The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

IV. Rich men may and ought to express their charity, by forgiving a debt, in case the borrower be not able to repay it

There be many who by the help of that which is lent them, God blessing their pains in the employment thereof, are able to repay what is lent. If there were not hope thereof, men would rather give than lend to such.

There be many who by the help of that which is lent them, God blessing their pains in the imployment thereof, are able to repay what is lent. If there were not hope thereof, men would rather give than lend to such.

But there are others, who, notwithstanding their care and pains in their Calling, thrive not; or by some accident suffer such loss and damage, as they are not able to repay what they have borrowed. In such cases Creditors are bound to forgive (at least to forbear) their debtors.¹ This is the intendment of that charge, Lend hoping for nothing again. To take this phrase simply, is to alter the nature of lending, and to turn it into giving. Herein lieth the difference betwixt lending and giving. Lending is on condition to have again that which is lent, or at least the worth of it some other way: Giving is free, without any such condition. That advice of Christ, to lend hoping for nothing again, hath respect to the mind of the lender, that he should not have his mind wholly and only upon the repaying of what he lendeth; but on the need of his Brother. He is not simply to lend, because he is persuaded he shall lose nothing, but have his own again. He is to lend, because he doth therein great kindness to his Brother, who stands in much need thereof.