Twee brieven [...] aan Everhardus vander Hooght

...especially among those who most easily accept whatever tends to my disadvantage. For that reason (and not because the writer is worthy of it), I step aside for once from the path I have held to for so long, to say something after such a long silence. This is not because I am inclined to make public the ecclesiastical proceedings concerning me, or their secrets, but to prevent them from being misconstrued by such an account as this man gives, and to ensure that the respect of ecclesiastical persons and assemblies is not harmed.

I have often considered within myself how, if I were ever forced to give an account of those proceedings, I might best preserve the honor of those who are joined with me in the same yoke of church service. I certainly intended never to publish anything against my Consistory local church council, or Classis regional assembly of ministers and elders, or Synod major church assembly, even though I have been condemned by all three. But then others, whether they be members or non-members, must not proclaim in Gath, nor tell in Ashkelon A biblical reference to 2 Samuel 1:20, meaning one should not spread news that would cause enemies to rejoice over Israel's setbacks, that which cannot serve for the honor of Israel; nor should they preach from the rooftops what was spoken or done in secret. Now that this man is doing so, I find myself obliged to inform the Readers of the errors he has committed in his telling, so that they may know the truth of the matter, should they wish to know it. My second Letter serves that purpose.