68. So sacred was one’s plighted word
held in those days that no one would believe that others could try to
deceive. Who could find fault with the saints in this, namely,
that they should consider others to have the same feelings as
themselves, and suppose no one would lie because truth was their own
companion? They know not what deceit is, they gladly believe of
others what they themselves are, whilst they cannot suspect others to
be what they themselves are not. Hence Solomon says:
“An innocent man believeth every word.” Prov. xiv. 15. We must not blame his readiness to
believe, but should rather praise his goodness. To know nothing
of aught that may injure another, this is to be innocent. And
although he is cheated by another, still he thinks well of all, for he
thinks there is good faith in all.