Sarrau also writes to Salmasius[675], that it was publicly said these projects of reconciliation had set the High Chancellor and several other Lords against Grotius.  He flattered himself, however[676], that Sarrau approved of his project:  for he writes to his brother, William Grotius, “Among some others of the Reformed, Sarrau, who was a Counsellor in the parliament of Rouen, and is at present in that of Paris, praises my design.”  But it is probable that Grotius took compliments for realities.  It is certain that Grotius’s schemes displeased Sarrau, and that there was a coldness between them, for the latter writes thus to Salmasius, Feb. 10, 1644[677], “I am not reconciled to the Swedish Ambassador:  if I had an inclination to it I believe it might easily be done.  The alteration in our friendship does not proceed from my fault, but solely from his plan of pacification, which I do not approve.  I esteem him highly, on account of the great services he has done to learning; and shall even never cease to love him:  but, far from commending or approving his late pieces, I am greatly dissatisfied with them:  however, I would not have the many excellent things he has done slighted on that account.  Every one acknowledges you to be the first man in the republic of letters; but it cannot be denied that he holds the second rank.  You have no superior, nor even any equal; suffer him to be after you the first.”

The celebrated Schurman, whose extensive knowledge had at that time gained her a very high reputation, signifies to Rivetus, Jan. 20, 1643[678], the general discontent of the greater number of the Reformed against Grotius.  “Hitherto, says she, every one had a high idea of Grotius’s genius and erudition.  But since he departed from sound reason, changed the object of his studies, and insulted by gross invectives the whole body of Protestants, and the principal authors of the reformation, everyone seeks for Grotius in Grotius.  Nothing can be more ridiculous or foolish than to see a man, who neither agrees with others, nor with himself, as you have well shewn, undertake, without our desire or consent, to reconcile us with the Roman Catholics, and positively decide that we may, and that we ought to come into his views.”

Ruarus[679] had predicted to Grotius himself, that he would reap no other fruit of his labours, than the hatred of both parties:  but he was at the same time persuaded that no worldly interest entered into Grotius’s views, more honest in this respect than the zealous protestant clergy, who were ready to adopt the most gross and groundless calumnies, provided they were levelled against Grotius.