On the origin and progress of papal indulgences.
A. The pope has driven out money by tendering the Jubilee and letters of indulgence for churches, monasteries, hospitals etc.
1. Bull of Pope Boniface VIII, Anno 1300, in which he decrees that every hundred years there should be a Jubilee Year, in which Christians who come to Rome and perform certain devotions there should be granted a general remission of all sins by the Roman Pontiff.
From cherubim bullar. rrmZu. toru. I. aä aun. I3OO no. 7, p. 178.
Translated into German.
Bonifacius, the bishop, to the constant memory of the cause.
It is already known from reliable stories of ancient ancestors that those who visit the venerable main church of St. Peter, the most distinguished among the apostles, in the city of Rome,
great indulgences and forgiveness of sins. Therefore, We, who by virtue of our office have the salvation of all and every man very much at heart, and who gladly take care to promote it, consider all such and similar decrees of indulgences and indulgences in general and in particular to be approved, good, and right, and also approve and confirm them by virtue of our apostolic sovereignty and authority; indeed, we hereby wish to have them renewed and protected, administered, and fortified by the present Manifesto.
So that the more devoutly and diligently their main churches in Rome are visited by the faithful of Christ, the more gloriously and more highly the blessed apostles Peter and Paul may be venerated; and so that these faithful themselves, in view of and on account of such diligent attendance, may feel themselves filled with and gifted with an all the richer impartation of such spiritual gifts of grace:
Thus, in and out of perfect confident trust, we want to the mercy of Almighty God, and to the very same of His holy apostles high merits and reputation,
On the advice of our brethren, and by virtue of our perfect apostolic authority, to all those who in this one thousand and three hundred years, begun on the recently passed feast of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ; likewise, who in future times, whenever another hundred years have passed, reverently come and attend the above-mentioned two main churches, have done true penance and confession, or will still do true penance and confession, both in the present jubilee year, as well as in each such year, as often as it will follow again after a hundred years, not only in a complete and abundant, but even in a most perfect and exuberant measure, indulgence and forgiveness of all their sins are entitled to and grant. They also hereby really grant them, and decree, set and resolve that those who wish to partake of such indulgences granted by us, if they are Roman residents, shall attend these two main churches at least 30 days after each other, or even one after the other, and only once on the same day; but if they should be foreigners or persons of jurisdiction, they shall likewise attend these two main churches for 15 days in the above manner. However, the more often and the more devoutly he visits these churches, the more he will earn and also the more powerful indulgences he will obtain. Given at Rome in the Vatican, 22 Feb. of Our Papal Dignity in the 6th year.
2nd Bull of Pope Clement VI, Anno 1330, in which he recalls the Jubilee Year after every fifty years.
From the eorxus juris cunoniei öxtruvaZ. eomm. lid. V., tit. 9th, 6ux>. 2.
Translated into German.
Clement the Sixth, the Archbishop of Tarragona and his auxiliary bishops.
The only begotten Son of God considered the body of the Virgin Mary worthy to descend from the bosom of His heavenly Father and to enter into it, where He united our essential and mortal nature with His divinity, in unity of person, in an ineffable and to us completely hidden way, which had its subsistence in the divine one, but did not absorb and accept the latter into its unity, so that in this way he might redeem the fallen human race and in its place fully reconcile the enraged father. For since the time had come
God sent His Son, born of a woman and made subject to the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive the adoption of children. For he was made unto us of God unto wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; and entered not by goats' and calves' blood, but by his own blood once into the holy place, and found an everlasting redemption. As he did not redeem us with perishable silver and gold, but with his precious blood, as an innocent and unblemished lamb, which he poured out on the altar of the cross, although he knew of no sin, not drop by drop, which would have been enough to redeem the entire human race, because of the exact union with the independent word, but frequently and stream by stream, so that from the sole of the foot to the head, nothing healthy was to be found in him. What a glorious treasure he has acquired for the struggling church! Which the pious Father in heaven is willing to give to his children, so that this bloodshed, which was done out of merciful love, would not be in vain, futile and superfluous, and so that we poor people would have an infinite treasure, through which we could be made partakers of God's lost grace, love and friendship again, if only we would make use of it. Finally, he entrusted this treasure to Blessed Petro, who holds the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and to his ordinary successors as governors on earth, so that it would not be kept in a sweat sheet, as it were, or remain hidden in the field, but would be made known through them to the faithful in a salutary way, and, for peculiar and reasonable reasons, be graciously applied to the truly penitent and confessing, both in general and, in particular, as they may deem good, to the complete and partial remission of the temporal punishment deserved for sin. As is well known, the merits of the blessed Mother of God and of all the saints contribute much to the increase of this treasure; and there is not the least reason to fear that it will ever be diminished or exhausted, partly because Christ's merit is infinite, and partly because the merits of the elect and saints become so much greater the more their number increases. Which, our predecessor, Pope Boniface the Eighth, of blessed memory, contemplated in godly contemplation, and carefully considered what great reverence and esteem should be paid to the most glorious among men and the most distinguished in the world.
The apostles are to be blamed for the fact that the light of the gospel has dawned in Rome and the Christian religion has been introduced, that they have begotten the church of Christ through the word of the gospel, that they have shepherded the Lord's flock, that they have shone forth with their faith to others, that they are to be regarded as pillars of the church, and that they have a special privilege before the other apostles because of the power of faith in our Savior Himself; He entrusted the keys of the kingdom of heaven to one of them, the foremost of all the apostles, as a faithful steward; to the other, as a skillful and efficient teacher, he entrusted the most distinguished teaching office in the church: In order that their memory might be renewed the more diligently, that they might be venerated the more zealously, devoutly and humbly by all believing Christians, and that their grace and protection might be assured the more undoubtedly, he wished to open such an inexhaustible treasure to encourage the faithful in their devotion and to reward them for it, and, after the counsel of his brethren, concluded that all who, in the year of the birth of our Lord 1300, and every 100 years thereafter, approached the main churches of the said apostles in Rome with reverence, and, if they were Roman citizens, visited them 30 days, but if they were foreigners or judicial persons, 15 days one after the other, or alternately one after the other, at least once during the day, but not differently from penitents and confessors, should obtain and receive complete and perfect remission of all their sins. But after we have perceived that according to the law of Moses, which the Lord came not to abolish but to fulfill spiritually, the fiftieth year was a year of reverence or remission, and those days on which the debts were remitted were solemnly observed; likewise that the fiftieth number is to be held strange and especially high, because in the Old Testament on the fiftieth day the law was given, and in the New the Holy Spirit, by whom we obtain forgiveness of sins, was visibly poured out upon the apostles, and that in this number still lie several and exceeding great mysteries of the holy divine Scriptures: We, who are very much inclined to listen to the groaning of the Roman nation, which belongs to us, and which is humbly before us, by means of the special messengers appointed for this purpose, just as it was done in former times by Moses and Aaron, and we have to ask for the sake of the entire Christian people, and to break out in the words: "Lord, open your treasure to them, and let them draw living water from it, as from a well," gladly and willingly;
not that they may cease to murmur in the manner of the obdurate and hardened Jewish people, but rather that zeal and devotion in religion may grow and increase among this noble and valuable nation and among all the faithful, that faith may appear in its full splendor, that hope may flourish and blossom, and that love may become all the more ardent; besides heartily wishing that quite a few may be granted this indulgence. Considering, however, that the fewest bring their age, because of the shortness of human life, to a hundred years, according to the counsel of our brethren, it has been deemed good to set said indulgence, for the above-mentioned and other legitimate and well-founded reasons, to the fiftieth year, and to decree, according to the aforesaid counsel of our brethren and our complete apostolic authority, that all the faithful who, as truly penitent and confessing, will live the next 1350th year, and thereafter every 50 years, be granted the indulgence. year, and every 50 years thereafter, the said churches of the Apostles Peter and Paul and the Papal Palace, where Constantine, of glorious memory, having received Holy Baptism from the blessed Pope Sylvestro, as revealed to him by God through these Apostles, and having been freed from leprosy, in honor of Christ our Savior, and Pope Sylvestro himself is said to have consecrated it with special ceremonies and newly invented chrism, on the walls of which a crucifix, painted and all the more highly esteemed, was first presented to the eyes of the entire Roman people, and in honor of whom, for these and other certain and reasonable reasons, so that this temple may receive a higher adornment from the privilege of more said indulgences, and devout Christians may deserve from the Savior Himself, who proved Himself wonderful, great and mighty in often-named apostles, to obtain rich indulgences by their merits and intercession, we are to visit for devotion in the aforesaid manner, to receive complete and utter remission of all their sins. Thus, and in such a way that those who wish to obtain such indulgences shall be obliged to attend the aforementioned main churches and papal palace for at least 30 days if they are Roman citizens, or 15 days if they are foreigners or sovereigns. Also make this decree that those who wish to obtain such indulgences shall be present there, and after they have made the journey, are hindered for justifiable reasons from coming to Rome in the same year, or on the way, or before the aforementioned number of days have elapsed, they shall confuse the temporal with the eternal in the aforementioned city, where they shall do true penance.
and confess their sin, shall be granted this indulgence. Nevertheless, we declare all and every indulgences which have been decreed and granted by us or by our predecessors in the papal dignity, both in the city mentioned above and in other churches, to be valid; we approve, confirm and renew them by virtue of our apostolic authority, and we also want to protect them by the present writing. Accordingly, no one shall dare to violate this written ordinance etc. etc. But if anyone should attempt to do so, let him know that he will infallibly incur the wrath and disgrace of Almighty God and of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul. Given at Avignon, January 27, 1349, in the first year of our papal dignity. Accordingly, we command you, our brethren, by our apostolic authority, that if you, in all your cities and episcopal sees, make our letter known and understandable to your spiritual and temporal, high and low subjects, you may endeavor that, with the help of God, they may prepare and enable themselves to deserve this indulgence and be worthy of it. Incidentally, since the present letter, for the sake of the very different ways and other existing legal obstacles, can hardly be delivered to all and everyone among you, it is our will that through you, as archbishops, our own handwritten letter should be sent to you, its auxiliary bishops, in copy and sealed, to which we have herewith accorded complete faith. Given etc. etc.
3rd Bull of Pope Paul II, Anno 1470, in which he reduces the time of recurrence of the Jubilee Year to twenty-five years.
From Cherubim bullar. insZu. tom. I., arm. 1470 no. 7, p. 385.
Translated into German.
Paul, the bishop, a servant of the servants of God, for the constant remembrance of the cause.
The ineffable providence of the Most High (who, for the redemption of men and the reconciliation of their nature, condemned to eternal death because of Adam's transgression, has clothed His only begotten Son in the garment of our mortality, and, having preached the sacred doctrine of the Gospel, has given Him the power to redeem mankind) has made His Son the Son of God.
The Lord, who has borne and given a holy example of his life and deeds on earth, crucified him and let him die, equips us through praiseworthy discipleship so that, since we, without special merits, are the governors of our Savior on earth, we make every effort to protect the Lord's host, which, according to his decree, has been entrusted to our care, concern and watchfulness, and which the deceitful and deceptive enemy is always trying to draw away from the path of righteousness, to make them pleasing and pleasant to our Creator, who does not want the death of sinners but their conversion, and to present them diligently in good works, so that we may escape the severe justice and well-deserved divine vengeance and punishment on the last dreadful day of judgment, when the final account will be demanded of us. It is therefore incumbent upon us to direct our minds and thoughts by vigilant care so that we may, under the gracious assistance of the Most High, so usefully provide for the salvation of all believing souls of Christ, and so salutary promote it by all kinds of spiritual gifts of grace, that one may be able to defend oneself against the cunning attempts of the enemy with a proven remedy, and the believers themselves may carry away the reward of eternal blessedness by the grace of the Most High.
Since long ago, when it was known from credible stories of the ancients that great indulgences and forgiveness of sins had been granted to those who had come to Rome to the venerable churches of the most distinguished among the apostles, Pope Boniface VIII, of blessed memory, our predecessor, as he sought the salvation of all believers with all earnestness, and was only concerned that, because through the blessed originators of Christian doctrine, Peter and Paul, true worship had been established in the holy Roman and universal Church, and the Gospel of Christ had dawned in Rome, that these most distinguished of the apostles, as shepherds of the Lord's host and as strong pillars of this church, are held in special esteem and reverence, and that this our predecessor may himself open to the faithful an incomparable treasure of blessedness, he concluded, according to the counsel of his brethren: that all those who in the 1300. year after the birth of Christ, and so on every 100 years at this time, would come to Rome to the main churches of these apostles in reverence, and the same, if they are Roman citizens, at least 30 days, but if they are foreigners, or persons of authority, 15 days in succession, or one after the other, the day at least once, as truly penitent.
and confessors personally should obtain and receive the most perfect indulgence of all their sins.
