A short and private discourse between Mr. Bolton and one M.S. concerning usury. PublishedA short and priuate discourse betweene Mr. Bolton and one M.S. concerning vsury. Published

GODS Law did ever intend, that men¹ should lend One unto an other: In charity to the poor; In friendship to their equals, to receive the like courtesy again. Which Duty, if men would perform, there were no necessity of Usury.

GODS Law did ever intend, that men¹ should lend One unto an other: In charity to the poore; In friendship to their equals, to receive the like curtesie againe. Which Duty, if men would performe, there were no necessity of Usury.

1. 1Luke •. 34. [Greek or Hebrew].Luke •. 34. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉.

5. It may be, without taking up money of the Usurer, the Tradesman cannot live in that bravery, and fashion, nor drive His Trade to that height, nor purchase so much land, keep such a Port, and state, &c. But let Him know, that it is a thousand times more comfortable to carry a lower sail, to content Himself with moderate and lawful means of getting, to keep a good conscience; then to enrich Himself by such practises, as be either forbidden, or doubtful. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, ¹then great treasure with trouble; trouble of conscience, at the hour of death. Whosoever layeth this for his ground; that He will be rich: worth so many hundreds within such a time, &c. must needs ensnare His conscience with many necessary evils, whereof Usury is one. For they that will be rich, saith the Apostle, fall into temptations ²