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. XXII. Considering the meekness and simplicity of them that first taught this Religion.

IT follows that we consider by what means this Christian Religion had its augmenta∣tion and increase, that therein it may be com∣parable, and preferred before others. We see it commonly true of most Men, that they will easily follow the examples of Kings and Potentates what way soever they go; speci∣ally if Law and Penalties compel them to it. Hereby were the Religions of the Pagans, and of Mahumet propagated. But they that first taught the Christian Religion not only wan∣ted all civil power and authority, but were of mean condition, no better than poor Fisher∣men, Weavers, and the like. Yet by such Mens pains and industry, that doctrine, within the space of Thirty Years, or thereabouts, was published not only thorowout all the parts of the Roman Empire, but also among the Parthians and remote Indians.

Nor was it thus only in the beginning; but for almost three whole Ages together, this Religion was so promoted by the endea∣vours of private Men; without any threat∣nings; without any worldly thing to invite

Men to it; yea, against the will and the most violent opposition of those who then had the Imperial Power; that before Constantine professed Christianity, this was become, very near, the greatest part of the Roman World.

Amongst the Grecians that taught morality, divers there were that commended themselves also very much by their skill in other Arts. As the Platonists were famous for the study of Geometry, the Peripateticks for the History of Plants and living Creatures, the Stoicks for Logical subtilty, the Pythagoreans for knowledge of numbers and harmony: many also were admirable for eloquence, as Xeno∣phon, Plato, and Theophrastus. But the first Doctors and Teachers of Christianity were en∣dued with no such art, but used the plainest language, without inticing words; only after a bare manner or naked form of speech pro∣nouncing their precepts, promises, and threat∣nings. Which having no efficacy in themselves proportionable to such a progress as Christi∣anity made, we must needs confess, it was either attended by Miracles, or by God's secret po∣wer assisting the business, or both together.