Ondersoek en antwoord [...] op 't request door de gedeputeerden der Noordhollandsche synode tot Edam

with yet another further writing, addressed specifically to your Noble Mightinesses, all to pursue the same goal. But it has been over fourteen months since the aforementioned writing was sent: therefore it might seem unnecessary (if not also useless) to prepare any Answer to one or the other so long after the fact; if I did not think that it ought not so much to be to inform your Noble Mightinesses, as to properly inform the public. For since they have seen fit to turn the public more strongly against me through the printing of the Synodal Writings, and to make my good name, faithful labor, and godly intent hateful; and because no more bitter writing than this has been drawn up against me, and its content gives me full material to justify my work and to bring my innocence to light much more powerfully than ever: I have regarded it as a stroke of luck that this opportunity has now come into my hands; to further confirm your Noble Mightinesses in your discreet judgment of my person and works: whose good favor I also request, while maintaining justice and equity; as much as I commend your worthy persons, state, office, and government, for the salvation of the Land and Church, to the protection of the Almighty. Declaring myself to be,

Amsterdam, January 19, 1693.

The handwritten signature of B. Bekker with a decorative flourish.
B. Bekker