rotius and he had
imparted their thoughts to each other before the voyage to England: for
Casaubon congratulates him, January 8, 1612, on his desiring nothing but
peace and a coalition; and communicated Grotius' sentiments to King
James; who approved of them. This shews that Grotius thought it was
wrong to depart from the discipline and forms of the ancient church:
Casaubon was of the same mind; and his Letter to M. de Thou is a
demonstrative proof that these two excellent men did not differ in
matters of Religion. "I esteem him highly, says he[66], on account of
his other great qualities; for he judges of the modern subjects of
religious controversy like a learned and good man; and in his veneration
for antiquity agrees with the wisest."

The last Letter which we have from Casaubon to Grotius comprehends all
these sentiments in few words[67]: "I heartily pray God to preserve you
ever: and as long as I live, I shall hold you in the highest esteem, so
much am I taken with your piety, your probity, and your admirable
learning."

FOOTNOTES:

[62] Ep. 1168. p. 530.

[63] Ep. 883 p. 531.

[64] Ep. Grotii 610.

[65] Ep. Grotii 613.

[66] Ep. 531.

[67] Ep. 890.

XXIV. After his return from England, Grotius happened to be one day at
the Assembly of the States of Holland and West-Friesland when an affair
of consequence was under consideration. The States had granted
commissions to several Privateers, some of which made depredations on
the friends of the Republic, and, afterwards quitting the country,
scowered the seas, refusing to return though summoned. Some people of
Pomerania who had been ill used by these Corsairs, applied to the States
for redress. The Question therefore was, Whether the States were
answerable for the act of those privateers, either as having employed
bad men in their service, or neglected to require security from them on
giving them commissions. Grotius' advice being asked, his opinion was,
that the States were only bound to punish the offenders, or deliver them
up, if taken; and, for the rest, to make satisfaction to the sufferers
out of the effects of the pirates. We learn from himself on what he
grounded his opinion[68]. The States, said he, were not the cause of
those unjust practices, nor had any part in them: so far from it they
have prohibited, by express ordonnances, the injuring of our friends.
They were not obliged to ask security from the privateers, since,
without granting form