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

1. So money which was ordained to be the¹ price of all wares, and the measure of all bargains, is made a ware, contrary to the nature of it. For Quod est medium venditionis, non potest esse terminus. Kockermans distinction therefore of 1 Mensura acqu•rendi: and 2. Modus acquirendi, ⟨p. 42⟩is idle, & petitio principij: A begging of the thing in question. For the question is whether money may be a modus acquirendi.

1. So money which was ordained to bee the¹ price of all wares, and the measure of all bargaines, is made a ware, contrary to the nature of it. For Quod est medium venditionis, non potest esse terminus. Kockermans distinction therefore of 1 Mensura acqu•rendi: and 2. Modus acquirendi, ⟨p. 42⟩is idle, & petitio principij: A begging of the thing in question. For the question is whether money may be a modus acquirendi.

1. 1Answ.

2. The Rule holds in buying and selling, but not in Acts of Charity; therein it is no good Rule. Thou bidst, for the purpose, thy poor neighbours to dinner: This is money worth, for it cost thee money, and saveth them money at home: yet Thou wilt not set a price upon it. Why? because it is a work of charity. Thou bidst thy rich neighbour sometimes; that which He eateth is worth money: yet thou wilt take none, but think foul scorn it should be offered. Why? because it is an Act of kindness, of neighbour-hood, of friendship. These things may not be bought or sold, the nature of them is to be free. Lending is a work of mercy to the poor, of kindness to thy neighbour, and therefore is ever fee. It is an unjust thing to sell charity, or friendship, as it is to sell justice: both are naught; this is bribery, and that is Usury.