Afterwards, however, our predecessor, Pope Clement the Sixth, of blessed memory, moved by foreseen and some other causes, reduced the aforementioned indulgence to the fiftieth year after mature consideration, and decided by virtue of apostolic sovereignty that all believers of Christ would devoutly visit the aforementioned main churches and the Lateran every fifty years, as often as was formerly decreed, and should be granted the same indulgence for their sins.
Also subsequently, our predecessor, Pope Gregory XI, of blessed memory, demanded that the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary Majoris, together with the aforementioned main churches and the Lateran, should be emblazoned with the aforementioned privilege granted for indulgences, and therefore carefully drafted the conclusion, and by virtue of the aforementioned apostolic majesty made the decree, that whoever of the Christian faithful has a desire to obtain such an indulgence as has been expressed in the indult of this Clementis, should and must visit the B[eatä] Mariä Majoris Church, as well as the above-mentioned main churches and the Lateran.
And Urbanus the Sixth, whom we call with due obedience, having well considered that human age was growing shorter and shorter, and wished that the vast majority of people might be granted this indulgence, yet because of the brevity of human life, very few reach the age of fifty, In order that the devotion of the people may increase more and more, the light of faith may shine and love may become more fervent, for these and other important reasons, according to the advice of his brothers, the above-mentioned fiftieth year has been reduced to the 33rd year. And according to the advice of his brothers and by virtue of the perfect apostolic power, he made the statute that all the faithful who do true penance and confess their sins, if in the 1390th year after the birth of our Lord, and so on every 33 years, they visit the said main churches, the Lateran and the Church of the Blessed Mary Majoris in Rome, in the prescribed manner, should receive this same indulgence and forgiveness of sins.
Finally, after our predecessor, Martinus the Fifth, Roman bishop of blessed memory, considered this reduction made by Urbano, confirmed it, and ordered that it should be followed in the 33rd year, it should also be put into effect at the beginning of that year.
as it has actually been observed.
Pope Nicolaus the Fifth, of blessed memory, also our predecessor, who, after the example of these forefathers, considered the more-mentioned Bull of Clementine Indulgences valid and approved, renewed and confirmed it with the approval of his brethren at that time and of ours, and by virtue of the perfect apostolic power, and by virtue of perfect apostolic authority, renewed, confirmed, protected by his indult and made public, decided and decreed that all the faithful of Christ who did true penance and confessed their sins, if according to the regulation contained in the papal bull of our predecessor Clementis, in the then still future 1450th year after the birth of our Lord, shall be punished. The letter, which is often referred to, reads more extensively: "If, according to the regulation contained in the papal bull of our predecessor Clementis, in the then still future 1450th year after the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, they visited the aforementioned main churches and temples, they should obtain a complete remission of all their sins.
Thus we, who by the mercy of the Most High, according to His gracious prudence, have governed the Catholic and universal Church during the past years, and who, after wise deliberation, have justly considered that the weak condition of human life, which is inclined to sin and transgression, is running so fast, as was thought before, that the human age would be very short, and we would be subject to many pestilences and deadly diseases because of our sins; Also that the Turks and unbelievers would constantly have to issue severe persecutions against the faithful, and that the whole of Christendom, which had been greatly oppressed in past times, would still have to suffer many and no less injustices, miserable accidents and damages, and that many other plagues and tribulations would so greatly prevail against the members of Christ, and would commonly cause such and other adverse fates, that very few would deserve to be granted such indulgences; Not less also well considered that it is nothing new or unusual, after the times change, to reduce the statutes of these predecessors to a shorter time, primarily because of the blessedness of believing souls, which we seek with all our heart and diligently provide for it according to the grace bestowed upon us by the Lord; for the impetus of the aforementioned and some other important causes, this 33rd year, according to the counsel of our venerable Father, we have decided to reduce the statutes of these predecessors to a shorter time. We have, in accordance with the advice of our venerable brethren and by virtue of our complete authority, reduced this 33rd year from the 25th year; we also order and establish, by virtue of such prestige, approval and power, that in the future the Jubilee year (namely, the complete redemption, grace and the blessing of our most holy Redeemer) shall always be the year of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Mass of the Holy Apostles (the "Holy Reconciliation of the Human Race") with all and any of the above indulgences after 25 years should be held and solemnly celebrated with thanksgiving and inward pleasure by all believers in Christ. For we give and grant, trusting in the mercy of Almighty God and in the reputation of these apostles, to these believers of both sexes, who in the 1475th year of the Lord, from the holy evening before the feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ of the 1474th year, until that time again reckoned, the indulgences of the Holy Spirit. The apostles will be the first ones to give the most complete indulgence of all their sins to these believers of both sexes, who will devoutly visit the main churches and the other churches, according to the decree of these predecessors, every twenty-five years from the holy evening before the feast of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in the year 1474 until then.
Accordingly, all and every believer who seeks to attain to the knowledge of the revealed truth may well take heed of it, and weigh in the balance of their hearts with a like guide the burden of their sins, and how hardly they have indebted themselves to the holy Savior and incurred divine disfavor. They should also go through the register of their debts again, and remember that the course of this transitory time is gradually drawing to a close, and the inexorable law: You must die, applies to everyone without exception, which puts everyone in one class without distinction of persons and status, and that we have no reason to raise the honor of this world with vain praise, because as soon as one is born, the day of death is also announced, and because one must drag oneself through the unnoticed and uncertain course of this life with mortality until the very last day, because of the impermanence of the passing time. The terrible day of judgment shall also be diligently before their eyes, on which we shall give an account of all that we have done while alive, whether good or evil, and without the effect and benefit of an appeal or demand each shall receive his own reward, namely either the reward of eternal bliss or the punishment of eternal death and damnation, which the other death will never be able to shorten or alleviate. And since this is finally the case, and mortal men have nothing that they can worthily repay the Giver of all gifts (because they have nothing good in them that has not been graciously bestowed upon them by God), they should make an effort to escape this harmful death and damnation and atone for their sins through these and other meritorious works,
so that at least by these means and by the granting of such indulgences and indulgences, by which we invite all Christians, as it were with a given assurance, to eternal salvation, and by the merits and intercession of the saints to come to eternal blessedness, we may attain worthiness. Also, all who profess the Catholic faith should receive and accept with special joy the paternal admonitions and ordinances of salvation, and the rich grace of indulgences aimed at the preparation for eternal glory, which we, its unworthy stewards, as governors of JESUS CHRIST, distribute from the treasure entrusted to the holy Roman Church; so that we may snatch their souls from the power of the infernal enemy, give them to the immortal God, our Creator, as we sincerely wish, and we may attain the enjoyment of heavenly bliss together with them, amen. Accordingly, no etc.
Given in Rome at St. Peter's, in the year after the birth of the Lord 1470, April 19, in the sixth year of our papal dignity.
4 Pope Sixtus IV's Confirmation Bull, in which he confirms the bull of his predecessor Paul II, and forbids all other pilgrimages and indulgences during the Jubilee Year.
From the eorpU8 juri8 Canonici, cxtravaZ. coinin. lib. V., tit. 9. cap. 4.
Translated into German.
Sixtus the Fourth.
Just as a diligent and vigilant shepherd makes every effort to ensure that the sheep entrusted to his care are safe from the attacks and dangerous pursuits of wild animals, and that they are placed in a good and blessed condition through constant growth and multiplication: So we also, who according to the will of the Most High have to take care of the whole flock of the Lord, have the most heartfelt desire, and tirelessly think of ways and means, how all believing members of Christ, whom the rejected enemy of the human race has drawn away from the true way of righteousness by his devilish intrigues and cunning, may have their heavy burden of sin removed and be reconciled again with their heavenly Father, so that they may enjoy the glorious reward of eternal life through the unchaste and unpolluted world.
We hope that the eternal salvation of the people will be seriously promoted by our efforts, which are based on the general benefit, and also by the acceptance and acceptance of grace, and that both our and our blessed predecessors' salutary decrees will be vigorously applied to them. If our predecessor, Pope Paul the Other, of blessed memory, for the reasonable reasons then mentioned, was moved to reduce the Jubilee Year to a shorter period by a wise decree, according to the advice and with the approval of our venerable brethren who were alive at that time and among whom we also found ourselves, and to bring it to the 25th year, by virtue of his apostolic authority. He also decreed that the aforementioned Jubilee should be celebrated every 25 years, and that the same should begin in the next year of the Lord 1474, namely from the holy evening before the birth of the Lord Christ, and that it should be concluded in 1475 at that time; also that all and every believer of both sexes who visited the main churches of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, the Lateran and the holy St. Mary Majoris Church in the Vatican, should be able to celebrate the Jubilee. Mary Majoris Church in the worthy city at the appointed time, should obtain all and every kind of indulgence and remission of their sins, which this pope and his predecessors had granted to those who devoutly visited said principal churches and places of worship in that year: We, who, after it has pleased the Lord to reclaim the said predecessor from temporality, have been elevated by the divine government of grace to the highest apostolic dignity, confirm, with the consent of our brethren, first by this, then also by our other letters, this predecessor Paul's decree, will and conclusion, together with all that is contained in this letter of his. We also resolve and decree that the said Jubilee Year, with the plenary indulgence and forgiveness of sins, shall last the future year from Christmas Eve until then, as is more extensively contained in all the aforementioned letters, which we have observed according to their content just as if it had been expressly told in the present one. However, because afterwards both we and our predecessor Paul, in order to promote the salvation of believing souls, at the request and entreaty of many princes and other believers in Christ and God-fearing per
In view of the fact that the Churches, monasteries and holy places have deemed it good to grant various kinds of perfect indulgence and remission of sins to some churches, monasteries and holy places, for which reason the pilgrimage of whole peoples to the said main churches and places of worship might be denied, or the approaching Jubilee Year itself might have to be shortened, or even discontinued, to the not inconsiderable detriment of poor souls: We, who by virtue of our pastoral office are bound to see to the growth of all the faithful and their blessedness, and by appropriate means are glad to prevent that, because of other letters of indulgence hitherto frequently granted by us, or by Paul, or by other of our predecessors, this sacred work and the proclamation of indulgences should be suspended, this sacred work and the year of indulgences and pardons, or that the faithful themselves be deprived of this high benefit, all and any complete liberties, indulgences and pardons, which either under the title of a jubilee year, or confusing one vow with the other, or being unknowingly stolen therefrom and from them, or property extorted by malicious usury or in any other illicit manner, or to formally remit them, and to deputize confessors with authority, even in cases reserved by the apostolic see, from us and that see, or by virtue of their authority to all churches, monasteries, hospitals, and holy orders, universities, Fraternities, both permanently and for a certain time, in life or in death, in whatever manner and in whatever circumstances it may have happened, as it may be, have been granted and may be granted in the future, by virtue of the apostolic authority and power through present letters, as long as it is pleasing to us and to this See. And we want them to be suspended and revoked as long as it pleases us and the said See, and in the meantime we do not want anyone to do anything about it, but in such a way that the indulgences granted for the said main churches and places of worship in Rome shall retain their full force. As we also hereby seriously forbid that other letters of indulgence, apart from these, be distributed to the public or to private parties, and that the indulgence merchants extort money with them. Yes, we also want and command that all indulgence merchants and indulgence preachers be forbidden such indulgence sermons and indulgence stuff by virtue of the present indult, under threat of public punishment and penalty, with which they shall be regarded in time. Accordingly, no one shall take the liberty to offend this written suspension, prohibition, order and will of ours, or to act contrary to it in a bold manner. But if anyone should do so
who shall know that by so doing he will incur the disgrace of Almighty God and of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul. Given at Tivoli, in the year after the birth of Christ 1473, August 28, in the third year of our papal dignity.
5. several letters of indulgence, which show that the popes also granted indulgences outside the time of the Jubilee, either themselves or through others.
a. The Cardinals of Avignon letter of indulgence for the church at Untergreislau not far from
Weissenfels. 1331.
From the "innocent news and continued collection of old and new theological things," 1709, p. 201.
To all the sons of the Holy Mother, the Church, to whom the present letter will reach, we offer by God's grace William, Archbishop of Antivari, Alamannus in Suana, John of Verben, Laurentius of Arianna, Jacobus of Sagona, Wilhelmus of Bethlehem, Peter of Montimat, Wilhelmus of Acerne, Paulus of Alba, Benedictus of Candien, John of Servien, Bonifacius of Salatan, and Salmannus of Worms, bishops, constant salvation in the Lord.
