up these down-trodden rights, he set before them most vividly the necessity of union, “’Tis impossible,” he said, “that a chariot should move evenly having its wheels unequally proportioned; and so must a confederation be broken to pieces, if there be not an equal obligation on all to tend to a common purpose.”  Union, close, fraternal, such as became provinces of a common origin and with similar laws, could alone save them from their fate.  Union against a common tyrant to save a common fatherland.  Union; by which differences of opinion should be tolerated, in order that a million of hearts should beat for a common purpose, a million hands work out, invincibly, a common salvation. “’Tis hardly necessary,” he said “to use many words in recommendation of union.  Disunion has been the cause of all our woes.  There is no remedy, no hope, save in the bonds of friendship.  Let all particular disagreements be left to the decision of the states-general, in order that with one heart and one will we may seek the disenthralment of the fatherland from the tyranny of strangers.”

The first step to a thorough union among all the provinces was the arrangement of a closer connection between the now isolated states of Holland and Zealand on the one side, and their fifteen sisters on the other.  The Prince professed the readiness of those states which he might be said to represent in his single person, to draw as closely as possible the bonds of fellowship.  It was almost superfluous for him to promise his own ready co-operation.  “Nothing remains to us,” said he, “but to discard all jealousy and distrust.  Let us, with a firm resolution and a common accord, liberate these lands from the stranger.  Hand to hand let us accomplish a just and general peace.  As for myself, I present to you, with very, good affection, my person and all which I possess, assuring you that I shall regard all my labors and pains in times which are past, well bestowed, if God now grant me grace to see the desired end.  That this end will be reached, if you hold fast your resolution and take to heart the means which God presents to you, I feel to be absolutely certain.”