Manuscript in French outlawing Catholicism in the Dutch Republic in 1644

A pivotal decision of the Dutch States General, captured in a rare contemporary manuscript.

When the Dutch declared independence in 1581, the public practice of Catholicism was prohibited, a policy that persisted until the Peace of Münster in 1648. Catholics nevertheless continued to worship discreetly in private “hidden” churches.

On 3 March 1644, French ambassador Claude de Mesmes, Comte d’Avaux addressed the States General, arguing that one could oppose the Spanish monarchy and remain a faithful Catholic. The States General replied with a resolution reaffirming prior decrees. 

The present item is a contemporary French translation of that resolution, which strikingly begins by emphasizing tolerance, then justifies prohibition by linking Catholicism to loyalty to “le Roij de l’Espagne, enemij hereditaire de ce pais.”

Lieuwe Aitzema discussed this manuscript in Saken van Staet en Oorlogh (vol. 2, pp. 965–966). It brings together diplomacy, religion, and the political identity of the young Republic. The accompanying Latin manuscript, apparently in the same hand, offers a concise history followed by four chapters explaining the ban, enhancing the set’s research value and display appeal.

This manuscript is a compelling primary source at the intersection of diplomacy, religion, and statecraft—strong both for collectors and scholars.