The Holy Mother, who cares for the salvation of souls, is in the habit of encouraging the devotion of the faithful by some spiritual gifts, namely forgiveness and indulgences, so that they may pay due honor to the service of God and the Holy Church, that the more often and devoutly the Christian people gather there to implore the grace of the Savior unceasingly, the more they may become worthy to obtain forgiveness of their sins and the glory of the eternal kingdom. Because we want the parish church in Untergreislau, Naumburg district, to be visited with due honor and to be diligently honored by all believers in Christ: we remit to all truly penitent and penitent who come to the said church on all feasts of its patron saint and on the consecration (or on the church feast day) of the same church, as well as on other feasts mentioned below, for example Christmas, New Year's Day, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, the invention and exaltation of the cross, on all and every feasts of the Holy Virgin Mary, St. Michael the Archangel, the Nativity and Beheading of St. John the Baptist, the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all other holy feasts.
Apostles and Evangelists; also Saints Stephen, Lawrence, Vincent, Pancrat and George the Less; Saints Martin, Nicolai, Gregory, August, Ambrose and Jerome; St. Mary Magdalene, St. Catherine, St. Margaret, St. Cecilia, St. Lucia, St. Agatha, St. Agnetis, St. Anne, the Mother of Mary, the 11,000 virgins, in memory of all the saints and souls, and through the octaves of such feasts, who have such octaves, as well as all Sundays, come for devotion, prayer or pilgrimage, or who at masses, when the bell rings, will say Hail Mary three times with bent knees; likewise who will lend a helping hand for the construction, lights, church decoration or other necessities of such a church; or who in their wills or otherwise will donate, bequeath or bequeath and have donated by others gold, silver, clothes or other gifts of love to the said church; or who will attend the masses of the priest and his sermons and contribute something out of love; or who will transform the churchyard of the said church with prayers for the souls of all deceased believers: as often as they do the aforesaid things or any of them in devotion, we shall all (I say), by the grace of Almighty God and trusting in the power of St. Peter and St. Paul, his apostles, graciously grant them in the Lord a 40-day indulgence from the penances imposed on them, if only the will and consent of the bishop of the district is given. In witness whereof we have caused this letter to be printed with our seal. Done Avignon the 18th of December Anno 1331, and of the papacy Pabst Johannis XXII. in the 16th year. 1)
We Henry, by the grace of God Bishop of Naumburg, consider all the indulgences mentioned above from the most venerable fathers, the above-mentioned archbishops and bishops, to be good and right, and confirm them by our episcopal power; and, by the grace of Almighty God and in reliance on the intercession of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, graciously grant 40 days' indulgence in the Lord from the penances imposed on them to all those who are truly penitent and confessed and who devoutly attend the above-mentioned church on the feasts named in the above-mentioned letter, or who will do a work contained in such letter. Done Zeitz, Anno 1332 2) the 7th of March.
1) In the old edition of Walch: "in the 6th year"; but John XXII became pope in 1316 and died in 1331.
2) It will read 1332 instead of "1331" in the old edition, since this letter of confirmation must be later than the previous writing.
b. Letter of indulgence for the parish church at Bernstadt in Upper Lusatia, dated Anno 1339.
From the "innocent news," 1728, p. 3.
To all who will see the present Brref, Martinus, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Amelinian Bishop, Bonus, by the same grace Calunensian Bishop, Arnoldus, by this grace Figeran Bishop, and Thomas, by this same grace Hemnensian Bishop, wish constant salvation in the Lord.
Since, as the apostle says, we all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and will receive what we have done in life, whether good or evil, we must prepare for our last day by works of mercy, and sow on earth in view of the eternal, so that when the Lord distributes the reward, we may gather multiplied fruit for it; because he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap eternal life bountifully. If then on the part of the most beloved man Conrad Albrecht, from the city of Bernstadt, Meissen diocese, it has been humbly requested from us, that we may grant all those who make a pilgrimage to the church of St. Urbank,....the Virgin of this diocese: we also, trusting in the mercy of Almighty God, and in the prestige and authority of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, remit to all truly penitent and penitent persons, of both sexes, who visit said church on its feast days or other solemn times of the holy Virgin Mary, the Nativity of the Lord, the Circumcision, the Epiphany, the Resurrection, the Ascension, Pentecost, the Trinity and the Consecration of the Church, the Holy Cross, the Holy Angels, John the Baptist, the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and the other Apostles, Evangelists and Holy Martyrs, Stephani, . ..as well as the holy church teachers, Hieronymi, and other teachers and holy confessors, Nicolai and Martini; not less the blessed Mary Magdalene, Agnetis, Lucia, Catharina, Margaretha and Elisabeth; likewise on the feast of all saints, and through their Octavas; on the feast of all souls and on all Sundays; also those who follow the Venerabile, when it is carried to the sick; or who, at the sound of the bells, devoutly pray three Hail Marys; or who, for the building, lights, ornaments, and other things necessary to the said church, will offer a helping hand, to each one of you (thus) mercifully in the Lord 40 days of the penances imposed upon them, provided the ordinary bishop thereof is satisfied therewith. In confirmation of this
We have preserved the present letter with our seal attached to it. Given at Rome in our palaces, in the year of our Lord 1339, on the seventh Roman numeral of interest, the papal dignity of the Lord Benedicti, Pope, the 12th day of the month of Martii, in the fifth year of the same.
And we Withigo, by the grace of God the Bishop of the Churches of Meissen, consider the said indulgence of the venerable fathers in Christ to be valid and approved, and confirm the same by virtue of the authority ... in the name of the Lord, add also for us 40 days of indulgence and a carenam, for those who will find themselves willing and ready for the said feast days and the above-mentioned good works.
And we John, by the grace of God Bishop of the Churches of Meissen, also confirm the letter of indulgence of the venerable Fathers in Christ, in the name of God by our attached seal, also add 40 days of indulgence together with a carena, for all who will come to the above.
c. Letter of indulgence for the church at Lommatsch, from Anno 1359.1 )
From the "innocent news," 1722, p. 169.
To all the holy Mother, the Church, sons to whom this present letter will come, we wish by divine permission Raphael in Arcadia, Angelus in Calamia, Franciscus in Lapsaco, Lazarus in Botrosta, Guido in Sosopoli, Bertholdus in Hadrian, Maternus in Casana, Lucas in Salubrica, Richardus in Bisacio, Peter in Valona, Peter in Calia, Richardus in Thermopolis, and Richardus in Pistoria, constant salvation in the Lord.
The brilliance of the divine light, which illuminates the world with its ineffable clarity, makes the godly desires of those who hope in its most gracious majesty enjoy its peculiar grace especially when their devout humility is assisted by the merits and prayers of the saints.
Since we desire that the parish church of St. Wenceslas in Lommatsch, Meissen District, be visited with due honor and diligently venerated by believers in Christ, we, and each one of us, want all truly penitent and penitent who go to said church on all feasts of its patron and on all subsequent feasts, namely Christmas, New Year's Day, Epiphany, Char Friday, Easter, Ascension Day, Pentecost, and the Feast of the Holy Trinity, to be able to attend the church of St. Wenceslas in Lommatsch with due honor.
1) In Walch: "1339". In the years 1352-1362 Innocenz VI was pope. Pope.
The saints of the Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi, the invention and elevation of the cross, St. Michael the Archangel, the birth and beheading of St. John the Baptist, all the feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Peter and Paul, apostles and evangelists, the four teachers of the churches, the feast of all the saints and the commemoration of souls. Peter and Paul, apostles and evangelists, the four teachers of the churches, on the feast of all the saints and the memorial of the souls, and on the said church consecration, the saints Stephani, Laurentii, Martini, Severi, Severini and Gregorii; the saints Catharina, Barbara, Elisabeth and Lucia, and through all octaves of all feasts that have octaves, and on all Sundays and Sabbaths of the whole year, come for devotion, prayer and pilgrimage, and who come for building, lights, books, chalices, clothes or other things, chalices, clothes, or other ornaments of said church, or attend mass, sermons, matins, vespers, and other services, or go into said church with devout invocation to God, or walk around its churchyard, or say Hail Mary three times with bent knees at the evening chimes and the striking of the bell, or follow the body of Christ or the holy oil when they are carried to the sick, or give or bequeath gold, silver, or something of their property to said church, or have others give or bequeath the same, or who will also devoutly pray to God for the venerable Father and Lord, the Bishop of Meissen, who confirms this letter: as often as, when or where they shall do the like or any of the like, by the grace of Almighty God, and trusting in the power of St. Peter and St. Paul, His apostles, they hereby graciously grant 40 days' indulgence in the Lord from the penances imposed upon them, if only the bishop's consent and approval shall be given thereto. In witness whereof we have affixed our seal to this letter. Given Anno 1359, the 1st of March, in the XII. Indiction, and of the Pabbacy of our Lord Pabst Innocentii VI in the 7th year.
d. Letter of indulgence for the church at Memleben, 1359.
From the "innocent news," 1712, p. 783.
Brother Albertus of Bychelingen, by the grace of God Bishop of the Church of Ippus, of the Most Reverend Lord Gerlach, Archbishop of Mainz, Vicarius in spiritual matters, to all to whom this letter is addressed, constant salvation in the Lord. We, who gladly urge all believers in Christ to the works of godliness on a
and God-pleasing manner, hereby, out of heartfelt trust in the mercy of Almighty God and the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, as well as in the gracious benevolence of blessed Martini, by virtue of the authority granted to us, grant to all truly penitent and confessing persons who make their charitable contribution to the Dominical parish church and others in Memleben, who will make a pilgrimage to the said church on each of the main feasts, namely the Nativity, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, the Glorious Virgin Mary, the consecration of the church, to all the saints and to all the souls, eight days in succession, to keep their devotion and to perform their prayers; not less also those who will go around the churchyard and pray three paternosters for all the deceased saints; who, when the Venerable and the holy chalice are carried to the sick, will devoutly pray, as well as those who, at the ringing of the evening bells, out of reverence for the glorious Virgin Mary, will pray the Hail Mary three times on their knees with devotion, as often as they are not present, mercifully in the Lord for 40 days of indulgence and forgiveness of sins, together with a carena. Above this, by virtue of the present letter, in the name of the Lord, we transfer the feast of the consecration of the church, so far celebrated in the week of St. Martin, to the next Sunday after the feast of St. Martin, where it will be held at all times in the future. Given in the year of the Lord 1359 on the day of the Ascension of Christ, with attached seal.
e. Letter of indulgence granted to the new hospital at Halle in Saxony, Anno 1381.
From the "innocent news," 1728, p. 319.
We Albrecht, of the Order of the Fratrum Minorum, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of the Ebeonensian Churches, announce that in the year of the Lord 1381, by order of the venerable in Christ Father and Lord, Lord Peter, Archbishop of Magdeburg, we have erected a new hospital in the city of Halle, together with the Fratribus of the Order of Predicants, a church and graveyard together with two altars, under the gracious assistance of the Holy Spirit, and hereby grant to all those who visit said church, graveyard and altars, as often as they wish, for the sake of devotion, pilgrimage or prayer, or alms from the property given to them by God for the poor who are there,
They shall offer them, if only they are truly penitent, sorrowful for their sins, and confess the same; but especially to those who, on the feasts dedicated to the patrons of the church and altars, as well as on the feasts of the Resurrection of Christ, the Ascension, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and others; on the four feasts of the most blessed Virgin (Mary), on St. Crucis, on All Saints, on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, the Apparition, and by their octaves, in firm reliance on the mercy of Almighty God, and on the merits of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and the patrons of above-mentioned churches and altars, 80 days' indulgence, two carenas, from the penances imposed on them, mercifully in the Lord; which indulgence shall henceforth apply at all times. Given in the year of the Lord, as above, on the 6th day before the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord immediately, with our seal attached for the confirmation of the above.
f. Indulgence for the renovated Sonnenfeld Monastery, Anno 1384.
From the "innocent news," 1728, p. 494.
