"Q. But were not the people of Israel discharged to take any
usury or profit for lent money from their brethren? Deut. 23:19.

"A. This law seems to have been peculiar to the Jewish state,
and that in regard of their estates being so divided, settled,
and secured to their families by the year jubilee, and their not
being employed in trading or making purchases like other
nations, so that they had no occasion to borrow money but for
the present subsistence of their families. But for strangers,
who had another way of living, the Israelites were allowed to
lend upon usury, and to share with them in their profits, Deut.
23:20, which shows that the taking of interest is not oppressive
in itself; for they are frequently prohibited to oppress a
stranger, and yet allowed to take usury from him. Exod. 22:21,
and 23:9."

The reader will notice that the definition of usury is defective. The
reader will also notice that there are no Scripture references given
to prove that any interest can be taken. This is singular, since
throughout the Catechism Scripture references are profuse in
confirmation of the answers. If a single passage had been found that
could be twisted into an approval the reference would have been given.
He rests the permission to take usury wholly on human reason, though
in direct opposition to the Scripture references he had first given
to prove that the gaining of wealth by usury was unlawful. He does not
claim to get this answer from the Bible. He rests this answer on the
law of the land and the purposes of the borrower, and says it is not
worse than taking a rental for land anyway.

The questions with regard to the customs of the people of Israel are
completely met in the Second and Third Chapters of this book.

Fisher, also, we find from his catechism published in 1753, thought it
necessary to make some excuse for the custom in his time. High
interest he finds condemned, but moderate interest he tries to defend.

"Q. 32. What is it to take usury, according to the proper
signification of the word?

"A. It is to take gain, profit, or interest, for the loan of
money.

"Q. 33. What kind of usury or interest is lawful?

"A. That which is moderate, easy, and no way oppressive. Deut.
23:20, compared with Ex. 22:21.

"Q. 34. How do you prove that moderate usury is lawful?

"A. From the very light of nature, which t