As an additional security for the supremacy of the ancient religion, it had been thought desirable that the number of bishops should be increased.

There were but four sees in the Netherlands, those of Arras, Cambray, Tournay, and Utrecht.

That of Utrecht was within the archiepiscopate of Cologne; the other three were within that of Rheims.
It seemed proper that the prelates of the Netherlands should owe no extraprovincial allegiance.

It was likewise thought that three millions of souls required more than four spiritual superintendents.

At any rate, whatever might be the interest of the flocks, it was certain that those broad and fertile pastures would sustain more than the present number of shepherds.