We, Brother John, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of Ebrancio, Pontifical Governor of the Venerable in Christ Father and Lord, Mr. Erhard, Bishop of Würzburg, announce by the present that in the year of the Lord 1384, on the evening before the feast of St. Laurentii the Martyr, we consecrated a small altar in the choir of Sonnenfeld, near the town called Hofstädt, diocese of Würzburg. Laurentii the Martyr, we consecrated a small altar in the choir of the Sonnenfeld Monastery, near the town called Hofstädt, Würzburg Diocese, in honor of St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Erhard the Bishop and the Confessors, as well as the Blessed Virgin Otilia and ... have placed indulgences on said altar, as we mercifully grant 40 days of remission of mortal sins and one year of remission of sins of weakness from the penances imposed on them to those who, for the sake of devotion, make a pilgrimage there on the days of the dedication of this monastery, as well as the aforementioned altar and the patrons thereof, repentant and confessing. Given in the nunnery Sonnenfeld, of the Cistercian Order, Würzburg diocese, in the year of the Lord 1384, on the evening before St. Laurentii the Martyr, under our attached seal.
The letter was written on the day of St. Lawrence the Martyr.
g. Pabst Bonifacius IX's letter of indulgence for the Hospital Martini at Nordhausen, Anno 1391, 1) together with Pabst Alexander V's bull for an altar portatile, so the founder of this monastery was allowed 1409.
From the "innocent news," 1720, p. 875.
Bonifacius Bishop, servant of the servants of God. Greetings and apostolic blessings to all believers in Christ who will read this letter!
Although he, from whose grace it comes that he is served worthily and praiseworthily by his faithful, out of the abundance of his goodness, which surpasses the merits of the supplicants, also repays the desires of those who serve him rightly much more than they deserve, we, who gladly want to prepare a people pleasing to the Lord and eager for all good works, entice the faithful with all kinds of gifts, namely indulgences and pardons, to please him all the more, so that they may thereby become all the more skilled in divine grace.
Because we then desire that one altar of the Holy Spirit, another of all the saints; likewise others St. Matthiä, St. Johannis the Baptist, St. Andreä, St. Laurentii; and another St. Mariä, St. Annä, St. Elisabeth, St. Bonifacii, St. Vincentii and his companions, who are in the hospital of the poor St. Martini, outside the walls of the city of Nordhausen, Mainz district, which, as it is said, have been built anew, are visited with due honor and the poor of Christ are duly entertained in said hospital; that also the believers in Christ gather the sooner for devotion to said altars and lend their hand to the maintenance of said poor the more willingly, the more they see that they enjoy there abundantly the gift of heavenly grace: so we want, out of the almighty God's grace and of the holy Sts. Peter and Paul, his apostles, authority and trust in it, to all truly penitent and confessed, who at Christmas, New Year, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension and Corpus Christi feast of our Lord Jesus Christ, also Pentecost; likewise on pem feasts of the Nativity, Annunciation, Purification and Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Nativity of John the Baptist, and of the said Apostles Peter and Paul, and the consecration of the same altars, and celebration of all the saints, and by theirs of Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension and Corpus Christi, also the Nativity and Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Nativity of St. John, and of the Apostles Peter
1) Walch by mistake: "1301".
and St. Paul's feasts, and then for the six days immediately following the feast of Pentecost, devoutly visit the aforesaid altars annually and lend their hands for such maintenance: each such feast and holiday 2 years and so many quadragens; but those octaves and the aforesaid 6 days, when they shall visit the altars and lend their hands, have 100 days of the penances imposed upon them graciously remitted herewith; but so that this shall not continue after 10 years. We also want that if otherwise those who visit the said altars, or give their hand for their construction and maintenance of the poor in the said hospital, or otherwise any indulgence has already been given and granted by us for perpetuity or for a certain time not yet expired, this present letter shall neither apply nor mean anything. Given in Rome at St. Peter's the 3rd of June [1391] of our papacy in the 3rd year.
Pope Alexander V. Bull for an altar por tatile, so the founder of the aforementioned hospital has been allowed Anno 1409.
On parchment documents.
Alexander Bishop, servant of the servants of God, the beloved son Simon, surnamed Segemonde, citizen of the city of Nordhausen, Mainz district, greeting and apostolic blessing!
The honest devotional zeal that you bear towards us and the Roman Church justly deserves that we graciously grant your request, especially the one that we see going out of fervent devotion, as much as we can with God. Therefore, out of affection for your devout petition that you may have an altar of worship with proper awe and veneration, in order to have mass and all other services held on it in your or your household's presence in appropriate and Christian places, by your own or other appropriate priests: we permit your devotion by this letter. It shall therefore not be lawful for any man to break this leaf of our permission, or to oppose it. And if anyone dares to do so, let him know that he will fall into the disfavor of Almighty God and of St. Peter and St. Paul, his apostles. Given in Bologna (Bononia) the 10th of April [1409] of our Papacy in the 1st year.
h. Letter of indulgence for the Church of All Saints at Mühlhaufen, from Anno 1423.
From the "innocent news," 1728, p. 841.
To all believers in Christ and to the Holy Mother, the Church, Sons, who are reading our letter or will hear about it, salvation in Him who gives true salvation to all.
We, Brother Heinrich, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of the Adriatic Churches, in pontifical ordinances Vicarius of the Most Reverend in Christ the Father and of our Lord, Lord Conrad, Archbishop of the Holy See of Mainz, publicly announce by the present letter that we have regained the God's Acre and the Church of All Saints in Mulhouse, and that we have consecrated the high altar in the choir of said church in honor of the Holy Cross, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Blessed Apostle Bartholomew, the Blessed Sebastian the Martyr, the Blessed Augustine the Confessor, and the Blessed Virgins Catharina and Barbara, with all due and customary ceremonies, and as much as he permits, to whom it is due that the faithful serve him worthily and commendably in perfect holiness, and whose merits far exceed our request; who, therefore, also repays those who righteously adhere to him much more than they may desire and deserve. Nevertheless, since we want to present a people pleasing to the Lord, to attract believers in Christ by some charming gifts and by the remission of sins, so that they may become pleasing to him and therefore more capable of divine grace: We therefore grant to all those who do true penance, recognize and confess their sins, and lend a helping hand to the said church and its building, lights, chalice books, ornaments, or to all other godly works or services; or on all feast days, namely the Nativity, the Circumcision, the Epiphany, the Passion of Christ, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, the feast days of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of all the Apostles, of all the Saints, also on the memorial day of all believing souls, on the feasts of the patrons of the church and on the feast of the consecration of the church, which will henceforth be celebrated annually on the Sunday following St. Bartholomew's Day, the day of the Apostles, and throughout the said feasts, the Octavas will gather for devotion or prayer, or visit the churchyard and the altar; or hold a meeting and pray five paternosters and as many Hail Marys for all the faithful departed; or pay homage to the Venerable and to the holy oil when it is too late.
or who faithfully attend the masses, early sermons, vespers, or other holy funerals and burials of the deceased, in order to ask the Lord for the grace of reconciliation; or who, when all the bells are rung in the evening, pray three Hail Marys on their knees out of reverence for the Blessed Virgin Mary: if and as often as they will devoutly perform one of the above-mentioned pieces, trusting in the mercy of the Almighty God and in the grace of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, by virtue of the power communicated to us, of the penances imposed upon them 40 days' remission of the penalties and one carenam, mercifully in the Lord. In confirmation of all that has been said before, we have caused this letter to be kept with our seal attached. Given and done in the year of the Lord 1423, on the Sunday of Lent, on which the Judica is sung in the Church of God.
(L. S.)
i. Pope Martinus V's letter of indulgence for the church of St. Mary at Geithen, together with the bishop of Merseburg's confirmation and a letter of indulgence. 1422.
From the "innocent news," 1714, p. 22.
Martin Bishop, a servant of the servants of God, wishes salvation and apostolic blessing to all believers of Christ who will see present letter.
When we devoutly contemplate the very high and glorious merits with which the Queen of Heaven, the glorious Virgin and Mother of God, is resplendent in the starry abode as a shining morning star; if we also consider in our soul that she, as a mother of mercy, a mother of love and grace, a kind comforter of the human race, a diligent and vigilant intercessor, intercedes with the King whom she begot for the salvation of the faithful who are pressed by the burden of sin: In our opinion, it is fitting, indeed we consider it a duty, that we honor and adorn the churches dedicated to her and other saints by graciously granting forgiveness and indulgences. Thus, we want that the parish church of our dear women outside the walls of the city of Geithen, in the Merseburg area, be given due honor.
and that Christ's faithful prefer to gather for the sake of devotion, so that they may be all the more abundantly filled with the gift of heavenly grace: we graciously, trusting in the mercy of Almighty God and in the reputation of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, remit to all truly penitent and penitent who will devoutly visit this church annually on the feast of the Visitation of Blessed Mary, two years and as many quadragenas of the penalties imposed upon them. We also wish to enclose that this letter shall be of no force or validity with the faithful who visit said church, or lend a helping hand for its building and repair, or otherwise give godly alms there, if another indulgence should have been given to them by us for perpetuity or for a certain time not yet elapsed. Given at Rome at St. Peter's the 2nd of December [1422], 1) in the 5th year of our papal government.
(Seal.) Martin the Fifth, Pope.
Pro B. et pistorio
R. de. Valentin.
To all and every believer in Christ to whom our present letter will reach, Nicolaus, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of Merseburg, wishes constant salvation in the Lord. You will perhaps know that we have truly sealed the letter of the most holy Father in Christ and of our Lord, Martin, by the grace of God the Fifth, Pope, according to the custom of the Roman court, with his leaden bull and attached red and blue cords (cordulis), quite unharmed, not obliterated, not scraped, nor in one piece suspect, but without all fault and suspicion, received, seen, read, and carefully examined with due reverence, the following contents: Martin etc., as above. Having respectfully received this letter, as is proper, and having perused, read, and diligently examined the same, we hold this apostolic letter, by virtue of unferior ordinary power, approved, justified, approved, and affirmed, as much as is in us, by virtue of said power, by present. And because the Blessed Virgin Mary, as we have learned from credible and true news, was ordained in the said parish church of the town of Geithen in our territory, by divine power, the Holy Virgin Mary has been ordained in the parish church of the town of Geithen.
1) Inserted by us. The year 1422 is the fifth of the pope Martin V.
We think it is right and just that the faithful should be encouraged to visit more eagerly the places where such miracles take place, since the Mother herself cannot be praised and honored enough by the orphans. So that this angelic queen may consider those who serve her worthy to be a pious intercessor and helper for her at the last judgment, at which each one will be rewarded according to his works, be it good or evil, but we seek to spread the glorification of this God-bearer and redeemer of the lost world: By virtue of our aforesaid ordinary power, trusting in the mercy of Almighty God and His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, as well as in the power of Blessed Lawrence, our most glorious martyr-patron, we give to all the truly penitent, contrite and confessing, who every year on the feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary devoutly visited said parish church outside the walls of the town of Geithen, or otherwise gave alms for its building, mercifully in the Lord 40 days of indulgence from the penitential penalties imposed on them, which shall apply permanently in the future. To confirm all the above, we have had the present letter affirmed with our greater seal. However, we want this letter of ours to remain with the said parish church and not to be taken out of the city of Geithen by profiteers or other people, in which case we deprive it of all force. Given and done at Merseburg in the year 1423 after the birth of Christ, on the first Roman numeral of interest, on the middle week, the 24th of the month of March, or on the holy evening before the Annunciation of the blessed Mary.
[Letter of indulgence from Bishop Nicolaus of Merseburg. 1415.]
1) Nicolaus, by God's grace Bishop of Merseburg, wishes to all and everyone in our city and area everywhere ordained laymen, priests, their vicariis and churchwardens salvation, constant grace and the peace of the Lord. We
1) The following letter of indulgence, as the date indicates, is to be placed earlier than the two preceding documents. This letter speaks of miraculous deeds and signs, which, "as they say", were performed by the God-bearer. In the previous letter it is said that this is based on "credible and true news". Here an indulgence is granted that is to be valid for only one year, but there an indulgence "that is to be valid permanently in the future".
hope to show obedience to God when we stimulate the minds of people of both sexes to offer their alms for the name of Christ and the praiseworthy Virgin Mary. Since we have been told by reliable persons that the leaders of Our Lady's Church outside the walls of the town of Geithen in our area have begun to build a new choir for the praise, glory and honor of the Mother of God, and have had a wall built on a few cubits, but without a charitable contribution from the faithful we would not be able to complete such a building, and because we have a special esteem for this church because of the public reputation that has rung out before us from the various miracles and signs that have taken place there through this praiseworthy God-bearer, as they say: We also grant the special grace and honor of indulgences to this church. Therefore we exhort you, laymen, priests, your vicars and ecclesiastics, appointed and unappointed chaplains, to whom the present letter will reach, in the Lord, and command you, with the forgiveness of your sins, that when the rulers of the said church have come to you with our present letter, you receive them graciously, that you accept them without forcing them to give any gift, and that you may be faithful and emphatically supportive of the church entrusted to you, so that they may contribute their share to the alms, and that you may merit eternal joy through these and other good works that you and they will have done. For we, trusting in the mercy of Almighty God, and by the command of His holy apostles Peter and Paul, give to all and every truly penitent, confessing, and contrite, who have given their alms to the said church, or its building, or for the increase of the worship in the said church, 40 days of the penance imposed upon them; but the year immediately following, reckoned from now on, shall no longer apply. Given in Merseburg in the year of the Lord 1415 on the day of St. Andrew the Apostle, with our seal attached.
k. Letter of indulgence for a chapel at Hofstedt near Coburg, Anno 1442.
