[Sidenote:  CHAP.  X. 1621-1634]

“Prefixed to this book, are Prolegomena, in which the author shews that the works of the ancient Pagans are filled with maxims agreeable to the truths taught in holy writ.  He intended to dedicate this book to the Chancellor Silleri:  he had even writ the dedication, but his friends, to whom he shewed it, thought he expressed himself with too much warmth, against the censurers of his Apology.  They advised him therefore to suppress it; and he yielded to their opinion.  It may be observed in reading the royal privilege, that the present title of the book is different from what it was to have had.  To these extracts from the Greek poets translated into Latin verse, Grotius annexed two pieces, one of Plutarch, the other of St. Basil, on the use of the poets; giving the Greek text with a Latin translation.”

The work was received with universal approbation.

X. 2.

His Treatise de Jure Belli et Pacis.

Grotius may be considered as the founder of the modern school of the Law of Nature and of Nations.  He was struck with the ruthless manner, in which wars were generally conducted; the slight pretences, upon which they were generally begun; and the barbarity and injustice, with which they were generally attended.  He attributed these evils to the want of settled principles respecting the rights and duties of nations and individuals in a state of war.  These, he observed, must depend on the previous rights and duties of mankind, in a state of peace:  this led him to the preliminary inquiry into their rights and duties in a state of nature.

Thus, an ample field was opened to him.  He brought to it, a vigorous discerning mind, and stupendous erudition.  From antient and modern history, philosophy, oratory, and poetry, he collected facts and sayings, which appeared to him to establish a general agreement of all civilized nations upon certain principles.  From these, he formed his system; applying them, as he proceeded in his work, to a vast multitude of circumstances.  These are so numerous, that some persons have not scrupled to say, that no case or international law, either in war or in peace, can be stated, to which the work of Grotius does not contain an applicable rule.

[Sidenote:  X. 2. The Treatise de Jure Belli et Pacis.]

[Sidenote:  CHAP.  X. 1621-1634]

Three important objections have been made to this celebrated work,—­one, that the author defers in it, too little, to principle, too much, to authority;—­another, that the work is written in a very desultory manner, with small attention to order, or classification;—­a third, that his authorities are often feeble, and sometimes whimsical.  “Grotius,” says Condillac, “was able to think for himself; but he constantly labours to support his conclusions by the authority of others.  Upon many occasions;