The States-General at the instance of the two stadholders, May, 1617, declared for the summoning of a National Synod by a vote of four provinces against three.

The Estates of Holland, again with a sharp division of opinion but by a majority, declined to obey the summons.

An impasse was thus reached and Maurice at last openly declared for the Contra-Remonstrant side.
On July 23 the Prince, accompanied by his suite, ostentatiously attended divine service at the Cloister Church at the Hague, where the Contra-Remonstrants had a fortnight before, in face of the prohibition of the Estates, established themselves.

This step was countered by decisive action on the part of Oldenbarneveldt.

A proposal was made in the Estates of Holland, August 4, known as the "Sharp Resolution"-- and it well merited its name, for it was of the most drastic character.