Nodige bedenkingen op de niewe beweegingen, onlangs verwekt door den circulairen brief en andere middelen, tegen den auteur van 't boek de betoverde weereld

... had already taken it. Yet that previous last time was a good three weeks past the appointed time: why is it then that they did not part sooner? Let us calculate. The words of the Synod, which serve as an exhortation for the Classis, as said, but as a law for their own delegates, say quite explicitly: 1. that the proceedings of the Church Council after the first of September shall be brought to the knowledge of the Classis. 2. That the Case shall be conclusively settled by the Classis within the time of two months after the Case, as prescribed, shall have been brought to their deliberation. Note well. Within two months; and even then, not after the deliberations thereon shall have begun, but after the Case shall have been brought to deliberation. And when did that occur? I say on the 3rd of September: for the Act of the Classis of that day tells me so with these words: "The Assembly of the Church Council of Amsterdam having dealt with Reverend Bekker as far as they have been able to do because of the short appointed time: now lays this Case, according to the order of the Synod, upon the table of the Classical Assembly."

Thereupon the Classis summoned the Deputies of the Synod for the 1st of October; to begin the proceedings then: in the meantime, the members could reflect on everything that had been presented to them from the Church Council, in order to be better prepared on that appointed day to consider everything with mature counsel; just as the Commissioners of the Synod had taken notice of it through the proceedings held there which they had attended, and then those of the Classis. These people, as well as they, then intended to finish the matter at once: which is why the proceedings concerning it were extended from the first to the second; and yet they were still found in no condition to be finished. And seeing that it could not be done without understanding me more closely on each point; to which, however, the entire Classis could not devote itself nor delay itself, they appointed four Commissioners who, without any loss of time, should deal with me by mouth and in writing, to further convince me, if possible, regarding such points of grievance as ...