The truth of Christian religion in six books / written in Latine by Hugo Grotius ; and now translated into English, with the addition of a seventh book, by Symon Patrick ...

SECT. XVIII. And supports its self by the same means.

IF we look further into what was said be∣fore about Mahometism, we shall find that Popery stands, and upholds it self, by the very same shameful means, which keep up the Re∣ligion of that false Prophet. By force, that is, and violence: compelling Men, where they have any power, to consent to what they say, or rather to feign a consent to what they do not believe. Which discovers the weakness of that Religion, and of the reasons of those that profess it: For he that extorts assent (as was said in the Book foregoing) by sense of

pain, or fear of punishment; plainly confes∣ses, by that very proceeding, that he distrusts his Arguments.

At the best, they require belief of Men, without all liberty of inquiring into Religion. For the vulgar (just as in Turky) are prohi∣bited to read the Books which are accounted holy: which is a manifest sign of its iniquity (as he there speaks of the Turkish Religion;) for justly may that merchandize be suspected, which is obtruded upon this condition; that it must not be lookt into, not examined. This is the way of the grossest deceivers; who will not submit themselves to a trial, and refuse to give any account: but will have us submit to their Authority, and take, what such Men as they say, upon trust. Which is the Method of the Roman Church, who are wont to put doubting of any part of their doctrine among mortal sins: And so, for fear what the issue may be, will not suffer their People to try their Religion; with indifference, that is, with true liberty of judgment, and with a re∣solution, to doubt of it, if the grounds of it appear upon examination to be uncertain, and to leave it, if they prove apparently false.

It is true indeed (as it there follows) there is not in every Man the like capacity of know∣ledge, and quicksightedness to discern between truth and falshood: Many also are carried a∣way into error by pride; others by inordinate

passions or affections; and some by custome and imitation, or by the weakness of their un∣derstandings, and forwardness to judge with∣out due consideration, or advice with their proper Guides. But those very Books, which the Roman Church pretends may mislead Men (and therefore will not let them use) teach them in the first and principal place to purge themselves from all naughty affections; and then to be sober-minded, and not too forward to determine things on their own heads; but to reverence their judgments, who are over them in the Lord: and not to pretend to Re∣ligion, nor imagine they can judge a-right, till they be humble, and meek, and without any other design, than this alone of saving their Souls. Now the Divine Goodness forbids us to think, that such Men shall not be able to find the way to eternal Salvation, who seek for it in God's own Word, and in this manner; without any by-respect to honour or worldly advantage; and, with intire submission of themselves and all they have to Him, implo∣ring his assistance, that they may attain it. Which are in effect, the very words of Justin Martyr and Origen.

And truly, since GOD hath implanted in Mens minds the power and faculty of judging; there is no part of truth that better deserves the imployment of this faculty about it, than that of which we cannot be ignorant without

hazard of our Salvation. After this, whoso∣ever inquires with a godly mind, he shall not dangerously erre: And where should he en∣quire after it, but in God's most holy Word? without which we cannot know whether there be either Church or Priest or any thing else, wherein they would have us trust.