Orange had three great objects in view, by attaining which the country, in his opinion, might yet be saved, and the threatened convulsions averted.

These were to convoke the states-general, to moderate or abolish the edicts, and to suppress the council of finance and the privy council, leaving only the council of state.

The two first of these points, if gained, would, of course, subvert the whole absolute policy which Philip and Granvelle had enforced; it was, therefore, hardly probable that any impression would be made upon the secret determination of the government in these respects.

As to the council of state, the limited powers of that body, under the administration of the Cardinal, had formed one of the principal complaints against that minister.

The justice and finance councils were sinks of iniquity.