Page:Readings in European History Vol 1.djvu/373

 The Crusades 337 VI. INDUCEMENTS OFFERED TO THOSE WHO WOULD TAKE THE CROSS There is no more extraordinary example of the vast power enjoyed by the pope in the twejfth and thirteenth centuries than the privileges granted to those who enlisted in the struggle against the infidel. Moreover, in virtue of the authority vested by God in us, 131. Privi- we, who with paternal care provide for your safety and the le & es needs of the Church, have promised and granted to those fhe^usad- who from a spirit of devotion have resolved to enter upon ers by Pope and accomplish this holy and necessary undertaking, that ? ug j"~ full remission of_.sins which our predecessor, Pope Urban, (1146). granted. We have also commanded that their wives_and children, their property and possessions, shall be under the protection of the holy Church, of ourselves, of the arch- bishops, bishops, and other prelates of the Church of God. Moreover we ordain, by our apostolic authority, that until their return or death is fully proven, no lawsuit shall be instituted hereafter in regard to any property of which they were in peaceful possession when they took the cross. Those who with pure hearts enter upon this sacred jour- ney, and~who are in debt, shall pay no interest. And if they, or others for them, ar6' bound by oath or promise to pay interest, we free them by our apostolic authority. And after they have sought aid of their relatives, or of the lords of whom they hold their fiefs, if jJie latter are unable or unwilling to advance them money, we allow them freely to mortgage their lands and other possessions to churches, ecclesiastics, or other Christians, and their lords shall have no redress. Following the example of our predecessor, and through the authority of omnipotent God and of St. Peter, prince of the apostles, which is vested in us by God, we grant absolu- tion and remission of sins, so that those who devoutly under- take and accomplish this holy journey, or who die by the