For some time, Grotius flattered himself that he should succeed in his
project of pacification. In one of his letters to his brother, he
mentions distinguished Protestants, who approved and encouraged them
"I perceive," he says, "that by conversing with men of the most
learning among the reformed, and explaining my sentiments to them,
they are of my opinion; and that their number will increase, if my
treatises are dispersed. I can truly affirm, that I have said
nothing in them from party spirit, but followed truth as closely as
I could."[067]
[Sidenote: CHAP. XII.]
He imagined that some Catholics entered into his views.
"The ablest men among the Catholics," he thus writes to his
brother, "think that what I have published is written with great
freedom and moderation, and approve of it."[068]
These pacific projects of Grotius cemented the union between him and
Father Petau.
"I had," says that most learned Jesuit, in his 12th Letter, "a
great desire to see and converse with Grotius.
Pages:
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218