From the "innocent news," 1728, p. 1015.
Hermann, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of Accon, of the Most Reverend in Christ Father and Lord, Lord Theodorici,
of the Holy See of Mainz, Archbishop, of the city and diocese of Würzburg, in pontifical and sacramental matters and in all cases concerning the conscience, (conveys) constant salvation in the Lord. The splendor of the glory of the Father, who illuminates the world with his ineffable light, and the sincere prayer of the faithful, who place their trust in his gracious majesty, is considered especially gracious and inclined when their humble devotion is supported by the meritorious intercession of the saints. Since we now wish that the choir of the chapel in the city of Hofstedt, Würzburg diocese, which was built in honor of St. Mauritii, Laurentii, Christophori, Clementis, Nicolai, Mariä Magdalenä, Annä and the 11,000 virgins, whose relics we have enclosed in the choir altar, and in honor of St. Pauli the Apostle, Urbani and the 11,000 virgins, the 14 Helpers and Panthaleonum, whose relics we have kept in a safe place on the altar on the right hand side outside the choir, like the above, sanctified and consecrated by us, and to be kept in due honor with the first-mentioned altars of the saints in the choir, may be visited often, and the believers in Christ may all the more gladly turn to this church for devotion: we grant to all who do true penance, recognize and confess their sins, and on the feast days of the aforementioned patrons and on the day of the consecration of said choir, namely the next Sunday before the Virgin Mary's Assumption, will reverently visit the aforementioned chapel for the sake of devotion, trusting in the mercy of the Almighty God, and in the merits and power of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, for each altar especially 40 days of criminal sins and one year of sins of weakness, together with a carena indulgence from the penances imposed on them, mercifully in the Lord. Which indulgence we also grant to all those who celebrate the said chapel on Sundays throughout the year and on the most noble feast days, namely the Nativity, the Circumcision of the Lord, the Epiphany, Green Thursday, Charlemagne, Easter, the Ascension of the Lord, Pentecost, Corpus Christi, and on all feasts of the blessed Virgin (Mary) and St. Crucis, as well as on all feast days of the Apostles and Evangelists, St. John the Baptist and all the Saints, will devoutly attend the Octavas, whenever it may be, and pray three Hail Marys at the evening bell out of reverence for the most blessed Virgin Mary, or will keep a threefold company around the graveyard of the church, trusting in the power of St. Peter and St. Paul and said Lord of Mainz.
and make a gift. For the clear confirmation of this, we have had this letter kept with our attached seal. Given and done in the year after the Incarnation of the Lord 1442, on the Day of All Saints.
I. Pabst's Nicolaus V letter of indulgence, which he gave to the chapel at Ziegenhain Anno 14531 ).
From the "innocent news," 1731, p. 681.
Nicolaus, the bishop, a servant of the servants of God, wishes salvation and apostolic blessing to all believers in Christ who will read this letter. Although, according to the Prophet, one should glorify the Lord in his saints, it is fitting that one should praise especially in the one through whom eternal salvation has appeared to the human race, namely in the highly praised blessed Mary, the constant Virgin and Christ-bearer, praise and glorify God all the more gloriously, and the faithful in Christ, the chapels founded in His honor, worship Him all the more devoutly, the more this sanctified Virgin, who became a mother of our Savior, deserves to be highly honored before other saints in heaven and to be duly exalted above the angelic choirs. If, as we have heard, because of very many, even innumerable miraculous works, which the great and merciful God performs daily in praise and honor of the exalted Mother, namely the aforementioned Virgin Mary, in the faithful of Christ, when they devoutly call upon her in their needs, there is a great and popular pilgrimage of the faithful of Christ to the chapel of said Our Lady in Ziegenhain, Naumburg diocese, for the sake of devotion and to obtain remission of their sins, but we want that such devotion may blessedly increase from time to time, and that the faithful themselves may all the more gladly gather to invoke this glorious Virgin and to visit the said place for the sake of devotion, so that they may therefore see themselves all the more abundantly filled with the heavenly gift of grace: we graciously grant, trusting in the mercy of Almighty God and in the power of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, to all truly penitent and penitent persons who, on the feast of the Nativity of the blessed Virgin Mary, devoutly make a pilgrimage to the said chapel every year, and help in its construction and increase of the divine service.
1) In the old edition of Walch: 1454. But in the text it says 1453, and the latter is the seventh of Nicolaus V.
We have decided that those who will offer a helping hand, seven years and as many quadragenas of the fines imposed on them, but in such a way that after 20 years the present letter shall no longer be valid. We wish to add, however, that if for those who otherwise go on pilgrimage to the said chapel and offer a helping hand for the building and increase of the divine service, or otherwise give godly alms there, another bull of indulgence, which is to last permanently or for a certain time, perhaps not yet expired, had been issued by us, our present letter shall no longer be of any force and emphasis. Given at Rome at St. Peter's in the year after the birth of the Lord 1453, July 21, in the seventh year of our papal dignity.
This letter of indulgence, together with the following and another letter of indulgence issued by Pope Paul II to this chapel in 1466, which has the same content as the one mentioned above, can still be seen in the original at the church in Ziegenhain, which lies near Jena; under this there is still a seal, on which Peter and Paul are written, with the inscription: SPASPE probably: 8.8. Uktru8f. A foreign hand has added outside: Nicolaus Pabst, the Fifth, mercifully grants indulgence for 7 years and as many quadragenas from the penances imposed on them.
m. Letter of indulgence from the Bishop of Naumburg for the chapel at Ziegenhain, Anno 1426.
From the "innocent news," 1731, p. 688.
John, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of Naumburg, wishes all and every believer in Christ, who will see or hear about this letter, salvation in Him who is the true power and the true salvation of all. The more she, as the Mother of God, deserves to be placed high above all the saints in heaven, the more pleasing it is to God, who rejoices in His saints when they are glorified, to pay homage to the blessed Mary, the constant Virgin. Therefore, as we wish that the chapel in the village of Ziegenhain, located in our diocese, which is named after the highly praised Virgin Mary, the comforter of all the abandoned, and has her as patroness, be visited often and much with due honor: we grant to all truly penitent and confessing persons who make a pilgrimage to the said chapel for the sake of devotion, perform their devotions there, serve at the masses, if any are to be read, and offer their sacrifices; also, under the ringing of the evening bells, with bended knees, three times the Ave Maria.
and will give their other alms for the building, ornaments, lights and other necessary things, in whatever way it may be done, trusting in the mercy of Almighty God and in the power of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, if and as often as they have done the things mentioned above, or one of the things mentioned above, 40 days' remission of the penances imposed on them, mercifully in the Lord; The apostolic bulls of indulgence, which have been granted by countless previous lords, archbishops and bishops to the said chapel, and which should still be granted in the future, are, as far as we are concerned, approved and valid in our diocese. Given in the year of our Lord 1425, the 28th day of October, with our seal attached to the present letter below.
n. Copy of a letter of indulgence issued under the papal government of Eugenii IV. [1431-1447].
This copy was first published by the Hamburg pastor M Nie. Hardkopf in 1617 in Latin and German. It is also found in both languages in the "Sammlung von alten und neuen theologischen Sachen", 1726, p. 187.
Dearest brothers in Christ! You have no doubt that God can do whatever He wills in heaven and on earth, so now we announce to you and know that God, through His marvelous omnipotence, sent a box, made by the disciples of the apostles from imperishable wood, full of God's glorious wonders, from Jerusalem to Africam, especially to the city of Carthaginem, from there to Hispalin, and again from there to Toledo in Asturiis to the holy church of St. Salvatoris. Salvatoris, in the place called Ovetum. In the opened chest, many more boxes of gold, silver and ivory were found, in which, when they were opened with great reverence, fear and trembling by holy men, they immediately saw several reports, information and registers about the inserted sanctuary. There they found Christ's palm, a jar full of Christ's blood, placed about to the side of an image that the Christians had made in Christ's image, and the old stubborn Jews had hung on a wood and opened its sides with a spear, from which water and blood flowed to strengthen the faith of Christ's suffering all the more. There they found of the right cross of the Lord, of the thorns
the crown of the Lord, the tomb of the Lord, the robe of the Lord, the swaddling clothes in which the Lord lay wrapped in the manger, the bread of the Lord's supper, the bread with which the Lord fed 5,000 people, the manna which God rained on the children of Israel, the earth of the Mount of Olives on which the Lord stood when he was about to ascend to heaven and when he raised Lazarum; of the tomb of Lazari himself, of the milk of the mother of the Lord, of her hair and clothes; one of the thirty pieces of silver for which the Lord of Judah is sold; the mantle given by the Queen of Heaven (Mary) to St. Alphonfo, Archbishop of Toledo; of the mantle of the prophet Elijah; the garment of St. Tyrsi the Martyr, the hand of St. St. Stephen, the first martyr, the right slipper of St. Peter the Apostle, the forehead of St. John the Baptist and his hair; the bones of the holy innocent (children), limbs from the fingers of the three holy boys Ananiä, Azariä and Misael; the hair with which Mary Magdalene dried the feet of the Lord; the stone with which Christ's tomb was sealed, the olive branch which the Lord had in his hand at the Palm Festival; of the rock of Mount Sinai, on which Moses fasted; of the rod, so that Moses might divide the Red Sea for the children of Israel; the basket of Peter and Andrew, a piece of roasted fish and honey, and many other bodies of the holy martyrs and bones of the prophets, confessors and virgins, the number of which is known to God alone. Besides the above-mentioned box, there are the bodies of the holy martyrs and martyrs' daughters, Eulogii and Lucretiä, and St. Eulalia and the virgin Emerentia, St. Pelagii and St. Vincentii, martyrs and abbots, St. Pope Juliani, and the body of King Casti, who founded and endowed the church. There is shown a cross made by the angels; there is one of the six stone water jars in which the Lord made water into wine.
But whoever is called by God to visit, by divine inspiration, such precious and glorious jewels of the holy martyrs, he shall know that the third part of his sins shall be remitted to him by the bishop of the place or his authorized representative, by apostolic power granted to the bishop and his own (by the pope); but with imposition of due satisfaction and penalties.
The brethren of the same church also have a plenary indulgence to be granted by the pope to any man who desires it, for a thousand and four hundred years, six quarters and a half. Yes, also
The present pope, Eugenius IV, and other Roman popes, by their apostolic letters of bull, wish to give true penance and confession to all those who attend the above-mentioned church, and to offer a helping hand for the further edification of the church, on the day which will come before the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross of Christ, in addition to the preceding and following fifteen days, perfect forgiveness of all their sins, and especially in the last hour, indulgence herewith for eternity.
†
So the red cross is talking:
The devils depart from me swiftly, Even fever, pestilence and great wind, I am a protection in all danger, In childish distress even so hard.
o. Pope Boniface IX's letter of indulgence for the Church of Our Lady in Dresden.
From the "innocent news," 1714, p. 375.
Bonifacius Bishop, a servant of the servants of God, wishes salvation and apostolic blessing to all believers in Christ who will receive this letter. If we devoutly contemplate the great glory of the merits with which the Queen of Heaven, the Virgin, who is a praiseworthy God-bearer, is resplendent in the sky as a shining morning star; if we also consider in our hearts that she, as a mother of mercy, grace and piety, a kind comforter of the human race, a diligent and vigilant intercessor, intercedes with the King whom she begot for the salvation of the faithful who are pressed by the burden of sins: In our opinion, it is proper, indeed we consider it a duty, that we should entice the faithful to the constant veneration and perpetual remembrance of this Virgin, as it were by gifts, and stimulate them by indulgences and forgiveness of sins, so that they may thereby become more capable of divine grace. Since we have heard that this venerable Virgin has performed many miracles in the Chapel of the Holy Cross by divine power, and in this
1) The date of this document in the old edition of Walch "1458" is in any case incorrect. Bonifacius IX was pope from 1389 to 1404. The tenth year of his pontificate was 1398: we have also put this in the text below. The error will have arisen by reading the Latin number MCCCXCVIII.
