The Union of Brussels became, in fact, the stepping-stone to the "Union of Utrecht," itself the foundation-stone of a republic destined to endure more than two centuries.

On the other hand, this early union held the seed, of its own destruction within itself.

It was not surprising, however, that a strong declaration in favor of the Catholic religion should be contained in a document intended for circulation through all the provinces.

The object was to unite as large a force, and to make as striking a demonstration before the eyes of the Governor General as was practicable under the circumstances.

The immediate purpose was answered, temporary union was formed, but it was impossible that a permanent crystallization should take place where so strong a dissolvent as the Catholic clause had been admitted.