make_v so_o sufficient_a a_o comment_n upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n concern_v usury_n as_o a_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o modesty_n will_v not_o easy_o gainsay_v 6._o but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o large_a field_n to_o walk_v in_o for_o this_o be_v a_o question_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o be_v not_o only_o determinable_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n but_o also_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n those_o maxim_n and_o principle_n of_o common_a equity_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n those_o student_n of_o nature_n therefore_o the_o philosopher_n may_v of_o right_a challenge_n a_o voice_n in_o this_o business_n and_o because_o the_o experience_n and_o practife_n of_o state_n and_o commonwealth_n do_v add_v much_o to_o the_o twilight_n of_o nature_n especial_o in_o these_o matter_n of_o negotiation_n and_o commerce_n between_o man_n and_o man_n it_o will_v not_o be_v much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o observe_v by_o the_o way_n what_o such_o writer_n have_v observe_v in_o their_o politike_n for_o the_o public_a good_a which_o in_o this_o point_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v observe_v even_o for_o conscience_n sake_n 7._o last_o of_o all_o because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o better_a rule_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o the_o search_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o lawful_a in_o a_o well_o govern_v estate_n than_o those_o wholesome_a law_n which_o have_v be_v establish_v upon_o sage_a advice_n and_o deliberation_n out_o of_o long_a experience_n and_o the_o receive_a ground_n of_o common_a equity_n it_o will_v be_v behooveful_a and_o material_a to_o listen_v a_o little_a to_o the_o canon_n and_o civil_a law_n which_o have_v govern_v so_o many_o nation_n both_o christian_n and_o heathen_a and_o final_o to_o return_v home_o and_o note_n though_o brief_o as_o become_v divine_n what_o the_o municipal_a or_o common_a law_n of_o this_o land_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v subject_a have_v decree_v concern_v this_o matter_n now_o if_o these_o authority_n shall_v join_v in_o one_o against_o usury_n they_o who_o shall_v oppose_v themselves_o in_o defence_n thereof_o have_v need_n to_o come_v well_o appoint_v with_o strong_a argument_n and_o sound_a reason_n or_o else_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v hardly_o believe_v they_o chap._n ii_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n if_o we_o take_v our_o saviour_n christ_n his_o division_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o make_v to_o his_o disciple_n go_v to_o emmaus_n into_o 44._o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n these_o be_v all_o three_o against_o usury_n moses_n write_v five_o book_n two_o of_o history_n and_o three_o of_o law_n in_o every_o one_o of_o his_o law-book_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_fw-la and_o deuteronomie_n there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n against_o usury_n exod._n 22._o 25._o if_o thou_o lend_v money_n to_o my_o people_n to_o the_o poor_a with_o thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v as_o a_o usurer_n unto_o he_o thou_o shall_v not_o oppress_v with_o usury_n levit._n 25._o 35._o if_o thy_o brother_n be_v impoverish_v or_o fall_v into_o decay_n with_o thou_o thou_o shall_v relieve_v he_o and_o as_o a_o stranger_n or_o a_o soiourner_n so_o shall_v he_o live_v with_o thou_o thou_o shall_v take_v no_o usury_n of_o he_o nor_o vantage_n or_o more_o than_o thou_o give_v thou_o shall_v not_o give_v he_o thy_o money_n for_o usury_n nor_o lend_v he_o thy_o victual_n for_o increase_v deut._n 23._o 29._o thou_o shall_v not_o give_v to_o usury_n to_o thy_o brother_n as_o usury_n of_o money_n usury_n of_o meat_n usury_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v to_o usury_n unto_o a_o stranger_n thou_o may_v lend_v upon_o usury_n but_o thou_o shall_v not_o lend_v upon_o usury_n to_o thy_o brother_n that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n may_v bless_v thou_o thus_o far_o be_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v vehement_o urge_v by_o the_o prophet_n 12_o ezechiel_n by_o the_o 5_o psalmist_n and_o his_o son_n 8_o solomon_n against_o which_o law_n three_o exception_n have_v be_v devise_v §_o 2._o the_o first_o be_v verbal_a which_o we_o touch_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o book_n in_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o bite_a word_n neshec_n avoid_v the_o other_o word_n tarbith_n as_o if_o that_o will_v bite_v the_o cause_n this_o very_o be_v hard_a deal_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n join_v two_o word_n of_o purpose_n together_o both_o in_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n to_o make_v his_o meaning_n full_a that_o we_o shall_v press_v the_o one_o and_o leave_v the_o other_o when_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o forbid_v bite_a usury_n only_o in_o neshec_n but_o all_o increase_n in_o tarbith_n and_o marbith_n double_v the_o second_o from_o the_o same_o root_n as_o if_o he_o will_v set_v the_o emphasis_n purposely_o upon_o increase_n these_o will_v have_v it_o set_v upon_o neshec_n bite_v usury_n what_o be_v it_o then_o which_o they_o will_v so_o glad_o wring_v out_o of_o neshec_n forsooth_o that_o no_o usury_n be_v forbid_v in_o god_n law_n but_o only_o bite_a usury_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o bite_a usury_n but_o when_o it_o be_v feel_v and_o know_v to_o bite_v for_o we_o must_v give_v they_o that_o in_o beside_o or_o else_o they_o be_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o near_o alas_o good_a simple_a widow_n who_o be_v teach_v to_o live_v secure_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n upon_o usury_n can_v they_o tell_v when_o or_o who_o or_o how_o many_o their_o usury_n do_v bite_v nay_o can_v the_o wise_a usurer_n of_o they_o all_o tell_v for_o if_o the_o borrower_n be_v bite_v he_o have_v best_a to_o keep_v his_o own_o counsel_n and_o to_o set_v his_o best_a face_n upon_o it_o otherwise_o if_o the_o usurer_n do_v once_o smell_v he_o to_o be_v down_o the_o wind_n he_o shall_v seldom_o find_v they_o within_o can_v they_o tell_v when_o the_o commonweal_n be_v bite_v can_v they_o discern_v how_o many_o poor_a people_n shall_v pay_v a_o penny_n in_o the_o pound_n the_o dear_a for_o they_o and_o their_o fellow_n no_o no_o usury_n walk_v in_o the_o dark_a it_o bit_v few_o know_v when_o where_o or_o how_o only_o thus_o much_o in_o general_n we_o must_v needs_o know_v that_o the_o borrower_n upon_o usury_n can_v afford_v their_o ware_n so_o good_a cheap_a by_o nine_o or_o ten_o in_o the_o hundred_o as_o if_o their_o stock_n be_v free_a and_o yet_o must_v they_o needs_o sell_v as_o the_o market_n go_v therefore_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a number_n to_o raise_v the_o market_n to_o their_o price_n and_o so_o to_o cast_v the_o burden_n upon_o the_o people_n they_o themselves_o shall_v