History of Protestantism in the Netherlands - James Aitken Wylie

This state of matters led to the adoption of
other measures, which still more complicated and
embarrassed the movement. It was becoming
evident to William that his basis of operations must
be narrowed if he would make it stable; that the
Pacification of Ghent, and the Peace of Re-ligon, in
themselves wise and just, embraced peoples that
were diverse, and elements that were
irreconcilable, and in consequence were failing of
their ends. A few Romanists were staunch patriots,
but the great body were showing themselves
incapable of sympathising with, or heartily cooperating
in, the great struggle for the liberation of
their native land. Their consciences, in the
guidance of the Jesuits, stifled their patriotism.
They were awkwardly placed between two
alternatives: if Philip should conquer in the war
they would lose their country, if victory should
declare for the Prince of Orange they would lose
their faith. From this dilemma they could be
delivered only by becoming Protestants, and
Protestants they were determined not to become;
they sought escape by the other door -- namely,
that of persuading or compelling the Protestants to
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