One day Jan Matthys with twenty companions, in an access of fanatical devotion, made a sortie from the town towards the bishop's camp.

Needless to say, the party were all killed.

The great leader dead, Jan Bockelson became naturally the chief of the city and head of the movement.
Bockelson proved in every way a capable successor to Matthys.

A new Constitution was now given by Bockelson and the Dutchmen, acting as his prophets and preachers.

It was embodied in thirty-nine articles, and one of its chief features was the transference of power to twelve elders, the number being suggested by the twelve tribes of Israel.