PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

Promises. 105
their obligation; for,· as information would not hav~ :
been imparted upon any other condition, the public \
lose nothing by the promise, which they would have I
gained without it.
s. Promises are not binding, w~!re th~ c~1Ltra·
diet a fo~~.r 'prO'inISe. - -- - ~ - . .
Because the performance is then un lawful, which
resolves this case into the last.
4. P~o!!!!ses are Il~t.._bi~dj~ b~t~ f:\~el!tCl!!~e.-;.
that is, before-~of!f~. ghren_.tQ. Jb~-R!0~ fbr,
where the eromise is beneficial, if notice be given, a::Ci
ceptance may be presumed. Until the promise b~
communicated to the promisee, it is the same omy
as a resolution in the mind of the promisel', wnich
m.ay be altered at p leasure. For no eXpectat!{ll'J. has
been excited, therefore none can ~e disappoint~d.
But suppose I declare my intention. to a rhircl, pe#· ,
son, who, without any authority from liie~
coiiveys'
my declaration to the promisee; is that sitcti a: iiotiCe
as will be binding upon me r It certainly is- riOt.: for,
I have not done that which constitutes the essence 0
a promise-lhave not 'lJolunta'rily excited expee:ration.
5. Promises are.n~~~bindillg which~!e rele~sedb
thej!fQiiikee..-::.-' 1 ~ . .
This is evident; but it may be sojktiriies doubt:"
ed who is the promisee. If I give,a {irolfi;ise to .A, of
a place or vote for B; as to a father for his son; to
an uncle for his nephew; to a friend of ~in:e,. for a
relation or friend of his; then A is. the ,promisee;·
whose consent I must obtain, to "be releas"ed from the·
ellgagement. _ #.
If I promise a place or vote to' B by A, that,.is,tt
A be a messenger to convey the promise, as if -I should
say, " you may tell B, that he shaH have" tIiisplace,
or may. depend up~n my vote;" or if A' be:~ploy~
ed to mt~odu~e, B s request, .. a~d
I. ans.w~~, In ~ny
terms whIch amount to a comphance wIth' It; then
B is the promisee. . . ; ,
; Promises to one person, for the benefif·ofmoiWer, (
rre not released by the death of the prorliiSee. For /