Protestants load their
adversaries; and nothing is a greater hindrance to that re-union,
which we are all obliged to labour after, in consequence of
Christ's precept and the profession we make of our faith in the
creed. Perhaps the Turk, who threatens Italy, will force us to it.
In order to arrive at it, we must first remove whatever obstructs a
mutual quiet hearing. I hope I shall find assistance in this pious
design. I shall not cease to labour in it, and shall rejoice to die
employed in so good a work.'

[Sidenote: His Treatise De Jure summarum potestatum, &c.]

"Reigersberg, Blaeu, Vossius himself, however much devoted to
Grotius, beheld with concern the printing of this book, because
they did not doubt but it would increase the number of his enemies.
Grotius informs his brother, of the uneasiness which Vossius gave
him on this subject. 'Among those, who wish this work destroyed,'
says he, 'I am astonished and grieved to see Vossius. Whence could
he have this idea? I imagine somebody has told him, that it would
injure the fortune of his children, if he approved of such books;
and that, on the contrary, he would find favour by hurting me. We
must therefore have recourse to Corcellius or Corvinus.' He
elsewhere complains of the too great timidity of this old friend,
who at bottom approved of Grotius's sentiments, but durst not own
them publicly, because he was not so independent as Grotius.

[Sidenote: CHAP. X. 1621-1634.]

"The treatise on Anti-christ made much noise among all the declared
enemies of the Romish church. Michael Gettichius wrote to Ruarus,
that he had only glanced over Grotius's book on Antichrist; but as
far as he could judge by the first reading, that learned man, who
was possessed of such an excellent genius, and such singular
erudition, had no other intention than to engage the learned in a
further inquiry concerning Antichrist; and to determine them to
attack with greater strength, the Romish Antichrist; or, if he
wrote seriously, he wanted to cut out a path for going over,
without dishonour, to the Papists. Ruarus answers this letter Dec.
16, 1642, from Dantzic. 'I have always (he says) looked on Grotius
as a very honest and at the same time a very learned man. I am
persuaded that love of peace engaged him in this work. I don't deny
but he has go