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. XII. Or things contrary to Reason.

NEITHER are they to be more regar∣ded, who say that some doctrines are comprised in these Books which are disagree∣ing to right reason: For this is confuted first by such a vast multitude of Men who wanted no wit, learning or wisdom, as have follow∣ed the authority of these Books, ever since the first times. And then all those things which were shown in the first Book to be con∣sonant to right reason; for instance, that there is one God, who alone is absolutely perfect, infinite in virtue, life, wisdom, and goodness, of whom all things that have any being were made: whose care and providence reacheth over all his works, especially unto Men; and who can after this life bountifully reward all them that obey him: and that we ought to bridle our sensual appetites: that amongst Men there is kinred and alliance, and there∣fore they ought to love one another with sin∣cere affection: All these you shall find most plainly delivered in these Books. But to as∣sert any thing for certain beyond these, either about the nature of God, or about his will, by the mere conduct of humane reason, the

contrary resolutions, not only of the Schools among themselves, but of particular Philoso∣phers, may teach us how unsafe and fallacious it is.

And it is no marvel: for if Men do so far disagree in their opinions, when they dispute about the nature of their own Soul, then they must needs much more dissent, when they go about to determine any thing not revealed concerning the highest mind, and the most su∣preme Spirit which so far transcends our weak apprehension. If (as prudent Men are wont to say) to enquire into the Counsels of Kings be dangerous, and not to be attempted or at∣tained by us; who then is there so sagacious, that he should hope to be able by his own con∣jecture to find out what God's will is in those things, which he may will freely as he pleases? Wherefore Plato said very well, that none of these hidden mysteries could be known without an Oracle. Now there can no Oracle be proved to be an Oracle indeed by any clea∣rer testimonies than those that are contained in the said Books of the new covenant. It is so far from being proved, that it is not so much as asserted, that God did ever reveal any thing to Men concerning his nature, which was repugnant to these Books: nor can there any later signification of his will, which is cre∣dible, be produced. For if there was any thing otherwise commanded or permitted be∣fore

the times of Christ, in such matters as are either plainly indifferent, or not at all in themselves due, nor plainly dishonest, it makes nothing against these Books; since that in such matters the later Laws annul the former.