feel_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o to_o make_v this_o more_o plain_a by_o the_o most_o accustom_a and_o modederate_a usury_n of_o these_o time_n if_o money_n be_v lend_v to_o spend_v upon_o necessary_n there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o question_n make_v but_o the_o borrower_n be_v sore_o bite_v in_o pay_v usury_n when_o he_o have_v spend_v the_o principal_a if_o it_o be_v lend_v to_o lay_v out_o for_o gain_v then_o must_v the_o borrower_n first_o be_v sure_a of_o so_o much_o clear_a gain_n as_o will_v pay_v the_o use_n which_o be_v a_o reasonable_a gain_n of_o itself_o for_o the_o usurer_n of_o nine_o or_o ten_o in_o the_o hundred_o do_v live_v well_o of_o their_o trade_n and_o grow_v rich_a by_o it_o yea_o many_o honest_a tradesman_n will_v confess_v that_o if_o they_o can_v with_o their_o own_o free_a stock_n raise_v the_o like_a gain_n one_o time_n with_o another_o that_o the_o usurer_n do_v with_o his_o money_n and_o with_o the_o like_a security_n of_o the_o principal_a they_o will_v think_v they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a good_a market_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o care_n and_o travel_v this_o reasonable_a gain_n than_o must_v first_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o borrower_n to_o pay_v the_o usurer_n and_o over_o and_o above_o he_o must_v exceed_v this_o reasonable_a gain_n to_o maintain_v himself_o and_o his_o servant_n because_o this_o gain_n be_v none_o of_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o exceed_v then_o and_o that_o in_o some_o proportion_n he_o have_v lose_v his_o labour_n and_o shall_v feel_v himself_o sore_o bite_v if_o the_o borrower_n do_v exceed_v the_o usurer_n gain_n to_o maintain_v himself_o i_o demand_v then_o who_o pai_v this_o excessive_a gain_n over_o and_o above_o that_o reasonable_a gain_n of_o ten_o in_o the_o hundred_o who_o but_o the_o commonweal_n not_o so_o say_v the_o usurer_n for_o the_o borrower_n must_v sell_v as_o the_o market_n go_v it_o be_v very_o true_a therefore_o say_v i_o if_o he_o and_o his_o fellow_n be_v not_o able_a to_o raise_v the_o market_n to_o their_o own_o price_n they_o shall_v be_v loser_n if_o they_o can_v enhance_v it_o as_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o because_o
the_o law_n so_o that_o whosoever_o transgress_v the_o law_n transgress_v justice_n or_o charity_n though_o not_o all_o alike_o nor_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o evidence_n to_o be_v discern_v but_o some_o more_o obscure_o than_o other_o which_o thing_n beget_v so_o many_o difficult_a case_n of_o justice_n in_o law_n and_o of_o conscience_n in_o divinity_n among_o which_o this_o case_n of_o usury_n be_v not_o the_o least_o because_o the_o iniquity_n of_o it_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v discern_v as_o of_o theft_n and_o bare_a face_a robbery_n who_o malice_n and_o injustice_n do_v open_v itself_o to_o the_o first_o sight_n and_o that_o usury_n be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o inordinate_a and_o so_o consequent_o opposite_a to_o justice_n and_o charity_n both_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o express_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o those_o place_n but_o our_o present_a business_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o very_a text_n of_o scripture_n the_o write_a law_n of_o god_n their_o meaning_n then_o who_o will_v patronize_v usury_n be_v this_o that_o god_n express_a law_n against_o it_o be_v not_o moral_a bind_a christian_n but_o judicial_a or_o politic_a only_a frame_v peculiar_o for_o that_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o conceit_n likewise_o overthrow_v that_o former_a distinction_n of_o bite_a usury_n for_o if_o god_n in_o that_o law_n do_v forbid_v bite_v and_o oppress_a usury_n only_o then_o be_v that_o law_n moral_a bind_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n except_o they_o will_v muzzle_v the_o jew_n and_o give_v christian_n liberty_n to_o bite_v and_o oppress_v their_o brethren_n these_o groundless_a conceit_n be_v build_v likewise_o with_o untempered_a mortar_n they_o overthrow_v one_o another_o and_o themselves_o when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o consent_n of_o interpreter_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o question_n make_v but_o the_o law_n against_o usury_n be_v moral_a and_o as_o bind_v as_o may_v be_v look_v into_o the_o prophet_n and_o they_o ever_o combine_v this_o sin_n of_o usury_n with_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n with_o lie_v backbiting_a deceit_n wrong_v bribery_n psalm_n 15._o with_o idolatry_n oppression_n adultery_n cruelty_n unmercifulnesse_n to_o the_o poor_a bloodshed_n and_o murder_n ezek._n 18._o with_o the_o profanation_n of_o holy_a thing_n with_o the_o abomination_n of_o uncleanness_n with_o the_o unnatural_a sin_n of_o incest_n ezek._n 22._o usury_n say_v s._n 14._o basil_n be_v place_v among_o the_o great_a abomination_n all_o of_o they_o transgression_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o judicial_a and_o politic_a toleration_n annex_v unto_o this_o law_n 20._o that_o the_o lewes_z may_v take_v usury_n of_o stranger_n but_o that_o make_v not_o the_o law_n itself_o judicial_a but_o rather_o moral_a the_o jew_n have_v a_o divorce_n permit_v unto_o they_o 1._o in_o the_o same_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o next_o chapter_n and_o yet_o the_o 7._o commandment_n to_o which_o that_o belong_v be_v moral_a notwithstanding_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o jew_n may_v take_v usury_n of_o stranger_n which_o be_v a_o peculiar_a toleration_n for_o that_o nation_n yet_o the_o law_n against_o usury_n be_v moral_a of_o which_o peculiar_a permission_n there_o be_v special_a cause_n whether_o we_o take_v it_o for_o all_o stranger_n in_o general_a or_o for_o the_o canaanite_n and_o those_o who_o dwell_v among_o they_o in_o particular_a 1._o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o jew_n to_o exact_a usury_n of_o all_o stranger_n that_o be_v not_o jew_n that_o be_v permit_v of_o god_n as_o a_o wise_a lawgiver_n to_o prevent_v the_o great_a oppression_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o people_n for_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o have_v power_n to_o have_v make_v their_o part_n good_a with_o the_o wicked_a gentile_n the_o gentile_n will_v have_v eat_v up_o god_n people_n beside_o such_o be_v the_o hardness_n of_o jewish_a heart_n that_o if_o they_o may_v not_o have_v take_v usury_n of_o stranger_n they_o also_o will_v have_v make_v a_o pray_v even_o of_o their_o own_o brethren_n which_o toleration_n in_o civil_a respect_n may_v absolve_v the_o jew_n in_o the_o external_a court_n but_o not_o in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n no_o more_o than_o the_o toleration_n of_o divorce_n do_v dispense_v with_o that_o 5_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n before_o god_n 2._o if_o by_o stranger_n in_o that_o toleration_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o canaanite_n as_o 15._o s._n ambrose_n and_o 18._o hierome_n among_o the_o ancient_a junius_n and_o