The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

7. There are some things allowed in common intercourse, which are so rigorous, that they are hardly just, which are rather tolerable than commendable. I will give one instance instead of many; A man hath a small piece of ground lying within another mans estate, he is willing to sell, but requires (possibly) forty or sixty years purchase, or more, according to the particular appetite of the purchaser; This seems not to be so agreeable to this great Rule of equity; I deny not but some advantage may be made in this case, and I will not set any peremptory limits; I shall only say this in general, we should set a moderate value upon another mans appetite and convenience.

7. There are some things allowed in common intercourse, which are so rigorous, that they are hardly just, which are rather tollerable than commendable. I will give one instance instead of many; A man hath a small peece of ground lying within another mans estate, hee is willing to sell, but requires (possibly) forty or sixty years purchase, or more, according to the particular appetite of the purchaser; This seems not to be so agreeable to this great Rule of equity; I deny not but some advantage may be made in this case, and I will not set any peremptory limits; I shall only say this in general, wee should set a moderate value upon another mans appetite and convenience.

8. It is to be feared, that something very like unrighteousness is woven into the mystery of most Trades. And like Phidias his image in Minerva's shield, cannon be defaced without the ruin of it. I think this is not a groundless jealousy, but the confession and complaint of the most knowing and understanding persons in humane affair. I shall instance only in the slightness of work, the embasing of commodities, and setting them off by indirect advantages. I can only bewail this, for unless the world could generally be convinced of this, it is not like to be amended. Perfection is not to be looked for in this imperfect state, we must be content if things are passable.

8. It is to bee feared, that something very like unrighteousness is woven into the mystery of most Trades. And like Phideas his image in Minerva's shield, cannon be defaced without the ruine of it. I think this is not a groundless jealousie, but the confession and complaint of the most knowing and understanding persons in humane affair. I shall instance only in the sleightness of work, the imbasing of commodities, and setting them off by indirect advantages. I can only bewail this, for unless the world could generally be convinced of this, it is not like to be amended. Perfection is not to be looked for in this imperfect state, wee must be content if things are passable.