Full Idea
He that performeth first in the case of a contract, is said to 'merit' that which he is to receive by the performance of the other, and he hath it as due.
Gist of Idea
The person who performs first in a contract is said to 'merit' the return, and is owed it
Source
Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan [1651], 1.14)
Book Reference
Hobbes,Thomas: 'Leviathan', ed/tr. Macpherson,C.B. [Penguin 1981], p.195