In addition, in honor and out of reverence for the highly praised Virgin, a chant in two choirs of this praiseworthy Virgin, which begins: Salve Regina misericordiae, is to be solemnly and devoutly sung by the clergy of said city every day, namely at evening time, and that at this singing a large number of people from this city are present with devotion: We want the faithful in Christ to gather all the more gladly for the sake of devotion at this singing, so that they may be filled all the more abundantly with the heavenly gift, and, trusting in the mercy of Almighty God, and by the command of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, we mercifully grant an indulgence of 40 days from the penances imposed on them to all truly penitent and confessing persons who visit this chapel at the time of the devotional singing; which is to be understood from each day in which they will visit this chapel and be present at the singing, as mentioned above. We also intend that if any other indulgence should be given by us to the believers in Christ who will attend this absolution, either in perpetuity or for a certain time not yet elapsed, the present letter shall be of no force or effect. Given at Rome by St. Peter, April 30 [1398] in the 10th year of our papal reign.
We Caspar, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of Meissen, consider the indulgence copied to be valid, accept it, ratify and confirm it presently, and mercifully grant for us in the Lord another 40 days' indulgence from the penances imposed on them to all truly penitent and confessing persons who have complied with the above. Our seal is attached herewith to confirm the letter. In the year of our Lord 1398, July 5.
p. Letter of indulgence from 1470.
This letter of indulgence has been printed twice by Walch by mistake, which Walch has already noted, namely here and sub No. 10. We leave it out here.
q. Letter of indulgence for the church at Weickershahn, 1470.
From the "innocent news," 1711, p. 935.
Guilielmus of Ochen, Philip of Albano, Richardus to St. Eusebio, Angelus 1) to St.
1) Here and in the following, in the old edition of Walch, there is always a pleonastic "and" between the names of persons and places. We have omitted this.
Cross in Jerusalem, Bartholomew to St. Clement, Jacobus to St. Chrysogono, Oliverius to St. Marcellino and St. Petro, Rodericus to St. Nicolai in the Tullian Prison, Franciscus to St. Eustachio, Franciscus to St. Maria Nova, by divine mercy of the Holy Roman Church bishops, priests and deacons, cardinals of Rouen, Boulogne, Coutance, Rennes, Ravenna, Pavia, Naples, vice-chancellors of Siena and Mantua, all and everyone constant salvation in the Lord.
Considering reverently and attentively the sublime and excellent merits by which the glorious Virgin Mary gives off her radiance like a bright morning star, and finding that she, as the Mother of mercy and source of all godliness, pleads diligently with her Son, whom she bore, for those who are hard-pressed with sins, we deem it just and right that we grant a rich indulgence to the churches consecrated in her honor. We therefore wish that the church of our Lady in Weickershahn, Merseburg diocese, be visited by the faithful with due reverence, and that the faithful themselves gather in the same devotion all the more willingly and gladly, the more abundantly they will see themselves filled and refreshed with the heavenly gifts of grace; and out of heartfelt trust in the mercy of Almighty God, and in the majesty and power of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, grant to all and everyone truly penitent and confessing, the said church on the feast of the Annunciation, Ascension, Nativity and Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Cardinals of the Holy See; we the aforesaid Cardinals, and each one of us in particular, for each such day, out of mercy in the Lord, for 100 days' indulgence from the penalties imposed upon them, which shall last the present and future time. For the authentication and testimony of all and each of the aforesaid bishops, we have executed the present letter, and have caused the same to be kept with our attached seal. Given at Rome in our ordinary palace, in the year following the birth of the Lord 1470, January 1, of the papal dignity of our Lord Paul, by divine providence of Pabst the Other, in the sixth year.
r. Letter of indulgence from the church at Pfafroda in Meissen, issued in 1480.
From the "innocent news," 1712, p. 688.
Guilielmus at Ostia, Oliverius at Albano, Marcus at Preneste, bishops; Stephen at St. Mary in Transsiberinis, John at St. Cecilia, John at St. Marcello, Jerome at St. Sergio and Bacho, Gabriel at St. Chrpsogono, priests; and Franciscus at St. Eustachio, and Raphael to St. Georgio, Diaconi, by divine mercy of the Holy Roman Church Cardinals, to all and every believer in Christ who will read or hear of this letter, constant salvation in the Lord. The more we encourage the minds of the faithful to devotion, the more salutary we also provide for their souls' blessedness. We therefore wish that the Parochial Church in Pfafenroda, Meissen diocese, for which, as we have heard, Caspar de Schonenberg, beloved to us in Christ, in said diocese, bears a special respect, be visited with due honor, always held in high esteem by the believers in Christ, and properly maintained in its adornment and construction, and handled, as well as duly provided with missals, chalices, lights and other church ornaments, not less the service therein be more frequently performed; and that the Christian faithful themselves prefer to assemble there for worship, or to lend a hand for its construction and other aforementioned things, so that they may see themselves all the more richly filled with the heavenly gift of grace: and out of heartfelt trust in the mercy of Almighty God and the high authority of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, grant to all and every believer of both sexes who do true penance, confess their sins, and visit the said church on the second day of Pentecost and the eighth day of the Feast of Corpus Christi,-also on the feast of the consecration of the church from the first evening until the next inclusive every year with devotion, and give assistance to the building and other works mentioned before; We, the said Cardinals, and each of us in authority, for each of the feast days mentioned, on which they will do this, graciously grant the Lord a 100-day remission of the penances imposed on them, so that the same shall be valid at all times in the future. To certify and attest all that has been said, we have had the present letter drawn up and sealed with our Cardinal seals. Given at Rome in our palaces, in the year following the birth of the Lord 1480, on the thirteenth of the Roman Kalends (indictione), on the twelfth day of the month of May.
Month of April [1480], of the Pontificate of Lord Sixti, Pope IV, in the ninth year.
And we John, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of Meissen. lish See, Bishop of Meissen, consider the aforementioned most reverend fathers' letter of indulgence in Christ to be valid, accept it in the aforementioned ordinary form by virtue of our sovereignty and power, confirm and affirm it also by present letters, and nevertheless graciously grant, on our behalf, to all and every penitent and confessing faithful of both sexes who comply with the above, as often as they will do so, a 40-day indulgence from the penances imposed on them, so that the present one shall be permanently valid in the future. Given in our castle Stolpen, in the year of the Lord 1480, on Friday, July 12. [From the Pfafenrod original, which is preserved in the Schönberg archives, this letter has communicated
Johannes Frider. Gauhe, Past. Ober-Neu-Schönb.]
s. A letter of indulgence for the church St. Kiliani at Westhausen, from Anno 1SOO.
From the "innocent news," 1720, p. 183.
Oliverius of Salina, and John of Portua, George of Alba (Aube), and Jerome of Penestre, bishops; Ludovicus John of the title of the Four Crowned, Dominicus of the title of St. Clement, John Anthony of the title of St. Nerei and Archilei, Bernardinus of the title of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, Raymundus of the title of St. Vitalis, John of the title of St. Priscae, and Wilhelmus of the title of St. Pudentianae, Cardinal Priests by the Grace of God of the Holy Roman Church; Franciscus to St. Eustachii, Raphael to St. Georgii of the Golden Curtain (Veli), John to St. Maria in Dompinca, Fridericus to St. Theodore, Julianus to St. Cosma and Damiani, Cardinaldiaconi, to all and every believer in Christ who will read this letter, constant salvation in the Lord.
Among other churches of the saints, those consecrated to the honor of St. Kilian the Martyr deserve to be venerated more solemnly, because the fighter of Christ for his name's confession fought in fervent love in the Lord, endured suffering, and gloriously completed martyrdom, triumphing with other saints in heaven.
Because we then request that the parish church of said Saint Kilian the Martyr, in Westhausen, Würzburg district, be visited with proper honor and diligently venerated by the faithful and properly maintained and protected in buildings and shelter, and also properly provided with books, chalices, lights and other church decorations, The more they find the gift of divine grace there in abundance, the more willingly they will offer their hands for its preservation and other things we have said above: We, the above-mentioned Cardinals, and each one of them, by the grace of Almighty God and trusting in the power of St. Peter and St. Paul, his Apostles, want all and every believer in Christ, of both sexes, to do true penance and confession, and to celebrate the said Chapel at Christmas and Easter of our Lord Jesus Christ, likewise on the feast of the said St. Martyr Ciliano, and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and on the consecration of this church, from the first to the second vespers, and to lend a helping hand to the above, for all and each of the said feasts and days, when they do so, 100 days of the penances imposed upon them are hereby graciously remitted in the Lord, to apply from now on to all future times. In witness whereof we have caused this letter of ours to be executed, and have caused our seal to be affixed thereto. Given in Rome in our houses, Anno 1500, the 7th of July, of the Papal Government of the Most Holy in Christ the Father and of our Lord, Lord Alexandri, by Divine Providence Pope VI, in the 8th year.
A. Binenperger.
To all and every believer in Christ who will read our present letter, salvation in the Lord, by the grace of God, Bishop of Wuerzburg and Duke of Oriental Franconia. We have seen and found the letter of indulgence of the most reverend in Christ fathers and lords cardinals and bishops, which is sealed with their true oblong seals, which, as you can see here, are attached to it, to which our letter is also attached, completely and unharmed, nowhere crossed out, or otherwise suspicious in any place, but completely without any defect, injury or suspicion. Therefore, we, the same Cardinals, for the following of all and every believer in Christ, of both sexes, who are quite penitent, repentant and confessed, and who devoutly visit the parish church of St. Kilian the Martyr at Westhausen, of our Würzburg district, on the feasts and days contained in said apostolic letter, and which
If they do so often, by the grace of Almighty God, and of St. Peter and St. Paul, His apostles, and of the holy martyrs Kiliani, Colonati and Totuani, patrons of our Wuerzburg churches, and by virtue of their merits, and by virtue of their authority and trust therein, we graciously grant a 40-day indulgence from the penances imposed on them in the Lord, so that it may remain so now and at all future times. In witness whereof we have caused to be affixed to this letter the seal of our Vicariate, which we require for this purpose. Given in our city of Würzburg, Anno 1500, on the day of St. Augustine, bishop and martyr. Joh. Hickerich,
Procurator Fisci, wrote it.
t. Memlebian letter of indulgence. 1503.
From the "innocent news," 1712, p. 923.
We John, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of the Sidonian Churches, Professor of the Holy Scriptures, of our in Christ blessed Prince and Lord, Lord Bertholdi, by the grace of God, Archipräsulis of the Holy See of Mainz, in spiritual matters Vicarius General, know beforehand, by the grace of God the Holy Spirit, which is always with us and cooperates with us, that the Parochial Church of the Parish of Memleben has been rebuilt with ordinary and due solennities and provided and preserved with a graveyard. We hereby publicly declare and confess to all and every believer in Christ who, for the sake of devotion, with true contrition and sadness over their sins, visit said church on the feast days of the Nativity and Circumcision of Christ, the Three Kings, Palm Day, Green Thursday, Easter, the Ascension of the Lord, Pentecost, the Feast of the Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi and the Day of All Saints, as well as the memorial days of other saints of the true Church, St. Michael the Archangel, and others. etc, or on any feast day of the blessed Mother of God and on the church consecration feast, which is celebrated annually on St. Martin's Sunday for eight days. Also those who, for the salvation of the departed souls of the faithful, pray around the churchyard five paternosters and as many Hail Marys, and when the church bell is rung in the evening, say the angelic greeting three times with devotion and bent knees, or follow the Venerabile when it is carried to the sick; not less those who, for the preservation of the divine service and increase of the church ornaments, are helpful to the church.
The Holy Spirit shall grant them an indulgence in the Lord for eleven days, out of heartfelt trust in the grace of the Almighty God and in the majesty of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and shall also remit a fast from the penitential exercises imposed on them. This was done in the year of the Lord 1503, June 26, under our attached seal.
u. Letter of indulgence granted by Pope Leo X to the large parish church of St. Mary in Gdansk in 1316.
From Schelwig's "Prüfung des Pabstthums," p. 419.
