He was not so absolute as a Monarch, and though the Dutch in chusing their Counts generally followed the order of primogeniture, they never set up a Prince without first requiring of him an oath, to conform to the laws: so that he reigned rather by the consent of the people, than by right of succession.

The power of the Counts was limited by law; and the taxes were always imposed by the States.

In the sixth chapter the author shews that Philip II.

King of Spain, endeavouring to change their form of government, occasioned the grand war which procured Holland her liberty.
Grotius explains, in his seventh and last chapter, the form of government established in Holland after the Dutch threw off the Spanish yoke.

The work is dedicated to the States of Holland and West-Friesland, March 16, 1610.
The States were extremely pleased with it: they returned their thanks to the author, and made him a present[56].