A26892:8799
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1. If it be your own fault that you are mistaken, you are not wholly freed from the obligation: But if it was your gross fault; by negligence or vice, you are not at all freed: But if it were but such a frailty as almost all men are liable to, so that none but a person of extraordinary virtue or diligence could have avoided the mistake, then equity will proportionably make you an abatement or free you from the obligation. So far as you were obliged to understand the matter, so far you are obliged by the contract; especially when another is a loser by your error.
1. If it be your own fault that you are mistaken, you are not wholly freed from the obligation: But if it was your gross fault; by negligence or vice, you are not at all freed: But if it were but such a frailty as almost all men are lyable to, so that none but a person of extraordinary virtue or diligence could have avoided the mistake, then equity will proportionably make you an abatement or free you from the obligation. So far as you were obliged to understand the matter, so far you are obliged by the contract; especially when another is a loser by your error.
2. An inculpable error about the circumstances, or smaller parts, will not free you from an obligation in the principal matter: But an inculpable error in the essentials will.
3. Except when the Law of the Land or the common good, doth otherwise over-rule the case: For then you may be obliged by that accident. In divers cases the Rulers may judge it necessary, that the effect of the contract shall depend upon the bare words, or writings, or actions; lest false pretences of misunderstanding should exempt deceitful persons from their obligations; and nothing should be a security to contractors. And then mens private commodity must give place, to the Law and to the public good.