But Grotius has chosen
the reverse of this method. He begins with the consideration of the
states of peace and war, and he examines original principles, only
occasionally and incidentally, as they grow out of the questions,
which he is called upon to decide. It is a necessary consequence of
this disorderly method, which exhibits the elements of the science
in the form of scattered digressions, that he seldom employs
sufficient discussion on those fundamental truths, and never in
the place where such a discussion would be most instructive to the
reader. This defect in the plan of Grotius was perceived, and
supplied by Puffendorf, who restored natural law to that
superiority which belonged to it, and with great propriety, treated
the law of nations as only one main branch of the parent stock."
[Sidenote: CHAP X. 1621-1634]
Whatever may be the merit of the work of which we are speaking, it must
be admitted, that few, on their first appearance, and during a long
subsequent period after publication, have received greater or warmer
applause.
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