91 - 144,) Justinian, (l. ii. tit. x. - xxv.,) and Theophilus,

16. 328 - 514;) and the immense detail occupies twelve books

28. - xxxix.) of the Pandects.]
    3. The general duties of mankind are imposed by their

public and private relations

but their specific obligations to each other can only be the effect of, 1. a promise, 2. a benefit,

or 3. an injury

and when these obligations are ratified by law, the interested party may compel the performance by a judicial action. On this principle, the civilians of every country have erected a similar jurisprudence, the fair conclusion of universal reason and justice. ^158

[Footnote 158: The Institutes of Caius, (l. ii. tit. ix. x. p. 144 - 214,) of Justinian, (l. iii. tit. xiv. - xxx. l. iv. tit.

1. - vi.,) and of Theophilus, (p. 616 - 837,) distinguish four sorts of obligations - aut re, aut verbis, aut literis aut

consensu: but I confess myself partial to my own division.

Note: It is not at all applicable to the Roman system of

contracts, even if I were allowed to be good. - M.]

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