The law unsealed

It now remaineth that we should speak somewhat of Usury; concerning which, as there are many words spent in dispute, so no question there are many sins in practise; by custom the name of Usury is become odious, and may be taken for unlawful gain, gotten by the mere loan of money, and in that case the Scripture being so clear, there is no place left for questioning of its sinfulness.

It now remaineth that we should speak somewhat of Usury; concerning which, as there are many words spent in dispute, so no question there are many sins in practise; by custom the name of Usury is become odious, and may be taken for unlawful gain, gotten by the meer loan of money, and in that case the Scripture being so clear, there is no place left for questioning of its sinfulness.

If we abstract from the word, and consider the thing in it self, viz. if it be lawful for the mere loan of money to compact for some advantage, it will be another question: And here indeed, in respect of mens corruptions, who can keep no bounds, there is great hazard of miscarrying; yet we conceive, in answer to it, there are two extremes to be shunned, so that we can neither say that simply it is lawful in all cases, nor simply inlawful: Not simply lawful, because there is some such sin committed, directly condemned in the Law, Exod. 22. 25. Deut. 23. 19. Nor simply unlawful, so as in no case it is to be allowed; for suppose one that is unable to labour, have only some money, and no land or other visible estate; or suppose men to have Orphan-children's means committed to them; may not that ⟨p. 258⟩person, or the tutors of these children lend the money to such as are in ••pacity to make gain by it, and receive some proportionable advantage for the lo•n o• it, we conceive no ground can altogether con it as contrary either to the roles of equity or charity.