tremellius_n of_o latter_a time_n have_v expound_v it_o then_o be_v there_o a_o more_o special_a reason_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v devour_v they_o by_o piece_n meal_n who_o they_o can_v not_o overcome_v at_o once_o whereupon_o say_v s._n ambrose_n 15._o ab_fw-la hoc_fw-la usuram_fw-la exige_fw-la quem_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la crimen_fw-la occidere_fw-la thou_o may_v lawful_o take_v usury_n of_o he_o who_o thou_o may_v lawful_o kill_v now_o when_o the_o canaanite_n be_v once_o suppress_v we_o find_v all_o usury_n ever_o after_o simple_o forbid_v without_o any_o such_o limitation_n so_o the_o hebrew_n understand_v the_o 15._o psalm_n as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o jew_n in_o david_n time_n to_o take_v usury_n of_o any_o gentile_a which_o 15._o lyranus_fw-la report_v to_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o rabbi_n solomon_n and_o which_o 4._o p._n galatinus_n note_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rabbin_n in_o general_n to_o which_o assertion_n s._n hierome_n upon_o ezekiel_n subscribe_v ezek._n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o law_n usury_n be_v forbid_v towards_o thy_o brethren_n in_o this_o prophet_n towards_o all_o which_o special_a permission_n of_o lend_v to_o a_o stranger_n be_v it_o cananite_n or_o stranger_n in_o general_a which_o for_o the_o present_a conclusion_n i_o leave_v as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a do_v rather_o confirm_v that_o law_n whereto_o it_o belong_v to_o be_v moral_a then_o otherwise_o and_o so_o consequent_o usury_n to_o be_v simple_o unlawful_a for_o lawful_a thing_n have_v no_o need_n of_o permission_n last_o of_o all_o let_v that_o permission_n of_o lend_v to_o a_o stranger_n pass_v as_o nothing_o concern_v christian_n because_o the_o partition_n wall_n be_v take_v away_o we_o be_v all_o brethren_n and_o then_o the_o question_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n depend_v chief_o upon_o this_o point_n how_o far_o that_o law_n of_o moses_n against_o usury_n do_v bind_v the_o jew_n among_o themselves_o if_o all_o increase_n above_o the_o principal_a then_o be_v simple_o forbid_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v grant_v by_o they_o who_o make_v this_o exception_n i_o demand_v what_o warrant_v christian_n have_v in_o assume_v great_a liberty_n herein_o unto_o themselves_o than_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o jew_n our_o christian_a liberty_n i_o confess_v be_v much_o great_a than_o they_o be_v for_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v shadow_n of_o thing_n then_o to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v warrant_v us._n but_o for_o matter_n of_o equity_n and_o charity_n among_o brethren_n god_n do_v use_v more_o toleration_n and_o connivencie_n towards_o they_o than_o he_o do_v towards_o christian_n of_o right_n look_v for_o more_o fruit_n at_o our_o hand_n then_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o gospel_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o do_v enjoy_v if_o that_o usury_n alone_o which_o have_v a_o neshec_n or_o oppression_n in_o it_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o law_n as_o opposite_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n than_o be_v not_o that_o law_n judicial_a or_o peculiar_a for_o the_o jew_n but_o obligatorie_n and_o stand_v in_o as_o full_a force_n and_o virtue_n among_o christian_n as_o ever_o it_o do_v among_o they_o so_o that_o grant_v they_o whatsoever_o they_o will_v demand_v let_v they_o wind_v themselves_o which_o way_n they_o list_v yet_o the_o law_n of_o god_n make_v strong_a against_o they_o both_o in_o letter_n and_o sense_n condemn_v all_o usury_n for_o a_o sin_n §._o 5._o as_o usury_n be_v a_o sin_n in_o itself_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o text_n so_o be_v it_o brand_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o a_o sin_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o degree_n which_o do_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o conscience_n the_o continuance_n of_o which_o sin_n can_v stand_v with_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n for_o god_n have_v in_o his_o law_n note_v this_o sin_n among_o other_o with_o some_o special_a mark_n of_o impiety_n &_o have_v seal_v his_o law_n against_o usury_n with_o his_o own_o signet_n and_o great_a seal_n the_o same_o motive_n which_o god_n use_v by_o way_n of_o preface_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o all_o his_o commandment_n of_o both_o table_n he_o have_v single_v cut_v and_o annex_v it_o to_o this_o law_n against_o
purse_n it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o commerce_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o james_n or_o a_o elizabeth_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o same_o shilling_n or_o as_o good_a chemnitius_n therefore_o in_o his_o treatise_n against_o usury_n do_v advise_v we_o not_o to_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o these_o argument_n as_o upon_o those_o reason_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o scripture_n and_o albeit_o these_o also_o have_v some_o force_n in_o they_o be_v urge_v to_o the_o right_a purpose_n as_o hereafter_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o examine_v yet_o i_o do_v very_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o very_a conceit_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o these_o ground_n have_v move_v many_o to_o think_v more_o favourable_o of_o usury_n itself_o then_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n another_o motive_n which_o cause_v these_o divine_n somewhat_o to_o decline_v the_o beat_a way_n in_o this_o point_n be_v because_o in_o detestation_n of_o usury_n some_o lawful_a contract_n also_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o some_o for_o usury_n which_o do_v but_o coast_n upon_o it_o so_o that_o the_o very_a point_n of_o difference_n between_o we_o for_o the_o matter_n itself_o do_v only_o concern_v some_o case_n of_o great_a difficulty_n who_o equity_n or_o iniquity_n can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v case_n of_o a_o mix_v and_o middling_a nature_n between_o usury_n and_o partnership_n or_o some_o like_a lawful_a contract_n in_o which_o case_n if_o upon_o examination_n there_o be_v find_v no_o iniquity_n or_o inordinate_a thing_n than_o i_o hope_v those_o case_n shall_v also_o be_v find_v to_o be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o receive_a definition_n before_o express_v if_o the_o question_n then_o do_v fall_v upon_o some_o particular_a case_n which_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o they_o be_v usurious_a or_o not_o i_o make_v little_a question_n but_o the_o main_a point_n will_v be_v easy_o agree_v upon_o among_o the_o learned_a that_o usury_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v simple_o unlawful_a i_o will_v to_o god_n the_o unlearned_a will_v be_v as_o easy_o persuade_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o that_o wherein_o divine_n of_o all_o church_n in_o all_o age_n do_v accord_n