Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/91

 in 1517. CHAPTER XXV MARTIN LUTHER AND HIS REVOLT AGAINST THE CHURCH I. The Preaching of Indulgences The archbishop of Mayence arranged with Pope Theprocia Leo X in 15 15 to conduct the distribution throughout ^L 1 ^ his vast archbishoprics of Mayence and Magdeburg of indulgence the indulgences granted by the pope. The archbishop was to have half the contributions made for them, and the rest of the money was to go to the rebuilding of the great central shrine of Christendom, St. Peter's at Rome. 1 This plan was not carried out until 15 17. Extracts from the " Instructions " prepared for those who were to proclaim the indulgences are given below. They furnish an official account of the indulgence and, according to a distinguished Roman Catholic historian, 2 they corresponded with the teaching of the Church. The papal bull which granted the indulgence, added three other graces and privileges, which might be pro- cured either separately or together with the indulgence. 1 See History of Western Europe, § 126 (opening), and Readings, Vol. I, pp. 539 sqq. 2 Cardinal Hergenrother, in his continuation of Hefele's Concilien- geschichte, Vol. IX, p. n. Yet it would seem as if one would get an exaggerated idea of the value of an indulgence from reading the " Instructions," for they promise " the complete remission of all sins," while the more careful theologians taught that the indulgence only remitted the penalties which remained after the sinner had received forgiveness of his guilt through contrition, confession, and absolution. See History of Western Europe, § 142. 53