Adrian; accordingly, commissioned Van der Hulst to be universal and general inquisitor for all the Netherlands.

At the same time it was expressly stated that his functions were not to supersede those exercised by the bishops as inquisitors in their own sees.

Thus the papal inquisition was established in the provinces.

Van der Hulst, a person of infamous character, was not the man to render the institution less odious than it was by its nature.

Before he had fulfilled his duties two years, however, he was degraded from his office by the Emperor for having forged a document.