A26892:8801
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.
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.
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 publick good.
4. Natural infirmities must be numbered with faults, though they be not moral vices, as to the contracting of an obligation, if they be in a person capable of contracting. As if you have some special defect of memory, or ignorance of the matter which you are about! Another who is no way faulty by over-reaching you, must not be a loser by your weakness. For he that cometh to the market, or contracteth with another who knoweth not his infirmity, is to be supposed to understand what he doth, unless the contrary be manifest: You should not meddle with matters which you understand not: Or if you do, you must be content to be a loser by your weakness.
5. Yet in such cases, another that hath gained by the bargain, may be obliged by the Laws of equity and charity, to remit the gain, and not to take advantage of your weakness: But he may so far hold you to it, as to secure himself from loss: except in cases where you become the object of his Charity, and not of Commutative Justice only.