eaches, that since the
borrower proposes to gain by the loan, the lender should have a
reasonable share of his profit, as a recompense for the use of
his money, which he might otherwise have disposed of to his own
advantage. 1 Cor. 8:13.

"Q. 35. What is the usury condemned in scripture and by what
reason?

"A. It is the exacting of more interest or gain for the loan of
money, than is settled by universal consent, and the laws of the
land. Prov. 28:8. 'He that by usury, and unjust gain,
increaseth his substance, shall gather it for him that will pity
the poor.'

"Q. 36. How do you prove from scripture, that moderate usury, or
common interest, is not oppression in itself?

"A. From the express command laid upon the Israelites not to
oppress a stranger, Ex. 23:9; and yet their being allowed to
take usury from him, Deut. 23:20; which they would not have been
permitted to do, if there had been an intrinsic evil in the
thing itself.

"Q. 37. Is it warrantable to take interest from the poor?

"A. By no means; for, if such as are honest, and in needy
circumstances, borrow a small sum towards a livelihood, and
repay it in due time, it is all that can be expected of them;
and therefore the demanding of any profit or interest, or even
taking any of their necessaries of life in pledge, for the sum,
seems to be plainly contrary to the law of charity. Ex.
22:25-28. Ps. 15:5.

"Q. 38. Were not the Israelites forbidden to take usury from
their brethren, whether poor or rich? Deut. 23:19: 'Thou shalt
not lend upon usury to thy brother.'

"A. This text is to be restricted to their poor brethren, as it
is explained, Ex. 22:25, and Lev. 25:35, 36; or, if it respects
the Israelites indifferently, then it is one of the judicial
laws peculiar to that people, and of no binding force now."

In the answer to the 34th question he appeals to the light of nature.
That light, as he interprets it, may be applied as follows. We follow
his language closely and his argument perfectly.

From the very light of nature which teaches, that since the borrower
of the hoe purposes to dig his own garden with it, the lender should
have a reasonable amount of his garden dug, as a recompense for the
use of the hoe, which he might otherwise have used himself to dig his
own garden.

Fisher confirms his conclusion with a