Pietas Romana et Parisiensis, or, A faithful relation of the several sorts of charitable and pious works eminent in the cities of Rome and Paris the one taken out of the book written by Theodorus Amydenus ; the other out of that by Mr. Carr.

CHAP. VII. Of the Mount of Piety and Pawns.

THere is nothing more for the benefit of poor people, than, when their necessity requires it, to lend them money upon their pawns, without exacting any use for it. In the time of Pope Paul the third, there was a place appointed for the receiving of the pawns of poor people, and they called it the Mount of Piety and of Pawns. It grew much in re∣quest by the liberalities and priviledges in∣dulged unto it by the same Paul; and other Popes of Rome, even unto this day.

Here are received the pawns of all poor and indigent people whatsoever, and no, or, at least, no considerable use paid for the money given out upon them. The time alotted for

redemption is eighteen months: if the pawns are not redeemed in that time, they are sold at an outcry; and the summe registred for how much, it it exceed the money given out upon them; the overplus is restored to the owners, whensoever they shall call for it, nei∣ther is their calling for it limited to any time.

There are great store of Officers that be∣long to this place, all which, have their month∣ly Salaries paid to them for their labour out of the Treasury of the house.

It is governed by very able and sufficient men, both Roman Citizens and Courtiers, that make up a Sodality. Who take exact accounts of all the incomes, that no fraud be used by any inferiour officer.

The work is indeed a peice of very great Charity, and extreamly beneficial to the mean∣er sort of people; for all such flock thither, not onely of the City, but of the Villages, Farms and Towns all round about, to whom it is very gainful to take up monies upon their pawns before harvest, and then having done their harvest, and made money thereof, to redeem them again.