Of the lawful and unlawful usury ammo[n]gest Christians, addedOf the lawful and vnlawful vsurie amo[n]gest Christians, added

For it is plain cruelness, to seek ⟨image 27⟩after lucre, out of the labours, and calamities of the poor. Wherefore this usury, of the which we shall speak now, differeth much from that, which by no means can be tolerable. Howbeit, in the mean season it is not too be supposed, that there is nothing, which can be reproved in the usury of rich men. For the righteousness of a christen man doth not rest in that he doth burden no man in any bargain or business. Wherefore we must see, which be the circumstances of this usury, for the which it may not be commended.

For it is playn cruelnes, to seke ⟨image 27⟩after lukar, out of the labors, and calamites of the poore. Wherfore this vsurie, of the whiche we shall speake now, differeth muche from that, which by no meanes can bee tollerable. Howbeit, in the mean season it is not too be supposed, yt there is nothing, whiche can be reproued in the vsurie of ryche men. For the righteousnes of a christen man doth not rest in that he doth burden no man in any bargayn or busines. Wherefore we muste se, whiche be the circūstances of this vsurie, for the which it may not be commended.

First, this I suppose is sure: that there is in both, as well in hi• that giveth, as in him that taketh usury, a respect of private profit. For neither the one for brotherly love lendeth out his money unto a rich merchant, but for too receive of ⟨image 27⟩it yearly or monthly gain: nor the other is so ready to give usury, that he would give it, if he could keep it with his own advantage. For as he sayeth: The love of money groweth as much, as the money it self groweth. Notwithstā ding he giveth usury without wrangling, lest that he should be forced too restore the whole stock, or to be noted of evil credit.