even_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v accord_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o philosopher_n and_o historian_n the_o testimony_n of_o divinity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v usury_n a_o sin_n yet_o if_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v able_a also_o to_o discover_v the_o same_o it_o will_v aggravate_v the_o matter_n much_o more_o there_o be_v moat_n which_o be_v not_o discern_v but_o in_o the_o sunshine_n as_o 7._o s._n paul_n say_v he_o have_v not_o know_v that_o concupiscence_n have_v be_v a_o sin_n except_o the_o law_n have_v manifest_v the_o same_o and_o suppose_v usury_n be_v but_o as_o a_o moat_n in_o the_o eye_n yet_o even_o that_o be_v troublesome_a because_o the_o eye_n be_v tender_a as_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v but_o if_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o region_n of_o darkness_n who_o never_o see_v this_o sunshine_n of_o reveal_v truth_n shall_v notwithstanding_o discern_v usury_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n inordinate_a and_o vicious_a doubtless_o then_o it_o be_v no_o moat_n beam_n may_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o twilight_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o have_v usury_n ever_o be_v hold_v even_o among_o the_o heathen_a for_o a_o gross_a enormity_n 5_o plato_n in_o his_o law_n and_o his_o scholar_n 7._o aristotle_n in_o his_o politic_n have_v forbid_v it_o as_o unlawful_a and_o condemn_v it_o as_o unnatural_a 2._o cato_n make_v it_o twice_o as_o bad_a as_o theft_n and_o do_v equal_a it_o with_o murder_n 7._o seneca_n find_v a_o place_n for_o it_o in_o the_o calendar_n but_o not_o in_o nature_n 3_o pliny_n say_v it_o make_v idleness_n itself_o fruitful_a 〈◊〉_d plutarch_n write_v that_o the_o usurer_n do_v mock_v the_o philosopher_n for_o that_o old_a principle_n ex_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_n because_o they_o can_v make_v something_o of_o nothing_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o take_v they_o not_o for_o god_n almighty_a but_o term_n they_o plain_a devil_n such_o as_o plato_n describe_v in_o hell_n to_o be_v fiery_a executioner_n to_o torment_v damn_a soul_n so_o these_o curse_a usurer_n say_v plutarch_n be_v themselves_o turn_v devil_n have_v turn_v ibidem_fw-la the_o judgement_n hall_n into_o hell_n be_v he_o not_o a_o heathen_a man_n i_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o patience_n with_o he_o for_o make_v so_o unchristian_a a_o comparison_n and_o for_o lay_v such_o imputation_n upon_o court_n of_o justice_n but_o peruse_v it_o again_o i_o find_v how_o he_o make_v the_o usurer_n to_o cozen_v the_o law_n for_o that_o he_o write_v into_o his_o bill_n or_o book_n more_o than_o he_o deliver_v as_o for_o the_o purpose_n lend_v 100_o he_o put_v in_o 110._o so_o the_o law_n take_v the_o usury_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o principal_a debt_n be_v deceive_v and_o yet_o must_v do_v justice_n according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o write_n in_o most_o strict_a manner_n beside_o say_v the_o same_o author_n they_o have_v sure_a bond_n and_o obligation_n like_o the_o chain_n ibidem_fw-la and_o halter_n which_o darius_n send_v to_o athens_n to_o bind_v the_o prisoner_n that_o shall_v then_o be_v take_v now_o if_o this_o be_v lay_v together_o the_o comparison_n hold_v very_o unhappy_o for_o unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n impoverish_v by_o usury_n the_o judgement_n place_n be_v a_o very_a hell_n the_o law_n be_v a_o torment_n the_o usurer_n obligation_n be_v everlasting_a chain_n whereout_o the_o poor_a soul_n shall_v never_o come_v till_o he_o have_v pay_v the_o uttermost_a farthing_n the_o philosopher_n therefore_o in_o all_o his_o book_n never_o direct_v his_o speech_n to_o the_o usurer_n but_o leave_v he_o as_o a_o desperate_a person_n and_o incorrigible_a advise_v other_o to_o beware_v of_o he_o as_o of_o some_o foul_a evil_n to_o dig_v unto_o the_o potter_n earth_n that_o be_v use_v all_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o rather_o than_o borrow_v of_o he_o to_o avoid_v that_o quagmire_n as_o he_o term_v he_o for_o if_o a_o man_n once_o begin_v to_o sink_v into_o his_o book_n he_o will_v suck_v he_o up_o like_o a_o gulf_n if_o he_o get_v out_o one_o leg_n the_o other_o sink_v for_o a_o borrower_n quoth_v he_o be_v like_o a_o horse_n that_o have_v once_o take_v the_o bit_n he_o may_v often_o change_v his_o rider_n but_o one_o or_o other_o creditor_n be_v still_o upon_o his_o back_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o age_n shall_v inveigh_v so_o bitter_o against_o usury_n it_o seem_v it_o be_v of_o a_o strange_a devour_a nature_n as_o the_o 1._o poet_n term_v it_o and_o bring_v man_n to_o great_a extremity_n when_o poor_a nubes_fw-la strepsiades_n can_v devise_v no_o better_a shift_n than_o the_o hire_v of_o a_o witch_n to_o pull_v the_o moon_n out_o of_o heaven_n that_o the_o usurer_n month_n may_v never_o come_v about_o for_o 〈◊〉_d usury_n say_v the_o old_a proverb_n be_v swift_a than_o heraclitus_n time_n seem_v to_o run_v so_o fast_o §._o 2._o if_o usury_n than_o can_v find_v no_o foot_n neither_o in_o divinity_n nor_o nature_n whereupon_o shall_v it_o stand_v divine_n will_v excommunicate_v it_o out_o of_o the_o church_n philosopher_n will_v prove_v it_o a_o monster_n in_o nature_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o have_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o commonwealth_n both_o heathen_a and_o christian_n 56_o mirarer_fw-la in_o urbibus_fw-la politicis_fw-la huic_fw-la flagitio_fw-la locum_fw-la esse_fw-la nisi_fw-la esset_fw-la &_o reliquis_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o will_v wonder_v say_v petrarch_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o place_n in_o politic_a body_n for_o this_o grievous_a sin_n but_o that_o there_o be_v place_n for_o the_o rest_n whereas_o say_v he_o informer_n time_n usurer_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o company_n of_o man_n none_o come_v near_o they_o but_o such_o as_o necessity_n drive_v unto_o they_o passenger_n will_v avoid_v they_o as_o contagious_a person_n now_o they_o converse_v with_o prince_n and_o attain_v to_o place_n of_o dignity_n how_o pernicious_a usurer_n be_v to_o a_o commonweal_n we_o have_v hear_v from_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o best_a friend_n that_o usurer_n have_v for_o master_n calvin_n say_v usura_fw-la he_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o a_o well_o govern_v commonweal_n divine_n profess_v little_a skill_n in_o state_n matter_n but_o such_o as_o do_v profess_v have_v write_v that_o 5._o usury_n be_v a_o old_a venomous_a sore_n and_o 11._o other_o of_o late_a time_n inveigh_v against_o it_o as_o the_o canker_n or_o gangrene_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n have_v condemn_v the_o helvetian_n for_o tolerate_v five_o in_o the_o hundred_o tutius_fw-la est_fw-la usurarum_fw-la non_fw-la modo_fw-la radices_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o fibras_fw-la omnes_fw-la amputare_fw-la it_o be_v like_a twichgrasse_n if_o the_o least_o
