The works of George Swinnock, M.A

In regard of its quality; Put not bad ware for good into any mans hand. God can see the rottenness of thy stuffs and heart too, under thy false glosses, and for all thy false lights. Thou sayest, Caveat emptor, Let the buyer beware; but God saith, Caveat venditor, Let the seller be careful that he keep a good conscience. To sell men what is full of flaws and defective, for what is sound and sufficient, will make a greater flaw in thy conscience then thou art aware of; If thou partest with thy goods and thy honesty together, though for a great sum, thou wilt be but a poor gainer. Thou wilt ask possibly whither every man be bound to reveal the faults of what he selleth, supposing that he knoweth them. I Answer, that every man is bound, either to discover them, or else to take no more for his wares or beasts then they are worth (at a Market-price) with those defects. Its clear, that ⟨p. 23⟩its sinful to use tricks and arts to hide those faults from the eyes of the Chapman; for such deeds are done purposely to deceive. I would also know Reader, whether thou dealest herein, as thou wouldst willingly be dealt with; Wouldst thou be glad to pay double, or half as much more as a commodity is worth?

In regard of its quality; Put not bad ware for good into any mans hand. God can see the rottenness of thy stuffs and heart too, under thy false glosses, and for all thy false lights. Thou sayst, Caveat emptor, Let the buyer beware; but God saith, Caveat venditor, Let the seller be careful that he keep a good conscience. To sell men what is full of flaws and defective, for what is sound and sufficient, will make a greater flaw in thy conscience then thou art aware of; If thou partest with thy goods and thy honesty together, though for a great sum, thou wilt be but a poor gainer. Thou wilt ask possibly whither every man be bound to reveal the faults of what he selleth, supposing that he knoweth them. I Answer, that every man is bound, either to discover them, or else to take no more for his wares or beasts then they are worth (at a Market-price) with those defects. Its clear, that ⟨p. 23⟩its sinful to use tricks and arts to hide those faults from the eyes of the Chapman; for such deeds are done purposely to deceive. I would also know Reader, whether thou dealest herein, as thou wouldst willingly be dealt with; Wouldst thou be glad to pay double, or half as much more as a commodity is worth?