Against the arbitrary policy embodied in the edicts, the new bishoprics and the foreign soldiery, the Netherlanders appealed to their ancient constitutions.  These charters were called “handvests” in the vernacular Dutch and Flemish, because the sovereign made them fast with his hand.  As already stated, Philip had made them faster than any of the princes of his house had ever done, so far as oath and signature could accomplish that purpose, both as hereditary prince in 1549, and as monarch in 1555.  The reasons for the extensive and unconditional manner in which he swore to support the provincial charters, have been already indicated.

Of these constitutions, that of Brabant, known by the title of the ‘joyeuse entree, blyde inkomst’, or blithe entrance, furnished the most decisive barrier against the present wholesale tyranny.  First and foremost, the “joyous entry” provided “that the prince of the land should not elevate the clerical state higher than of old has been customary and by former princes settled; unless by consent of the other two estates, the nobility and the cities.”

Again; “the prince can prosecute no one of his subjects nor any foreign resident, civilly or criminally, except in the ordinary and open courts of justice in the province, where the accused may answer and defend himself with the help of advocates.”

Further; “the prince shall appoint no foreigners to office in Brabant.”

Lastly; “should the prince, by force or otherwise, violate any of these privileges, the inhabitants of Brabant, after regular protest entered, are discharged of their oaths of allegiance, and as free, independent and unbound people, may conduct themselves exactly as seems to them best.”

Such were the leading features, so far as they regarded the points now at issue, of that famous constitution which was so highly esteemed in the Netherlands, that mothers came to the province in order to give birth to their children, who might thus enjoy, as a birthright, the privileges of Brabant.  Yet the charters of the other provinces ought to have been as effective against the arbitrary course of the government.  “No foreigner,” said the constitution of Holland, “is eligible as, councillor, financier, magistrate, or member of a court.  Justice can be administered only by the ordinary tribunals and magistrates.  The ancient laws and customs shall remain inviolable.  Should the prince infringe any of these provisions, no one is bound to obey him.”

These provisions, from the Brabant and Holland charters, are only cited as illustrative of the general spirit of the provincial constitutions.  Nearly all the provinces possessed privileges equally ample, duly signed and sealed.  So far as ink and sealing wax could defend a land against sword and fire, the Netherlands were impregnable against the edicts and the renewed episcopal inquisition.  Unfortunately, all history shows how feeble are barriers of paper