These precautions had been suggested a year before, as we have seen, in a private autograph letter from Barneveld to Secretary Ledenberg.

Sir John Ogle had flatly refused to act in opposition to the Stadholder and the States-General, whom he recognized as his lawful superiors and masters, and he warned Ledenberg and his companions as to the perilous nature of the course which they were pursuing.  Great was the indignation of the Utrechters and the Holland commissioners in consequence.

Grotius in his speech enlarged on the possibility of violence being used by the Stadholder, while some of the members of the Assembly likewise thought it likely that he would smite the gates open by force.  Grotius, when reproved afterwards for such strong language towards Prince Maurice, said that true Hollanders were no courtiers, but were wont to call everything by its right name.

He stated in strong language the regret felt by Holland that a majority of the States of Utrecht had determined to disband the Waartgelders which had been constitutionally enlisted according to the right of each province under the 1st Article of the Union of Utrecht to protect itself and its laws.

Next day there were conferences between Maurice and the States of Utrecht and between him and the Holland deputies.  The Stadholder calmly demanded the disbandment and the Synod.  The Hollanders spoke of securing first the persons and rights of the magistracy.

“The magistrates are to be protected,” said Maurice, “but we must first know how they are going to govern.  People have tried to introduce five false points into the Divine worship.  People have tried to turn me out of the stadholdership and to drive me from the country.  But I have taken my measures.  I know well what I am about.  I have got five provinces on my side, and six cities of Holland will send deputies to Utrecht to sustain me here.”

The Hollanders protested that there was no design whatever, so far as they knew, against his princely dignity or person.  All were ready to recognize his rank and services by every means in their power.  But it was desirable by conciliation and compromise, not by stern decree, to arrange these religious and political differences.

The Stadholder replied by again insisting on the Synod.  “As for the Waartgelders,” he continued, “they are worse than Spanish fortresses.  They must away.”

After a little further conversation in this vein the Prince grew more excited.

“Everything is the fault of the Advocate,” he cried.

“If Barneveld were dead,” replied Grotius, “all the rest of us would still deem ourselves bound to maintain the laws.  People seem to despise Holland and to wish to subject it to the other provinces.”

“On the contrary,” cried the Prince, “it is the Advocate who wishes to make Holland the States-General.”