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. Widow-hood, and Fatherlessness, in respect of the former state of having Husband and Parents, are a state of Humiliation, for the outward condition of this life: But by this unhappy Trade of Usury, they are made a state of exaltation. For whereas, in the days of Husband and Parents, their stock by honest, and lawful negotiation, was subject unto manifold ⟨p. 50⟩perils; and by peril unto great, and daily losses: The practise of Usury now, doth provide by sufficient Bonds against all these, with great increase of gain: bonds so sufficient, and absolute, that except GOD dissolve them beyond all expectation, they are strongly secured against any disaster, or danger. So against GODS Ordinance, and intention, labour to turn a cross into Blessing.

5. Widow-hood, and Fatherlesnesse, in respect of the former state of having Husband and Parents, are a state of Humiliation, for the outward condition of this life: But by this unhappy Trade of Vsury, they are made a state of exaltation. For whereas, in the daies of Husband and Parents, their stocke by honest, and lawfull negotiation, was subject unto manifold ⟨p. 50⟩perills; and by perill unto great, and daily losses: The practise of Vsury now, doth provide by sufficient Bonds against all these, with great increase of gaine: bonds so sufficient, and absolute, that except GOD dissolve them beyond all expectation, they are strongly secured against any disaster, or danger. So against GODS Ordinance, and intention, labour to turne a crosse into Blessing.

6. The LORD hath vouchsafed to Orphans, and Widows a singular privilege of many very gracious promises peculiarly made unto them: ^*let them therefore, or their friends for them, depend upon the gracious providence, and promises of GOD, in the use of lawful means: let them employ their goods in some honest Trade, or negotiation, wherein they have as good cause to expect a blessing from GOD, as any other; Or let them deal by partnership: or by annuities for their lives; or purchase Lands, or Rents for ever; Or let some other honest course be taken, which wise men can easily devise, if they list, and were as hearty for GODS glory, as earthly gain. And let not children be tainted and maintained with the contagious, and insinuating sin of Usury.