On the Theories on Usury Adopted or Enforced by the Ecclesiastical and Secular Authorties in Europe During the Period 1100-1400 as Compared with the Provisions of the Mosaic Law; With Appendices. (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1876. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... ON THE THEOKIES ON USUET CURRENT IN THE MIDDLE AGES. The power of capital at the present time is so preponderating, and is so rapidly transferring influence, if not actual authority, into the hands of those possessed of disposable money, that it is worth while considering what may have been thought of it in past eras of the Church's history, especially to those who value Christian principles as an element of weight in our social system. The notion of limiting the interest payable on a loan of money is now popularly thought) though not quite accurately to have originated in the theological prejudices current in the so-called dark ages; and the legislatures of our own and other European countries have so long ceased to be actuated by any principles but those of general morality and commercial expediency in these matters, that those who desire to "apologize" for the recognition of a Christian influence in the practical conduct of life, may well examine how they can account for so complete a revolution on so important a point. It will not be contested that money-lending for interest from the twelfth to the fifteenth century, though frequently practised to meet the exigencies of the borrowers, " Populus non potest vivere sine mutuo,"-f was generally forbidden; and if this be ascribed to the undue influence of a dominant Church in the State, it may be replied that this is only to remove the question a step back, and criticize the authority conceded to the Church at the time, not the principles she enforced. Without then mentioning at - See Lecky, On nationalism, II. 273 ff. f Quoted by M. Troplong as words addressed to St. Louis, King of France. present the limitations which the exigencies of life forced the ecclesiastical authorities to overlook, it may be stat...