A26892:8971
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Part 4 › Chapter 19 › Section 4: Tit. 4. Cases of Conscience about Lending and Borrowing.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
§. 21. 3. And that the Law of Nature doth not forbid all Usury, will appear by examining the several parts of it. The Law of Nature forbiddeth but three sorts of sins; 1. Those that are against Piety to God: 2. Those that are against our own welfare. 3. Those that are against our Neighbours good: And that is, 1. Against Justice: 2. Against Charity. There is none that falleth not under •ome of these heads.
§. 21. 3. And that the Law of Nature doth not forbid all Usury, will appear by examining the several parts of it. The Law of Nature forbiddeth but three sorts of sins; 1. Those that are against Piety to God: 2. Those that are against our own welfare. 3. Those that are against our Neighbours good: And that is, 1. Against Iustice: 2. Against Charity. There is none that falleth not under •ome of these heads.
1. And that Usury is not naturally evil as against Piety to God, 2. Or as against our selves, and our own welfare, I need not prove, because no reason nor reasonable person doth lay any such accusation against it. Though they that think it absolutely unlawful, say that it is consequently against God, as every violation of his Law is. But that's nothing to the case.
1. And that Usury is not naturally evil as against Piety to God, 2. Or as against our selves, and our own welfare, I need not prove, because no reason nor reasonable person doth lay any such accusation against it. Though they that think it absolutely unlawful, say that it is consequently against God, as every violation of his Law is. But thats nothing to the case.
3. Therefore there is no doubt but the whole controversy is resolved into this last question, Whether all Usury be against Justice or Charity to our neighbour. Justice obligeth me to give him his own: Charity obligeth me to give him more than his own, in certain cases; as one that love him as my self. That which is not against Justice, may be against Charity: But that which is against Charity, is not always against Justice strictly taken. And that which is an act of true Charity, is never against Justice: Because he that giveth his neighbour more than his own, doth give him his own and more. There is a Usury which is against Justice and Charity. There is a Usury which is against Charity, but not against mere Justice: And there is an Usury which is against neither Justice nor Charity. If I prove it Charitable, it is superfluous to say more.