They were to be appointed by Matthias and the Prince, upon a double nomination from the estates of the united provinces.

Their decisions were to be made according to a majority of votes,--and there was to be no secret cabinet behind and above their deliberations.

It was long, however, before these councils were put into working order.

The fatal jealousy of the provincial authorities, the small ambition of local magistrates, interposed daily obstacles to the vigorous march of the generality.

Never was jealousy more mischievous, never circumspection more misapplied.