Leo, the bishop, a servant of the servants of God, wishes salvation and apostolic blessing to all believers in Christ who will read this letter. In devoutly contemplating the excellent merits of the unspeakably praised Virgin and Mother of God, Mary, we deem it just and right that we grant a rich indulgence to the churches sanctified in her name, and honor her with an indulgence and a bull of grace. Now we have already at other times granted indulgences to all and every believer in Christ of both sexes, where they have done true penance, confessed their sins, or presented themselves for confession, and to the parish church of St. Mary in the city of Gdansk. St. Mary's of the city of Gdansk, Vladislav diocese, belonging to the beloved son, Mauritio Ferber, the superior of this church and of the disputes occurring in the papal palace, Notario, our acquaintance, on all feast days, the Visitation, the Ascension, the Nativity, the Purification and the Annunciation of St. Mary, from the first evening until the setting of the sun on the aforementioned feast days, The saints, who would devoutly make a pilgrimage every year, and also offer a helping hand for its construction, preservation, handling and safekeeping, would be mercifully granted a remission of 50 years and so many quadragenas from the penances imposed on them, as is more extensively contained in our bull issued on this matter. In order that the Feast of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary may be kept and celebrated with equal importance, we wish to have the above-mentioned Bull, with all and every clause contained therein, extended and enlarged to this feast as well. Given in Rome at St. Peter's, in the year after the birth of the Lord 1516, April 14, in the fourth year of our papal dignity.
v. The diploma of indulgence, with which Pope Leo X adorned the Church of Trier, especially in the presentation of Christ's skirt. 1515.1 )
From Browerus annal. Irevirens., tow. II, uäckit., p. 566.
Leo, bishop, servant of Christ's servants, to all believers in Christ who will see this letter, salvation (greeting) and apostolic blessing!
Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in order to reconcile the human race, which was condemned to eternal death by our first father's transgression, to the heavenly Father, wanted to descend from the high heavenly seat on the earth of this world, to take on flesh from the virgin body, and finally to suffer temporal death voluntarily on the altar of the cross, in order to lay down the burden of sin. Therefore we, who, though by insufficient merits, administer his place by his holy providence on earth, following his footsteps, provoke the sheep of his flock, so commanded to our care, to sincerity, devotion and holy works of love by spiritual gifts, namely indulgences and forgiveness of sins, so that they may thereby attain the fruit of the suffering of Jesus and the salvation desired by all, and become worthy to come to the joy of eternal blessedness.
Since (as we have heard from the venerable brother of ours, Richard, Archbishop of Trier, through his ambassadors dispatched to us and to the apostolic see to take the oath of allegiance) the church of Trier first received the faith under St. Peter, the prince of the apostles, before all the churches in Germany and France, from the teachers Euchario, Valerio and Materno, and received the supreme see over all the churches lying beyond the Alpine mountains because of its venerable antiquity; Also, in the following time, by the blessed Helena, Constantine Magni's mother (who consecrated her royal house, which she had in Trier), magnificently built and endowed, and with various relics (after she herself, the blessed Helena, came back from Jerusalem, after the invention of the holy cross and nails of the Lord, with the consent and favor of the most holy Pope Silvester),
1) The old edition of Walch has the date "1511", which is incorrect. Leo X was installed as pope on April 1, 1513, therefore this document, which is dated January 26, is to be placed in the year 1515. Cf. 1^601118 X. iLsMstn, edited by Cardinal Hergenröther, Freiburg im Breisgau, 1884, tasoioulj xriini, x. 3.
namely the unsewn skirt of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one of the nails with which the same our Savior was crucified, likewise with the head of St. Cornelius the Pope and Martyr, and other holy relics. Cornelius the Pope and Martyr, and other holy relics, and was made so famous by said Constantino and other emperors' gifts, that it was considered and deserved to be called the other Rome and a ruler of the lands, and among all the churches of Germany and Gaul (France) the first; but alas! Afterwards, since it stood firm in defense of the Roman Church and the Catholic faith, it suffered the terrible persecution of the tyrants for a long time, and was finally brought to ruin by Attila, the Huns, Greeks, Wends, Norsemen and other enemies of the faith, devastated and devastated, also deprived of gold, silver and precious jewels and jewels (iocalibus et clenodiis), and brought to such poverty that they can be maintained and maintained in their buildings, ceremonies, services after dignities impossible: We, who desire that the said church of Trier be diligently attended with due honor, and (as its reputation and the unseamed skirt and nail of our Lord's most venerable devotion, and of St. Peter, prince of the apostles, and St. Cornelii, bishop of Rome, should be) that the church of St. Peter should be maintained in its buildings, ceremonies, and services according to dignity. Cornelii, bishop and martyr, whose and many other saints' relics are known to rest there, require merit) be well provided and adorned with befitting and splendid buildings, quantity of clergy, variety of ceremonies and other necessities belonging to the divine service, and the congregation of the Christian faithful, whose assistance the said church at Trier needs at such time, the more willingly, for the sake of devotion, approach it and the sooner extend their hand to the said things, the more abundantly they find the grace extended, out of the very same almighty God's grace and the most holy Peter's and Paul's, his apostles', power, and in trusting in it decided, all and everyone of both sexes to be justly penitent and confessed, or who intend to repent and confess, the said church at Trier and the relics kept there every seven years, if the Palladium at Aaken, of the episcopal district of Liège, so every seventh year on the 7th day of July. of the month of July and is celebrated 14 days in succession, from the 7th day of the same month of July and the 14 days in succession.
1) In Walch's old edition, "Passadium ^or perhaps Palladium."
We are pleased to inform you that we will visit you once in the next few days and extend our hands to you for the above, to grant you complete indulgence and forgiveness of your sins, which we hereby grant.
But those who on one day of the feasts of Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and the Assumption, and on the day of the consecration (or Kirchmeß) of such a church of Trier, and on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the great week (Marterwoche) every year [will do so], to them we grant 100 years and so many quadragens of indulgence. But those who visit the said church every day and offer their hands; likewise those who will attend the singing of the mass, the brotherhood of the faithful, established under the name of said relics, in the very church of Trier every day, likewise the annual days and commemorations of the deceased brothers of said brotherhood, which are solemnly celebrated every four seasons (Quatember), and will extend their hands in the same way, to them we grant 1 year and 1 quadragen of indulgence in the Lord, from the penances imposed on them. And that the believers in Christ, who come to the church at Trier in time to obtain such indulgences, become the more skillful for it (we want) that said Richard, the time archbishop in Trier, and said son's chapter of the Trier church, as many in the same church are common (secular) clergy, or also all, also the mendicant order monks, as much as seem good or enough to him; and the same believers in Christ, who come to the said church in Trier to obtain this indulgence, after diligently hearing their confession, from all and every sentence of excommunication, suspension and interdict, and what church sentences are more; also from excommunication and punishments, which are inflicted by law or by men, on whatever occasion and for whatever cause, in which they might have been imprisoned at the time; likewise of all sins, transgressions, and vices or crimes, however grave and great they may be, and otherwise belonging to the apostolic see alone (except in cases of infringement of the liberty of the church, heresy, insurrection, or conspiracy against the person or state of the Roman Pontiff, or the very see); forging apostolic letters, petitions and commissions, invading, plundering, taking countries and lakes directly or indirectly subject to the said Roman Church, tampering with the person of a bishop or prelate, forbidding things that have fallen to the Roman court, bringing weapons or other forbidden things to the infidels), absolving them and imposing sanctions for the sins committed.
The church may be converted into a penitential church, likewise all vows for the work and benefit of the said church and its construction, and the reported relics ornamentation, and have the power to order freely and without hindrance.
And that the offerings, revenues and alms, and everything else given by the said faithful in the said 7 years and otherwise, to obtain this indulgence, to the said church at Trier of the time, shall be used for the building and adornment of the church at Trier and the said relics, and to no other use, we command by virtue of this; We also order and expressly testify that this present letter does not include or include under any revocation (or withdrawal), inhibition or restriction of any indulgence, even the plenary indulgence, which we and the said See have also omitted for the building of the cathedral church of the very same Prince of the Apostles in the city, with some points of annulment, also other stronger and more powerful means of inhibition (or articles) hitherto and according to time, but shall be entirely exempted therefrom, and if it should often appear to have been included and enclosed thereunder, shall at all times be restored to its former state and to such a state as it was before, and shall be completely replenished and exempted, and shall be respected therefor, without any apostolic statute and order, or anything else contrary thereto, ever being able to or being intended to do anything against it, from now on, at all future times. Given in Rome at St. Peter's, A. C. 1515, the 26th of January, in the 2nd year of our papacy.
[This letter of indulgence was communicated by the said Prince Richard, as Metropolitan Archbishop, and made known through the subordinate districts of Metz, Tulle and Verdun; as is evident from the letter which I find written to Hugo Hajardi. For thus he writes:]
Venerable in Christ Father, dearest friend! Our most holy Pope Leo X, on account of the most holy unsewn skirt of our Lord Jesus Christ and other holy relics, which are kept in our Church of Trier, of praise, glory and veneration, has given and made known to our Church, through our district and country, a total indulgence etc. Therefore, we ask him, 1) to kindly hear, accept and handle the ambassadors (whom the apostolic commissarii, and the venerable, strict, our faithful and dear ones, the provost, dean and chapter of said church, send through your districts for the same indulgence proclamation).
1) "him" and the immediately following "he" are the person addressed, not the third.
so that they may proclaim the indulgences themselves, the contents of the apostolic letters, all the more easily, erect the cross at the proper places for the end, and carry out everything else that is required for the matter without hindrance. In this, your paternity will not only show God a pleasing and the supreme pope a pleasant work, but also me a special favor.
Eilenberg letter of indulgence. 1518. 2)
Raphael of Ostia, Bernardinus of Salina, Dominicus, but afterwards also Franciscus at Preneste, bishops; Peter of the title of St. Eusebii, Adrianus of the title of St. Sabinä, Scaramutia of the title of St. Cpriaci in Thermis, and Ferdinandus of the title of St. Pancratii, presbyters;3) Alexander St. Eustachii, Marcus [of] St. Mary novae, Amaneus of St. Nicolai in the Tullian dungeon, and Sigismundus St. Mary novae, by God's grace of the Holy Roman Church' Cardinaldiaconi, to all and every believer in Christ who will read this open letter, constant salvation in the Lord.
The more often we move the minds of the faithful to works of love, the better we counsel the salvation of their souls. Because we then desire that the parish church of St. Nicolai in Eilenberg, 4) Magdeburg district, be visited with due honor. Nicolai in Eilenberg, 4) Magdeburg district, be attended with due honor and be diligently honored by the faithful and duly improved, preserved and maintained in its construction and buildings, also with books, chalices, lights, church decorations, The more they see that they enjoy the gift of heavenly grace there more abundantly, the more willingly the Christian faithful will go there and lend a helping hand for the renewal, preservation, maintenance and care of the same: Thus we, the Cardinals, each one of us for himself, have received from our beloved in Christ M. Hermann Rabs, of the Order of Friars Preachers, and Provincial of the Land of Saxony, according to the use of such Order, which in this case has fallen to us.
2) Walch did not specify the source from which this writing flowed.
3) In Walch's old edition: "Pbit." which we have resolved by "Presbyter."
4) In the old edition of Walch it says here: "Eulenberg", but it will probably mean the town of Eilenburg, which is in Prussian Saxony.
The Holy See, by the grace of Almighty God and in reliance on the authority of St. Peter and St. Paul, His Apostles, has decided to grant the petition of the Holy Father, and has decreed that all and every believer in Christ, of both sexes, who do true penance and confession, shall attend the said church on all the holy evenings of St. Anne and the feast of the same saint, including the three days immediately following the feast of St. Anne, from the first to the second Vespers, shall devoutly attend the said church every year. Anne, and the feast itself of the same saint, as well as on the three days immediately following the feast of the same saint Anna, from the first to the second vespers included, devoutly visit the said church yearly and lend a helping hand to the aforesaid things, for each of the said feast and days, when they will do so, 100 days of the penances imposed on them by this present letter, which shall henceforth be perpetual. In witness whereof we have caused this letter to be executed and our seal to be affixed thereto. A. D. 1518, the 25th of the month of May, of the Pabbacy but of our most holy in Christ Father and Lord Leonis, by divine providence of the X, in the 6th year.
B. The pope has exorcised money by pretending to pay the Turk tax.
6 Pabst's complete indulgence against the Turks, written out by Nicolaus V. 1453.
From Lüttig's Oerm. äiplomat. saera, pars I, p. 338. Translated into German.
Nicolaus V. for future remembrance of the cause.
Long ago a very fierce enemy and very cruel persecutor of the church of Christ arose, namely Mahomet, the child of the devil, the child of perdition, the child of death, who at the same time wants to devour the souls together with the bodies, with his father, the devil, thirsting for Christian blood, a very fierce and bloodthirsty enemy of the redemption made by our Saviour Christ Jesus, who is to be taken for that great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven crowns, which John saw in Revelation; who with his tail drew the third part of the stars and threw them on the earth, taking over almost all the Orient, together with Egypt and Africa, and forced to imitate his ungodliness by taking the holy city
Jerusalem was desecrated, the holy places were torn down, and the believers of Christ were scolded, scourged, imprisoned and tortured with the most humiliating ways of death. Nevertheless, Divine Providence has preserved the church of those believers who are pleasing to Him in His most hidden judgment, and has not allowed the enemy to play the master over them until this day.
