25853. This would be to avoid arrest. The liberty of St. Peter would perhaps be the precincts of Westminster Abbey, that of St. Martin might be the Church of St. Martin in the Fields: but perhaps no definite reference is intended. He takes advantage of the sanctuary to make terms with his creditors.
25887. Ecclus. xiii. 24 (30), ‘Bona est substantia cui non est peccatum in conscientia.’
25898. Matt. xvi. 26.
25975 f. The author returns to the observation made at the beginning of his remarks on the estate of Merchants, that the calling is honourable, though some may pursue it in a dishonest manner.
26019. Cp. Vox Clam. v. 777 f.,
‘Fraus manet in doleo, trahit et vult vendere vinum,
Sepeque de veteri conficit ipsa novum.’
26112. maisq’elles soient lieres, ‘even though they should be robbers’ (of their husbands): maisque can hardly have here its usual meaning ‘provided that’; cp. 26927.
26120. brusch. The occurrence of this word here in a connexion which leaves no doubt of its identity is worth remark: see New Engl. Dict. under ‘brusque,’ ‘brisk,’ ‘brussly.’
26130. au sojour, ‘at their ease’ in their tavern: ‘sojour’ means properly ‘stay’ in a place, hence ‘rest’ or ‘refreshment’: cp. the uses of the verb ‘sojourner.’