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

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 ²and snares, which drown men in perdition, and destruction.

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, keepe such a Port, and state, &c. But let Him know, that it is a thousand times more comfortable to carrie a lower saile, to content Himselfe with moderate and lawfull meanes of getting, to keepe a good conscience; then to inrich Himselfe by such practises, as be either forbidden, or doubtfull. Better is a little with the feare of the Lord, ¹then great treasure with trouble; trouble of conscience, at the houre of death. Whosoever laieth 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 evills, whereof Usury is one. For they that will be rich, saith the Apostle, fall into temptations ²and snares, which drowne men in perdition, and destruction.

1. 1Pro. 15. 16.
2. 2