thread_n of_o a_o root_n be_v leave_v it_o grow_v and_o spread_v without_o measure_n the_o ancient_a 6._o roman_n be_v wise_a who_o see_v the_o mischief_n of_o usury_n will_v tolerate_v by_o their_o twelve_o table_n but_o one_o in_o the_o hundred_o and_o whosoever_o exceed_v that_o shall_v be_v punish_v 1._o four_o fold_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o double_a thief_n for_o theft_n by_o that_o law_n be_v punish_v but_o two_o fold_n after_o this_o it_o 11._o be_v stint_v at_o ten_o shilling_n in_o the_o hundred_o pound_n i_o hope_v this_o can_v not_o bite_v much_o yet_o after_o by_o l._n genutius_n it_o be_v quite_o take_v away_o and_o break_v out_o again_o it_o be_v again_o suppress_v by_o tiberius_n caesar_n to_o his_o own_o great_a cost_n who_o relieve_v the_o borrower_n with_o a_o bank_n of_o five_o hundred_o thousand_o pound_n of_o purpose_n to_o root_v out_o usurer_n again_o it_o sprout_v up_o and_o again_o be_v it_o strait_o forbid_v upon_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o good_n movable_a and_o immovable_a to_o be_v confiscate_v what_o shall_v i_o say_v more_o out_o of_o the_o experience_n that_o state_n have_v have_v of_o this_o mischief_n 7._o ludovicus_n banish_a usurer_n in_o his_o time_n out_o of_o france_n yea_o and_o 7._o mahomet_n himself_o have_v condemn_v it_o among_o the_o turk_n so_o careful_a have_v governor_n ever_o be_v among_o heathen_a and_o barbarian_n to_o suppress_v this_o monster_n for_o what_o country_n have_v usury_n be_v suffer_v in_o which_o in_o time_n have_v not_o rue_v the_o same_o 1_o the_o indian_n and_o german_n both_o be_v count_v most_o happy_a before_o usury_n be_v know_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o tumult_n it_o after_o raise_v in_o germany_n witness_v their_o own_o usura_fw-la writer_n sicily_n be_v in_o great_a bondage_n by_o usury_n till_o cato_n set_v it_o at_o liberty_n sparta_n in_o no_o less_o calamity_n till_o lycurgus_n redeem_v it_o asia_n overwhelm_v with_o it_o till_o lucullus_n redress_v it_o all_o egypt_n so_o plague_v with_o it_o that_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o make_v a_o law_n that_o none_o shall_v borrow_v unless_o he_o lay_v his_o father_n corpse_n to_o pawae_fw-la athens_n infect_v with_o it_o till_o agis_n his_o bonfire_n make_v of_o usurer_n book_n have_v purge_v that_o city_n those_o wise_a governor_n of_o estate_n when_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o usury_n methinks_v they_o have_v a_o wolf_n by_o the_o ear_n which_o they_o can_v neither_o hold_v fast_o nor_o let_v go_v with_o safety_n the_o more_o they_o labour_v to_o suppress_v or_o stint_v usurer_n the_o more_o they_o break_v out_o upon_o they_o again_o set_v they_o once_o at_o liberty_n they_o devour_v the_o commonweal_n if_o england_n be_v as_o well_o clear_v of_o these_o as_o it_o be_v of_o wolf_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o happy_a chap._n ix_o of_o the_o three_o law_n canon_n civil_a common_a that_o which_o the_o sage_a governor_n of_o state_n out_o of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n have_v distaste_v as_o hurtful_a to_o the_o society_n of_o man_n both_o christian_n and_o heathenish_a have_v be_v also_o forbid_v and_o restrain_v by_o such_o law_n as_o be_v not_o only_o compulsive_a to_o bind_v succeed_a age_n but_o directive_a also_o to_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o enormity_n of_o this_o practice_n 1._o the_o 4._o canon_n law_n have_v define_v usury_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o be_v before_o express_v 7._o it_o have_v forbid_v it_o most_o precise_o canon_n it_o have_v punish_v it_o most_o severe_o with_o the_o note_n of_o infamy_n with_o excommunication_n both_o lesser_a and_o great_a with_o the_o deprivation_n of_o christian_n burial_n till_o actual_a restitution_n be_v make_v by_o the_o executor_n 9_o their_o will_n and_o testament_n be_v nullity_n in_o law_n with_o diverse_a other_o penalty_n to_o terrify_v man_n from_o usury_n as_o from_o some_o horrible_a vice_n 2._o for_o the_o civil_a law_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o it_o do_v sometime_o tolerate_v some_o kind_n of_o usury_n but_o never_o initio_fw-la allow_v of_o it_o for_o justinian_n justinian_n in_o the_o preface_n wish_v that_o man_n will_v follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o s._n peter_n that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n which_o what_o it_o be_v then_o for_o this_o point_n be_v manifest_a to_o tolerate_v it_o in_o some_o sort_n it_o be_v force_v saepe_fw-la enim_fw-la permittitur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la corrigi_fw-la aut_fw-la coerceri_fw-la jure_fw-la civili_fw-la it_o be_v often_o permit_v which_o can_v be_v correct_v or_o restrain_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n say_v usura_fw-la calvin_n a_o divine_a and_o civilian_n both_o therefore_o we_o must_v make_v no_o argument_n of_o defence_n from_o the_o toleration_n of_o civil_a law_n for_o so_o we_o may_v defend_v the_o stew_n and_o much_o wickedness_n 2._o impune_fw-la permittuntur_fw-la meretricia_fw-la ut_fw-la adultery_n obuietur_fw-la usurae_fw-la ut_fw-la caveantur_fw-la furta_fw-la whether_o the_o civil_a toleration_n of_o usury_n be_v lawful_a be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o present_a question_n but_o that_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o usury_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o any_o toleration_n of_o law_n it_o be_v evident_a because_o as_o s._n augustine_n say_v lex_fw-la humana_fw-la multa_fw-la concedit_fw-la ac_fw-la impunita_fw-la relinquit_fw-la quae_fw-la per_fw-la divinam_fw-la providentiam_fw-la arbitrie_n vindicantur_fw-la many_o thing_n must_v be_v pass_v over_o by_o man_n law_n punishable_a by_o god_n hand_n the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a in_o this_o that_o it_o forbid_v all_o fault_n but_o man_n law_n must_v be_v proportionable_a to_o man_n frailty_n and_o give_v way_n to_o many_o corruption_n in_o some_o age_n more_o in_o some_o less_o if_o civil_a law_n be_v over_o precise_a without_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a inclination_n of_o the_o people_n they_o be_v as_o new_a wine_n put_v into_o old_a vessel_n the_o vessel_n burst_v the_o wine_n be_v lose_v such_o law_n shall_v never_o be_v keep_v notwithstanding_o this_o we_o may_v say_v by_o the_o way_n for_o that_o moderation_n which_o the_o civil_a law_n use_v in_o her_o toleration_n that_o as_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o innocent_a law_n do_v tolerate_v the_o least_o one_o in_o the_o hundred_o half_o a_o one_o in_o the_o hundred_o and_o sometime_o none_o at_o all_o so_o that_o foenus_fw-la nauticum_fw-la the_o most_o that_o ever_o be_v allow_v to_o wit_n twelve_o in_o the_o hundred_o be_v no_o usury_n at_o all_o because_o the_o leader_n do_v bear_v the_o peril_n of_o the_o principal_a 3._o the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o land_n intermeddle_v no_o further_o with_o usury_n than_o be_v provide_v for_o and_o so_o ordain_v by_o some_o special_a statute_n but_o refer_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n