CHAP. XV.
I Would to God we could perswade them not to receiue againe the mony they had lent, saue only of such as were willing to re∣pay. Would to God the buyers were neuer obliged to the sel∣lers by any promise•• nor bargaines and couenants were ratified vnder hand and seale; but that faith should rather keepe them, and a minde obseruing equitie.* 1.1 But men haue preffered profit before honestie, and had rather inforce others to be faithfull, than behold them faithfull. Wit∣nesses are emploied, both on the one and the other side. This man lendeth his money vpon interest to many, whom he causeth to be bound by publique in∣struments. That other is not contented with sureties, except he haue a pawne in hand. O loathsome confession of humane fraud, and publique wickednesse. Our seales are more set by than our soules. To what purpose are these Wor∣shipfull men called to record? why set they to their handes? namely, least hee should denie that which he had receiued. Thinkest thou these men to bee vp∣right, and that they would maintaine a truth? yea, but if they themselues would instantly borrow money of any man, they cannot get it, except they be obliged after the same manner. Had it not beene more honestie to let some passe with the breach of their credit, than that all men should be mistrusted of vnthanke∣fulnesse, and perfidiousnesse. Auarice wanteth but one only thing, which is, That we should doe no man good without suretiship. It is the propertie of a generous and magnificent minde to helpe and pro••it others; he that giueth be∣nefits, imitateth the Gods; he that redemandeth them, is as the Vsurers. Why then abase wee our selues to those vilest sort of ••ake-hells, by resembling them?