CHAPTER VII.
Proud Position of the Republic--France obeys her--Hatred of Carleton -- Position and Character of Aerssens--Claim for the "Third"-- Recall of Aerssens--Rivalry between Maurice and Barneveld, who always sustains the separate Sovereignties of the Provinces--Conflict between Church and State added to other Elements of Discord in the Commonwealth--Religion a necessary Element in the Life of all Classes.
Thus the Republic had placed itself in as proud a position as it was possible for commonwealth or kingdom to occupy.

It had dictated the policy and directed the combined military movements of Protestantism.

It had gathered into a solid mass the various elements out of which the great Germanic mutiny against Rome, Spain, and Austria had been compounded.

A breathing space of uncertain duration had come to interrupt and postpone the general and inevitable conflict.

Meantime the Republic was encamped upon the enemy's soil.
France, which had hitherto commanded, now obeyed.