DEFENCE OF USURY.

LETTER I.

Introduction.

Crichoff, in White Ruffia, January 1787.

AMONG the various fpecies or

modifications of liberty, of which on different occafions we have heard fo much in England, I do not recollect ever seeing any thing yet offered in behalf of the liberty of making one's own terms in money-bargains. From fo general and universal a neglect, it is an old notion of mine, as you well know, that this meek and unaffuming fpecies of liberty has been fuffering much injustice.

A fancy has taken me, juft now, to trouble you with my reafons: which, if you think them capable of answering any good purpose, you may forward to the prefs: or in the other cafe, what will give you lefs trouble, to the fire.

In a word, the propofition I have been accustomed to lay down to myself on this fubject is the following one, viz. that no man of ripe years and of found mind, acting freely, and with his eyes open, ought to be hindered, with a view to his advantage, from making fuch bargain, in the way of obtaining money, as he thinks fit: nor, (what is a neceffary confequence) any body hindered from Jupplying him, upon any terms he thinks proper to accede to.

This propofition, were it to be received, would level, you fee, at one ftroke, all the barriers which law, either ftatute