George Edmundson, 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, Volume 21… (1911)
“ In the States of the province of Holland pensionary of the order of nobles (Ridderschap) was the foremost official of that assembly and he was named—until the death of Oldenbarneveldt in 1619—the land’s advocate, or more shortly, the advocate. The importance of the advocate was much increased after the outbreak of the revolt in 1572, and still more so during the long period 1586–1619 when John van Oldenbarneveldt held the office. The advocate drew up and introduced all resolutions, concluded debates and counted the votes in the Provincial Assembly. ”
