Note.—The envy of some of the Calvanists in the town of Middelborgh was at this time so great against the defenseless sheep of Christ, who had come to them from various papistic towns, to escape the distress and persecution, and expected to rest under their protection, that they paid no attention, and had no regard, neither to humble supplications nor the repeated commands of the Prince of Orange, who in the years 1577 and 1578 had given orders to the magistrates there, to let these people dwell in peace; but disturbed the peace of said people, and the practice of their religion. Hence Maurice, the oldest son of the aforesaid Prince, of honorable memory, following the footsteps of his father, issued, for the third time, a prohibition concerning the oppressing of the aforesaid people, to the end that they might now certainly obtain liberty of conscience, as appears from the following act:
Transcript.
Maurice, born Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau, Marquis van der Vere, to the honorable, most learned, wise, discreet, dear, particular, etc.
That which has been brought to our knowledge, on behalf of Mailjaert de Poorter, and Joost Leonisse, sawyers and wood-sellers, residing in the town of Middelborgh, you will learn at length from the accompanying request; and though we do not doubt at all, but that you will conduct yourselves, with the supplicants, in the points of their request and complaint, entirely according to the import of the resolution previously taken with regard to this, by the Lords States of Holland and Zealand; and will conform to such acts and letters as have been granted to the supplicants and their fellow brethren in the same profession, in the time of our lord and father the Prince of Orange, of worshipful memory; yet we would nevertheless hereby earnestly request you, seeing this matter concerns not only the town of Middelborgh in particular, but these United Provinces in general, that you will regulate yourself according to the import of the aforesaid resolutions, in all quietness and friendship, allowing the aforesaid supplicants and their fellow brethren to enjoy such liberties as have been granted them by said resolutions and acts respectively, until the aforesaid Lords General States of these United Provinces shall have further considered and disposed of the aforesaid matter. And besides that, we deem it reasonable and just, it is our pleasure.
And hereby, honorable, most learned, wise, discreet, dear, particular, we commend you to God.
Gravenhage, on the 4th of March, 1593.
Signed:
Your very good friend,
Maurice de Nassau.
The superscription was: To the honorable, wise and discreet, our dear, particular Burgomasters, Judges and Rulers of Middelborgh, and was sealed with his Excellency’s seal.
Below was written: Compared with the original, and found to agree with it.