In some cities there were no garrisons, but only train-bands.  But the train bands (Schutters) could not be relied on to carry out the Sharp Resolve, for they were almost to a man Contra-Remonstrants.  It was therefore determined to enlist what were called “Waartgelders;” soldiers, inhabitants of the place, who held themselves ready to serve in time of need in consideration of a certain wage; mercenaries in short.

This resolution was followed as a matter of course by a solemn protest from Amsterdam and the five cities who acted with her.

On the same day Maurice was duly notified of the passage of the law.  His wrath was great.  High words passed between him and the deputies.  It could hardly have been otherwise expected.  Next-day he came before the Assembly to express his sentiments, to complain of the rudeness with which the resolution of 4th August had been communicated to him, and to demand further explanations.  Forthwith the Advocate proceeded to set forth the intentions of the States, and demanded that the Prince should assist the magistrates in carrying out the policy decided upon.  Reinier Pauw, burgomaster of Amsterdam, fiercely interrupted the oration of Barneveld, saying that although these might be his views, they were not to be held by his Excellency as the opinions of all.  The Advocate, angry at the interruption, answered him sternly, and a violent altercation, not unmixed with personalities, arose.  Maurice, who kept his temper admirably on this occasion, interfered between the two and had much difficulty in quieting the dispute.  He then observed that when he took the oath as stadholder these unfortunate differences had not arisen, but all had been good friends together.  This was perfectly true, but he could have added that they might all continue good friends unless the plan of imposing a religious creed upon the minority by a clerical decision were persisted in.  He concluded that for love of one of the two great parties he would not violate the oath he had taken to maintain the Reformed religion to the last drop of his blood.  Still, with the same ‘petitio principii’ that the Reformed religion and the dogmas of the Contra-Remonstrants were one and the same thing, he assured the Assembly that the authority of the magistrates would be sustained by him so long as it did not lead to the subversion of religion.

Clearly the time for argument had passed.  As Dudley Carleton observed, men had been disputing ‘pro aris’ long enough.  They would soon be fighting ‘pro focis.’

In pursuance of the policy laid down by the Sharp Resolution, the States proceeded to assure themselves of the various cities of the province by means of Waartgelders.  They sent to the important seaport of Brielle and demanded a new oath from the garrison.  It was intimated that the Prince would be soon coming there in person to make himself master of the place, and advice was given to the magistrates to be beforehand