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

100 Promises.
pends ~o~ t~_e ~~p_cdatio1ZJ w4ich we kU0wing}y _~l]~
-v~~iit~ _c:xc!~. Consequently, any action or
~ conduct toward) anoth~r, \vhich we are sensible exl
cites expecta clons in that other, is as much a promise,
Jand creates as stri~t an obl~gation, as th~ most expr.~ss
I assurances. Taking, for Instance, a lansman's ChIld,
and educating him for a liberal profession, or in a
manner suitable only for the heir of a large fortune,
as much obliges us to place him in that prof~ssion,
or to leave him such a fortune, as if we had given
him a promise to do so under our hands and seals.
In like manner, a great man, who encourz.ges an indigent
retainer; or a minj~ter o( state, who distinguishes
and caresses at his levee, one who is in a situ c
ation to be obliged by his patronage, engages by
f.uch behaviour, to provide for him.
1'his is the
foundation of lag! pro1Jlis~.
You may either simply declare your present intention,
o!" you may accompany your declar.ltion with
an zngagement to abide· by it, which constitutes a
fQ...mplete .ero~e. In the first case, the duty is sat~
. isfied, jf you were sincere, that is) if you ente,'tained
at the time the intention you expressed, however
soon or for whatever reason, you afterwards change
it. In the latter case, you have parted with the lib ...
I erty of changing. All this is plain; but it must be
t()bserved, that mo~t of those form~ of speech, which
strictly taken, amoant to no more than declarations
\of present intention, do yet, in the usual way of un,·
':derstanding them, e;dte th~ ex.pectCltion~_~ncL there­
Ifore carry with them the force of absolute promises..
JSuch as, "I intend you this place." "I design to
leave you this estate." "I purpo~e
giving you my
vote." "I mean to serve you." In which although
the "intention," the!.' dEsign," the '( purpose," the
"me .. ning," b~ expressed in words of the present
time, yet you cannot afterwards recede from them,
without a breach of good faith. If you choose there ..
, fore to make known your I ·resent intention, and
fyet to reserve to yourself the liberty of changing it,