wherein_o a_o prohibition_n have_v no_o place_n 49._o si_fw-la praelati_fw-la imponant_fw-la poenitentiam_fw-la pro_fw-la peccato_fw-la &_o nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la intentant_fw-la quod_fw-la cedat_fw-la in_o laefionem_fw-la regiae_n dignitatis_fw-la but_o if_o the_o usurer_n die_v in_o this_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n can_v extend_v no_o further_o because_o he_o die_v out_o of_o the_o church_n yet_o then_o even_o the_o common_a law_n take_v vengeance_n upon_o he_o in_o his_o good_n and_o posterity_n 16._o omnes_fw-la res_fw-la mobiles_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la catalla_fw-la quae_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la usurarij_fw-la mortui_fw-la ad_fw-la usus_fw-la domini_fw-la regis_fw-la capientur_fw-la penes_fw-la quemcunque_fw-la invenianturre_n illae_fw-la haeres_fw-la quoque_fw-la ipsius_fw-la hac_fw-la eadem_fw-la de_fw-la causa_fw-la exhaeredatur_fw-la secundum_fw-la ius_fw-la regni_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la dominum_fw-la vel_fw-la dominos_fw-la revertetur_fw-la haereditas_fw-la his_o good_n be_v all_o forfeit_v to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o land_n return_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o see_v which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o any_o immoderate_a usury_n above_o ten_o in_o the_o hundred_o for_o the_o same_o author_n explain_v himself_o si_fw-la quis_fw-la aliquid_fw-la tale_n crediderit_fw-la si_fw-la plus_fw-la co_fw-la recepit_fw-la usuram_fw-la facit_fw-la &_o si_fw-la in_o tali_fw-la crimine_fw-la obierit_fw-la damnabitur_fw-la tanquam_fw-la usurarius_fw-la per_fw-la legem_fw-la terrae_fw-la if_o any_o shall_v lend_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o shall_v receive_v again_o more_o than_o that_o he_o lend_v he_o commit_v usury_n and_o if_o he_o die_v in_o that_o crime_n he_o shall_v be_v condemn_v as_o a_o usurer_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n 1604._o this_o agree_v word_n for_o word_n with_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o scotland_n set_v down_o in_o a_o book_n call_v regiam_fw-la maiestatem_fw-la so_o detestable_a be_v a_o usurer_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o common_a law_n before_o anything_o be_v provide_v by_o statute_n which_o law_n if_o it_o be_v so_o ancient_a as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o cook_n reverend_a judge_n of_o the_o same_o if_o so_o well_o ground_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o equity_n together_o
gentile_n do_v not_o usury_n cause_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n to_o blaspheme_v and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o when_o as_o profane_v person_n and_o such_o as_o live_v like_o gentile_n among_o we_o shall_v observe_v that_o christian_n who_o can_v call_v christ_n lord_n that_o zealous_a christian_n who_o can_v say_v unto_o he_o lord_n lord_n do_v live_v in_o and_o by_o that_o sin_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o make_v both_o life_n and_o death_n so_o odious_a be_v not_o our_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o ready_a to_o object_v usury_n to_o we_o as_o we_o have_v be_v to_o upbraid_v they_o with_o single_a fornication_n when_o they_o see_v it_o not_o only_o practise_v but_o patronise_v among_o we_o and_o yet_o they_o may_v hold_v their_o peace_n for_o that_o see_v their_o own_o college_n and_o church_n long_o since_o in_o the_o 584._o border_n of_o the_o borbons_n and_o other_o place_n of_o france_n have_v take_v five_o in_o the_o hundred_o which_o be_v by_o they_o common_o hold_v lawful_a not_o by_o common_a right_n but_o in_o special_a savour_n to_o religion_n for_o their_o clergy_n be_v so_o holy_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o be_v in_o churchman_n hallow_v and_o sanctify_a which_o in_o the_o people_n be_v most_o detestable_a let_v they_o go_v but_o let_v we_o not_o cause_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v by_o such_o scandalous_a practice_n 5._o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n observe_v the_o intemperance_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o feast_n make_v a_o table_n question_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o resolve_v upon_o bacchus_n if_o his_o pen_n shall_v have_v light_n upon_o christian_a usurer_n in_o these_o day_n to_o inquire_v of_o our_o god_n i_o be_o afraid_a they_o will_v resolve_v upon_o plutus_n at_o the_o least_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o come_v limp_a home_o but_o usury_n have_v cure_v he_o very_o strange_o of_o that_o infirmity_n he_o come_v now_o as_o swift_o as_o time_n itself_o what_o be_v scandalous_a then_o if_o this_o be_v not_o provoke_a all_o sort_n of_o people_n superstitious_a and_o profane_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o christian_n of_o reform_a christian_n who_o profess_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o prophet_n jeremie_n lament_v his_o woeful_a case_n that_o he_o be_v curse_v of_o the_o people_n without_o a_o cause_n bring_v this_o for_o his_o apology_n that_o he_o never_o lend_v nor_o borrow_v upon_o usury_n as_o our_o book_n have_v it_o 10._o i_o have_v neither_o lend_v on_o usury_n nor_o man_n have_v lend_v to_o i_o on_o usury_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n curse_v i_o insinuate_v that_o if_o he_o have_v be_v any_o way_n touch_v either_o in_o lend_v or_o borrow_v as_o accessary_a to_o this_o sin_n he_o will_v not_o have_v complain_v though_o the_o people_n have_v curse_v he_o curse_a be_v that_o offence_n which_o bring_v the_o curse_n of_o the_o people_n upon_o a_o man_n neither_o jeremie_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n we_o can_v read_v of_o that_o ever_o be_v taint_v with_o usury_n admit_v then_o that_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v pick_v a_o case_n so_o clean_o in_o usury_n as_o to_o make_v it_o lawful_a what_o then_o it_o be_v scandalous_a it_o be_v of_o ill_a report_n he_o therefore_o who_o shall_v offend_v his_o brethren_n the_o people_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v cause_v the_o enemy_n to_o blaspheme_v and_o give_v profane_a dog_n occasion_n to_o bark_v at_o christian_n by_o any_o such_o unchristian_a practice_n it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o cast_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n chap._n xii_o the_o three_o argument_n from_o our_o statute_n law_n let_v we_o look_v home_o into_o our_o own_o country_n and_o here_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o law_n express_o forbid_v all_o kind_n of_o usury_n be_v it_o never_o so_o little_a and_o withal_o punish_v the_o same_o if_o a_o man_n be_v lawful_o convict_v i_o demand_v then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v in_o conscienceto_o obey_v this_o law_n i_o say_v not_o in_o court_n of_o justice_n only_o before_o man_n but_o in_o conscience_n before_o god_n the_o 5._o apostle_n make_v a_o direct_a answer_n for_o i_o wherefore_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a not_o because_o of_o wrath_n only_o but_o for_o conscience_n