A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

But as to us, and all other people, to whom the Lord hath not so commanded, and who are clearly under another ⟨p. 431⟩polity, and in many other different circumstances, I do not see why this loaning for profit in a righteous and equitable manner, should be accounted prohibit, and because that loaning of money for profit, and taking of profit for money in other forms of bargaining, are of their own nature very like, and by use much confounded: We shall speak to both, what may be pertinent and edifying, without observing any more curious then useful distinctions; and it is known that the Schoolmen from equity grant, that in some cases a man may make gain by lending his money; As 1. when it is lucrum cessans to him, that is, when by such a loan he prejudgeth himself of some benefit he might make by it; 2. When there is damnum emergens, or any loss accresseth to him by it; Or 3. when his money proveth so much more useful at such a time to such a person, but it is to be estimate according to its present circumstantiate case; 4. They suppose one to advance the money before he actually receive the thing which he hath bought or purchased, and in that case they allow that the seller, in respect of his retention of the fruits, get a smaller price, and less advantage; or suppose the seller to lye out of his money so long after delivery of the thing sold, and they allow him to take the more; and what is that, but taking so much for want of their money? Again, some of them dispute, tha • though money in it self be not apt to increase (which is their great argument) yet considered as the instrument of trade and mean of negotiation, it is as apt to increase more money, as corn sown is to grow to a greater increase.

4. It is not for naught that our Lord useth the parable of the talents, wherein certainly he intendeth no unlawful way of trading, but that which was commendable in its proper circumstances.