the legislature did not scruple to interfere with the private rights of individuals. But if a law can be devised which will not do all this, and which will place no restraint upon the liberties of commerce, and at the same time prevent cases of real extortion and usury, let us have it ; if not, an abolition of the pre- sent system, and let money rise and fall in market value, like any other commodity, regulated only by the supply and demand. We have seen that England has set us the example ; and to facilitate borrowing at short warning, which is " the life of commerce," and thereby aid business transactions, the law is alto- gether abolished, as far as regards promissory notes, bonds, &c., payable within twelve months, and usu- rious contracts are no longer totally void. Reform must follow upon increased knowledge and enlight- enment. Progress is the watchword of the age ; the times are changed, and we are changed with them.
Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis.
" Men change with fortune; manners change with climes — Tenets with books, and principles with times."
PAOZ. ACTS. (See Statutes.) ALFRED, Penal Laws enacted by < 33 Chattels of Usurers forfeited 33 Usurers outlawed 33 ARISTOTLE, Doctrine attributed to 22 " had no influence in Greece 22 " its fallacy 23, 24 BACON, LORD His objections to Usury, (note.) 125 In favor of two rates 127 Remarks on old and young Merchants 135 BANKERS AND BROKERS, Recognized in our Saviour's time 18 Had lawful methods of lending money at interest 19 Parableof the ten pieces of money 19 BANISHMENT, Of the Jews for extortion , 43 BBNTHAM, Defence of Usury 61, 131 Rate in Russia, according to, (note.) 61 BEST, LORD CHIEF JUSTICE Delivers opinion of twelve Judges in House of Lords 126 PAax. BISHOPS, Statutes of James I. modified to satisfy 49 Complain that the Justices had punished Uusurers 40, 41 How answered 41 Distinction between living and dead Usurers 41 BLAXTON, His