sake_n a_o conscience_n so_o bind_v as_o nothing_o can_v set_v it_o at_o liberty_n in_o this_o case_n except_o only_o the_o law_n itself_o be_v unlawful_a and_o then_o 29._o we_o must_v obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n therefore_o when_o this_o kind_n of_o argument_n be_v urge_v for_o obedience_n man_n have_v use_v to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o law_n as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o god_n law_n but_o here_o be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o such_o cavil_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o law_n which_o god_n himself_o make_v for_o his_o own_o people_n witness_v even_o those_o who_o have_v most_o defend_v usury_n mclinaeus_n i_o have_v hear_v many_o and_o some_o of_o no_o mean_a understanding_n who_o do_v earnest_o endeavour_n to_o let_v loose_a their_o conscience_n and_o teach_v we_o so_o to_o do_v by_o make_v a_o disiunctive_a interpretation_n of_o a_o penal_a statute_n as_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o law_n be_v but_o this_o either_o abstain_v or_o pay_v thus_o much_o if_o thou_o be_v convict_v make_v the_o penalty_n a_o branch_n of_o the_o law_n as_o if_o either_o of_o the_o branch_n be_v observe_v the_o law_n be_v full_o keep_v and_o no_o offence_n make_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o point_n much_o stand_v upon_o and_o as_o yet_o for_o aught_o that_o i_o know_v unhandled_a give_v i_o leave_v by_o your_o patience_n a_o little_a to_o look_v into_o it_o in_o the_o examine_n whereof_o i_o shall_v not_o much_o step_n out_o of_o my_o way_n for_o albeit_o the_o interpretation_n of_o a_o statute_n do_v belong_v unto_o another_o profession_n yet_o this_o particular_a point_n coast_v upon_o divinity_n and_o pitch_v direct_o upon_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o reason_n in_o every_o penal_a statute_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o law_n and_o the_o penalty_n which_o two_o howsoever_o they_o be_v combine_v in_o the_o statute_n yet_o there_o must_v be_v a_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o each_o 1._o first_o every_o good_a and_o just_a law_n in_o his_o own_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v a_o law_n have_v a_o bind_a power_n by_o which_o it_o be_v not_o directive_a only_o as_o by_o way_n of_o advertisement_n but_o compulsive_a as_o proceed_v from_o authority_n 2._o second_o this_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o law_n do_v not_o only_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n therein_o command_v or_o forbid_v but_o from_o the_o powerful_a will_n of_o the_o commander_n or_o lawgiver_n for_o if_o a_o common_a person_n shall_v admonish_v i_o as_o a_o brother_n of_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v hurtful_a or_o prejudicial_a i_o be_o bind_v to_o follow_v his_o advice_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o it_o be_v hurtful_a else_o i_o shall_v offend_v but_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o parent_n magistrate_n or_o law_n shall_v moreover_o forbid_v the_o same_o i_o have_v a_o second_o bond_n thereby_o lay_v upon_o i_o which_o if_o i_o shall_v break_v then_o unto_o my_o former_a offence_n i_o shall_v add_v the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a sin_n from_o the_o former_a so_o be_v these_o two_o distinct_a obligation_n the_o one_o derive_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prohibit_v the_o other_o from_o the_o law_n or_o person_n in_o authority_n 3._o admit_v then_o in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o the_o thing_n prohibit_v by_o the_o premise_a authority_n have_v no_o bind_a power_n in_o it_o own_o nature_n without_o a_o law_n publish_v against_o it_o but_o be_v a_o thing_n arbitrarie_a and_o in_o my_o power_n to_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v then_o be_o i_o free_v indeed_o from_o the_o former_a bond_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o notwithstanding_o i_o stand_v oblige_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n for_o the_o faithful_a observe_v of_o the_o same_o except_o only_o in_o case_n the_o thing_n thereby_o forbid_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o do_v dissolve_v this_o bond_n by_o some_o opposition_n to_o a_o superior_a law_n for_o those_o matter_n therefore_o which_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o wise_a sage_n and_o governor_n of_o commonweal_n a_o judicial_a power_n not_o only_o to_o discern_v what_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a but_o also_o to_o enact_v impose_v and_o establish_v law_n and_o statute_n unto_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v both_o to_o
be_v too_o weak_a a_o reason_n to_o infer_v any_o such_o conclusion_n i_o hope_v even_o in_o the_o estimate_n of_o the_o weak_a judgement_n yet_o thus_o far_o it_o do_v prevail_v with_o many_o to_o keep_v their_o conscience_n from_o any_o great_a touch_n in_o this_o point_n for_o they_o resolve_v themselves_o undoubted_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o heinous_a a_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o general_a a_o practice_n among_o they_o of_o good_a account_n ah_o fearful_a temptation_n thus_o to_o be_v draw_v into_o sin_n by_o imitation_n it_o be_v that_o which_o turn_v so_o many_o legion_n of_o angel_n into_o devil_n to_o see_v the_o bright_a and_o more_o glorious_a spirit_n leave_v their_o station_n by_o disobedience_n but_o do_v that_o mitigate_v god_n wrath_n towards_o 6._o they_o of_o inferior_a rank_n habet_fw-la ordo_fw-la divinae_fw-la iustitiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n divine_a justice_n require_v that_o they_o who_o be_v draw_v into_o the_o same_o fall_n shall_v be_v enwrap_v in_o the_o same_o condemnation_n when_o there_o be_v but_o two_o in_o all_o the_o world_n to_o transgress_v concern_v that_o only_o forbid_a fruit_n the_o example_n 6._o of_o the_o one_o entice_v the_o other_o it_o be_v that_o which_o bring_v fire_n and_o brimstone_n upon_o those_o goodly_a city_n of_o the_o plain_a when_o abomination_n grow_v so_o common_o practise_v 4._o from_o the_o young_a even_o to_o the_o old_a that_o one_o draw_v another_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a nay_o so_o forcible_a be_v this_o temptation_n that_o a_o branch_n of_o unnatural_a sin_n escape_v the_o fire_n of_o sodom_n and_o light_n in_o a_o cave_n of_o the_o mountain_n thus_o the_o general_a example_n of_o sodom_n infect_v the_o family_n of_o just_a lot_n but_o do_v that_o extenuate_v the_o fault_n nothing_o less_o moab_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o moabite_n and_o ben-ammi_a of_o the_o ammonite_n for_o many_o generation_n 38._o 2_o second_o man_n take_v occasion_n from_o the_o question_n of_o usury_n even_o because_o it_o be_v a_o question_n to_o arm_v themselves_o against_o all_o remorse_n and_o touch_n of_o conscience_n for_o if_o they_o can_v once_o hear_v that_o it_o be_v questionable_a they_o assume_v a_o liberty_n to_o themselves_o to_o choose_v a_o side_n and_o to_o practice_v according_a to_o that_o opinion_n which_o like_v they_o best_o but_o the_o