The Prince, therefore, in all his addresses and documents was careful to disclaim any intention of disturbing the established religion, or of making any rash political changes.

"Let no man think," said he, to the authorities of Brabant, "that, against the will of the estates, we desire to bring about any change in religion.

Let no one suspect us capable of prejudicing the rights of any man.

We have long since taken up arms to maintain a legal and constitutional freedom, founded upon law.

God forbid that we should now attempt to introduce novelties, by which the face of liberty should be defiled." In a brief and very spirited letter to Count Lalain, a Catholic and a loyalist, but a friend of his country and fervent hater of foreign oppression, he thus appealed to his sense of chivalry and justice: "Although the honorable house from which you spring," he said, "and the virtue and courage of your ancestors have always impressed me with the conviction that you would follow in their footsteps, yet am I glad to have received proofs that my anticipations were correct.