¶ The Preface.

¶ The Preface.

Amongest other evils of this present time, also pestilent usury is so far grown and towards the vengeance of God, that I may think it altogether in vain too speak any thing against it, yea, though it were spoken with much earnestness, and singular endeavour.

AMōgest other euils of this present tyme, also pestilente vsurie is soo farre growen and towardes the vengeance of God, that I maye thincke it altogether in vaine too speake any thinge agaynst it, yea, though it were spoken with much earnestnes, and singular endeuer.

For we have known by experience, that this evil did then specially increase, when as in our time it began to be openly blazed & reproved by the preachings & writings of godly learned men: that almost even as the disease of the Canker, after cutting groweth & spreadeth more hurtfully than afore so after just and deserved reproving ⟨image 3⟩is this become uncurable and most noisome.

For we haue knowen by experience, that this euill did then specially encrease, whē as in our time it began to be openly blased & reproued by the preachinges & writinges of godly learned men: that almoost euen as the disease of the Canker, after cuttinge groweth & spredeth more hurtfulli thā afore so after iuste and deserued reprouinge ⟨image 3⟩is thys becomen vncurable and moost noisome.

Wherefore I might well be thought to loose my labour, and as it is said by a proverb, to wash tile stones, if I were not bounden by promise, and forced by letters of my brethren.