grossness_n of_o their_o error_n do_v herein_o appear_v that_o understand_v divine_n to_o be_v somewhat_o divide_v about_o usury_n they_o do_v present_o imagine_v the_o point_n in_o question_n to_o be_v this_o whether_o the_o take_n of_o nine_o or_o ten_o in_o the_o hundred_o according_a to_o our_o ordinary_a practice_n be_v lawful_a but_o alas_o there_o be_v no_o such_o question_n among_o divine_n to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o their_o write_n i_o have_v seek_v with_o all_o diligence_n myself_o i_o have_v inquire_v of_o other_o and_o upon_o examination_n i_o find_v not_o any_o publish_v upon_o this_o argument_n who_o discuss_v this_o point_n do_v defend_v any_o such_o thing_n many_o question_n we_o have_v what_o be_v usury_n and_o what_o not_o some_o there_o be_v who_o defend_v certain_a shred_n of_o usury_n even_o to_o the_o rasing_n of_o the_o definition_n who_o reason_n we_o have_v meet_v withal_o in_o their_o book_n place_n some_o also_o of_o the_o jesuitical_a brood_n who_o to_o humour_v the_o people_n for_o their_o purpose_n will_v dispense_v with_o any_o thing_n have_v hatch_v new_a device_n how_o to_o defend_v profit_n by_o money_n as_o good_a as_o usury_n every_o whit_n and_o yet_o no_o usury_n cunning_o twist_v of_o three_o lawful_a contract_n of_o the_o contract_n of_o society_n or_o partnership_n and_o two_o kind_n of_o assurance_n with_o the_o same_o party_n defend_v by_o bononiae_fw-la io._n eckius_fw-la and_o notable_o discuss_v at_o 1581._o rome_n by_o many_o learned_a doctor_n in_o my_o presence_n say_v 2._o gregory_n de_fw-fr valentiâ_fw-la a_o notable_a point_n no_o doubt_n and_o well_o worthy_a the_o discuss_n so_o fain_o will_v those_o divine_n give_v the_o world_n some_o contentment_n for_o this_o practice_n of_o usury_n that_o since_o they_o can_v with_o any_o face_n defend_v the_o old_a they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o create_v a_o new_a but_o for_o a_o absolute_a covenant_n for_o ten_o nine_o or_o eight_o in_o the_o hundred_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o city_n among_o divine_n of_o any_o church_n i_o can_v yet_o find_v a_o patron_n 3_o but_o the_o three_o &_o last_o impediment_n which_o hinder_v man_n from_o take_v of_o this_o sin_n to_o heart_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o fearful_a to_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o yet_o i_o fear_v i_o most_o available_a when_o man_n be_v once_o season_v with_o usury_n &_o have_v entangle_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o by_o any_o settle_a practice_n they_o be_v after_o afraid_a to_o call_v it_o into_o question_n for_o disquiet_v their_o conscience_n but_o bless_a be_v that_o disquietness_n which_o procure_v eternal_a peace_n and_o curse_v be_v that_o senseless_a peace_n which_o bring_v everlasting_a torment_n a_o sinful_a soul_n must_v be_v disturb_v here_o or_o elsewhere_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n if_o we_o judge_v not_o ourselves_o before_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v hereafter_o when_o it_o will_v be_v too_o late_o to_o find_v mercy_n can_v man_n hope_v for_o mercy_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n in_o this_o point_n very_o if_o it_o be_v a_o invincible_a ignorance_n god_n in_o mercy_n will_v pass_v it_o over_o as_o he_o do_v many_o other_o thing_n where_o the_o mean_n of_o better_a information_n be_v want_v but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o affect_a and_o wilful_a ignorance_n it_o add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n now_o what_o be_v more_o affect_v then_o to_o decline_v and_o avoid_v the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o resolution_n only_o because_o they_o will_v not_o disturb_v and_o awaken_v their_o conscience_n out_o of_o so_o sweet_a a_o sleep_n of_o security_n for_o so_o sweet_a a_o gain_n as_o usury_n if_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o sleep_v out_o his_o month_n the_o money_n will_v come_v in_o we_o do_v accuse_v some_o obstinate_a recusant_n of_o wilful_a blindness_n because_o they_o do_v refuse_v the_o mean_n of_o better_a instruction_n yet_o the_o most_o wilful_a among_o they_o can_v say_v thus_o much_o for_o themselves_o that_o many_o learned_a man_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o many_o age_n have_v defend_v their_o cause_n which_o apology_n of_o they_o though_o upon_o due_a examination_n it_o be_v nothing_o yet_o be_v it_o much_o more_o than_o ever_o can_v be_v say_v for_o usury_n for_o though_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v plead_v antiquity_n nothing_o more_o yet_o be_v there_o never_o any_o church_n orthodox_n or_o heretical_a which_o ever_o defend_v the_o same_o since_o the_o world_n stand_v in_o some_o place_n it_o have_v be_v tolerate_v tolerate_a i_o say_v and_o therefore_o not_o approve_v of_o in_o any_o wise_a as_o master_n beza_n for_o geneva_n have_v well_o observe_v 8._o foenerari_fw-la prohibet_fw-la christiana_n charitas_fw-la foenus_fw-la tamen_fw-la propter_fw-la hominum_fw-la commercia_fw-la multi_fw-la magistratus_fw-la vident_fw-la se_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la prohibere_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la itaque_fw-la quod_fw-la unum_fw-la reliquum_fw-la est_fw-la foeneris_fw-la modum_fw-la certum_fw-la constituunt_fw-la an_fw-mi vero_fw-la propterea_fw-la foenerari_fw-la bonâ_fw-la conscientiá_fw-la licet_fw-la minimè_fw-la profectò_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la ex_fw-la legibus_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la dei_fw-la verbo_fw-la petenda_fw-la est_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la regula_fw-la imo_fw-la ne_fw-la civiles_fw-la quidem_fw-la leges_fw-la probant_fw-la sed_fw-la damnant_fw-la potius_fw-la quod_fw-la duntaxat_fw-la tolerant_fw-la cogente_fw-la hominum_fw-la improbitate_fw-la christian_n charity_n do_v condemn_v usury_n yet_o notwithstanding_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o intercourse_n of_o merchandise_n or_o commerce_n between_o man_n and_o man_n many_o magistrate_n do_v perceive_v how_o they_o can_v simple_o inhibit_v the_o same_o therefore_o that_o which_o remain_v only_o for_o they_o to_o do_v they_o stint_v and_o limit_v usury_n but_o may_v a_o man_n therefore_o take_v usury_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n no_o very_o say_v beza_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v take_v not_o from_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o man_n but_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o the_o civil_a law_n themselves_o do_v not_o approve_v but_o rather_o condemn_v that_o which_o they_o tolerate_v only_o be_v urge_v thereunto_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o that_o famous_a pastor_n of_o geneva_n which_o i_o have_v set_v down_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o censure_n even_o of_o that_o church_n wherein_o usury_n seem_v most_o necessary_a and_o from_o which_o man_n have_v take_v their_o great_a encouragement_n to_o venture_v their_o soul_n upon_o this_o sin_n take_v notice_n therefore_o christian_n reader_n i_o beseech_v