William Penn. (1644–1718). Fruits of Solitude.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
Promising
186. Rarely Promise: But, if Lawful, constantly perform.
187. Hasty Resolutions are of the Nature of Vows; and to be equally avoided.
188. I will never do this, says one, yet does it: I am resolved to do this, says another; but flags upon second Thoughts: Or does it, tho’ awkwardly, for his Word’s sake: As if it were worse to break his Word, than to do amiss in keeping it.
189. Wear none of thine own Chains; but keep free, whilst thou art free.
190. It is an Effect of Passion that Wisdom corrects, to lay thy self under Resolutions that cannot be well made, and must be worse performed.