The law unsealed

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.

If we abstract from the word, and consider the thing in it self, viz. if it be lawful for the meer 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 extreams 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-childrens means committed to them; may not that