Recently, however, another Mahomet arose in our times, a follower of that godlessness who burns with the heat of an all too great thirst to shed Christian blood, who, raging against the name of Christ, like a wild, raging beast, forgetting all humanity, when he could rage against our head with nothing but empty words, against its members, that is, against its believers, to spit out, pour out and spit out his rage and nonsense, as if the stomach wanted to throw up. He has recently taken control of the city of Constantinople, which was defeated by the Christians in a hard siege and war, desecrated all the temples and holy places there, and trampled underfoot the relics of the saints, the holy images of our Lord Jesus Christ and of His most glorious Mother and of the life-giving Cross, after they had been thrown to the earth, devastated, destroyed, covered with shame and disgrace, and defiled with dung and impure matter for mockery and ridicule. This true harbinger of the Antichrist, and as it were the other Sennacherib, boasts in his strength and the multitude of his people, that with his power he can assert the whole Occident and wipe out the Christian name from the earth, completely furious and mad, as if he could exceed God's power. Therefore we, who are the, though unworthy, governors of the one to whom Christ entrusted his church; for he promised that the gates of hell should not overpower it; and to whom he gave the command that he should strengthen the weak brethren by his conversion, saying: "I have prayed for you, Peter, that your faith may not cease, and when you are converted one day, strengthen your brethren, for the present, that the service of our ministry may be required by the church. Therefore, with our venerable Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, we have deemed it good to advise and consent to the matter as follows.
First and foremost, we admonish all Christian princes, they may be emperors, kings, queens, princes, or other secular rulers; ver-
By virtue of the confession made in holy baptism, and by virtue of the oath they have taken, they decree and command that they may, to the best of their ability, truly contribute to the defense of the Christian religion and faith as the islands of their dignities. They have taken the isles of their dignities, that they may truly and unceasingly do their part in defense of the Christian religion and faith with good and blood, according to their ability, as those who will receive the eternal reward from Him whose cause they lead, both in this present life and in the life to come; because we believe at present that everyone is concerned with the necessity of welfare, it being such a necessary thing from which no one can lawfully withdraw. We likewise admonish, demand, remind and command the other lords, or communities, or whatever other lords they may have, in virtue of the faith which they have once professed, that they may bravely and persistently contribute their share to the defense of religion and faith with all their strength and with all their power, than those who will have that protector who in one night by his angel killed 185,000 in the army of Sennacherib, and who otherwise in great dangers did not leave his church and did not allow his enemies to boast of their godlessness. To all, however, of whatever rank, dignity and order they may be, who are personally present in such great distress to the church and the faith, and who will remain six months from the beginning of the present February, they may be clergy or laity, or they may possess ecclesiastical or secular dignities, we, by authority of Almighty God and the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and also by authority of the power conferred upon us from above, grant complete remission and pardon of all their sins, such as were granted by our forefathers to those who journeyed to the Holy Land for help, and such as were also granted by them and ourselves in the Jubilee Year of Christendom.
He adds that also those should share in the indulgence who, since they themselves cannot go to the field, would provide a soldier in their place, as well as the monasteries of monks and nuns who would provide one man for every ten who lived in the monastery for the whole half year, should enjoy this benefit. So he writes about the acceptance of the Krenzzeichen:
By apostolic power we command that as many as have committed themselves to the holy work announced beforehand shall put the salutary sign of the life-giving cross on their garments and carry on their shoulders the memory of him through whose suffering they were redeemed from eternal damnation, and follow the one whom,
since he started on the way to our salvation, his dominion was on his shoulder, and who, reminding us to follow in his footsteps, says: Whoever wants to follow me, deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
But since, in order to bring this about, it is necessary to spend almost innumerable sums of money in order to provide what is necessary for the cause, since this is a work of faith and of the entire Christian religion, to which all, no one excepted, are obligated according to the requirements of welfare: We decree and decree in particular that all benefits and revenues of our apostolic chamber, of all and every benefice, whether large or small, whether archbishopric, bishopric, abbey, or other benefice, and by whatever name they may be called, which belong to us, shall be kept exposed to this holy work, whole, intact, and without any abridgement.
And further down it says:
Moreover, the venerable Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, our brothers, for which they offered themselves voluntarily and out of a free spirit, will pay a whole tithe of the common revenues of the chapel, as well as of all churches and their benefices, for such a holy and good work, entirely and without any deduction. And because it is contrary to the law, to which the head of the church is committed for the love of Christ, that one of the lower degree or order should arbitrarily withdraw, but it is indeed proper that all, whether prelates or people of lower order, should submit to this burden: We wish, and by this present decree we establish, that the tenth part of the income of all offices of the Roman Court, they may have whatever names they wish, even those held by the Vice-Chancellor, Chamberlain and Majorem poenitentiarum, of the Holy Roman Church Cardinals, to which these same Cardinals voluntarily offered themselves, be paid in full for such a sacred work. Which, in order that it may be taken into account by all of the lower order, we will and decree that all who embezzle and do not pay the reported tithes in full shall be subjected to banishment and the removal of their offices.
And because all this, as a small part, would not be sufficient for such a great cause, if the prelates and other clergy of the churches, who are scattered throughout Christendom, did not give their help and contribution, we, with the advice and consent of our brothers, the venerable Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, set up a new church,
the tenth part of all benefits, according to the true value, of all ecclesiastical benefactors in the whole world, of patriarchates, archbishoprics, bishoprics, abbeys and all other benefactors, they may have names as they like, either large or small, ecclesiastical, free or not free, regularium and not regularium, whatever their rank, order and nature, without any exception, by authority of our apostolic power, for such a holy work.
Which, in order that it may be carried out all the more forcefully, we want to subject to excommunication those who contradict, disobey, or withhold.
After a few interjections, he forbids not to supply the enemy with provisions and arrows, and he threatens such false Christians with severe punishments. Finally, he adds:
But because we see that it is especially necessary for the execution of this holy work that kings and princes, and whatever rulers possess in Christendom, may have and keep peace, we decree by the power of Almighty God that general peace be kept in the whole of Christendom: So that by the prelates of the churches the unpeaceful may be brought to peace; or, if peace could not take place at all, only the standstill (treugae) may be observed without interruption; and, if some do not know how to keep the peace, the individual persons may be enjoined by banishment, but the communities may be enjoined to observe it by an interdict. No one for this reason etc. Given at Rome in 1453, the last of September, in the 7th year of our papal dignity.
7. an old letter of indulgence from the first papal commissary of general indulgences, Marinus de Fregeno, dated 1457.
From Löscher's Reformation Acts, Vol. I, p. 361.
Translated into German.
To all and everyone who reads this letter, we, Marinus de Fregeno, experienced in canon law, Subdiaconus in the Diocese of Parmen, and by the Most Holy Father in Christ and our Lord, Lord Calixtus, according to the providence of God, the third Roman Pontiff of that name, for the sale of the indulgence granted by this most holy Father and Pontiff for the defense of the Christian faith against the Turks in Norway, Gothland and Lithuania, as well as in the provinces and regions of the Holy Roman Empire.
I, the appointed commissioner of the bishoprics of Middelburg and Lemberg, as well as in the cities and towns belonging to the bishoprics of Bamberg and Münster, declare and know that Sophia von Emenckin, as she confirms in her conscientious statement, has contributed to the aforementioned blessed business of defending the true Christian faith, and has given her indulgence at the designated place in accordance with the ordinance. Accordingly, any secular or ordained priest whom she shall choose as confessor shall, by virtue of apostolic sovereignty, have the power and authority to absolve her from all sins and such cases as the Roman See has reserved for itself, as well as from all ecclesiastical censure, if he has first directed her to salutary penance according to the nature of her transgressions, and to do that which a sinner should reasonably observe, but to grant her, on her deathbed, a complete remission of all her sins, which she will repent of and confess, and that, as such is expressed in the Papal Manifesto which we have at hand, this shall be done in life under this formula: Our Lord Jesus Christ be gracious to you, and count you worthy to be absolved from your sins; and I, according to the papal authority given me in this piece, absolve you from all public punishment of banishment, suspension and interdict, no less also from all your sins recognized, known and forgotten. In the last hour of death, however, the confessor may add the words: And I also remit to you all the punishment that you would have to endure in purgatory because of your sin, and hereby grant you a plenary indulgence, which the Church is accustomed to grant only to those who undertake a crusade to Rome in the great year of jubilee, or to the Holy Land marked with a cross, in order to conquer it again, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, amen. The aforesaid confessor shall also be at liberty to change any and all vows made into other works of godliness, depending on what seems to be beneficial and profitable for the souls, with the exception of the vow to go by sea to the holy land, as well as the vow of constant chastity, the monastic vow, and whatever else is vowed to the apostles Peter, Paul, and James. So that this may be fully believed and no one may doubt it, we have issued the present letter of indulgence and had it sealed with our seal. Given in the year of Christ 1457, the fifth of November.
8. another indulgence letter sold by Marinus de Fregeno Anno 1458 to Annen von Czorba, prioress, and fourteen nuns.
From Kapp's "Nachlese nützlicher Reformationurkunden," Theil III, p. 66.
To all and everyone who will see the present letter, we, Marinus de Fregeno, scholar of canon law, Sub-Diaconus of the Diocese of Parma, by the Most Holy Father in Christ and our Lord, Lord Calixto the Third, Roman Pontiff, by divine providence, for the granting of the indulgence given by our most holy Pontiff for the defense of the Christian religion against the Turks, in the kingdoms and principalities of Norway, Gothland and Lithuania, as well as in the provinces and bishoprics of Middelburg 1) and Lemberg, and also in the Bamberg and Münster bishoprics, towns and villages, and to know that the devout and God-fearing Lady Anna of Czorba, Prioress, for herself, and Anna Belerin, Elisabeth von Ossenbrig, Catharina Mussebach, Margaretha von Wissenbach, Catharina Grist, Barbara Heldorfs, Gertrud Heldorfs, Elisabeth Gladis, Margaretha Dorothea Heldorfs, Catharina Gresindorf, Margaretha Stromans, Margaretha Posern, Margaretha Nemans, .... as they confirmed in their conscientious testimony, contributed to the intended work of defending the true faith.
The rest is in all respects the same as the previous letter of indulgence.
9. Reimar Kock's account of an accident encountered by Marinus. 1463.
From Kock's Lübeck Chronicle in Löscher's Reformation Acts, vol. l, p. 400.
Translated from Low German into High German.
In this very year (1463), around Martinmas, the Pope's legate, Marinus, came back from Sweden, where he had been trading with his indulgences for three years, and had made a lot of money and property.
1) In the old edition of Walch: "Magdeburg", but also here as in the previous writing Äl6<l6lburA6N86ui will have to be read, what the old translator has rendered there by "Middelburg".
without what the king had received for his share. Although this legate sent his goods by ship to Lübeck, he still had four thousand two hundred and forty florins with him in a bag, which he used to keep in his own safekeeping so that he would not be without food. It happened, however, when the holy legate was driving from Wismar to Lübeck, that the bag, in which the holy money was, fell off the wagon not far from Grevesmühlen, without the legate knowing anything about it. A poor woman found this bag, carried it home, and brought it to her husband. They were poor people, and were pleased to become rich so soon; they paid their debts, bought clothes, and provided themselves with food, far better and differently than before. But when it became known that the legate had lost the sacred money, the neighbors immediately became suspicious of these poor people, because their previous poverty was known to everyone. And they did not deny it when they were approached about it, they said freely how they had come by the money. Duke Heinrich of Mecklenburg did not delay long, but sent for the money and, as a lord of the land, sent for the money. When the legate learned that the prince had received the money, he traveled to the prince in good hope and requested that the money be returned to him because it belonged to the holy pope and he wanted to pay warriors against the Turks with it. The prince answered the legate: for what reason could he ask him for money, since he had not handed over any money to him? The legate needed 2) many good and bad words, but the prince gave nothing for it, and the legate got nothing back.
10 A letter of indulgence from Heinrich Sletstater, a Dominican, subaltern of the General Indulgence Commissarius Rudolph, Bishop of Breslau, dated Anno 1470.
From Löscher's Reformation Acts, Vol. I, p. 363.
Translated into German.
Let it be known to all and sundry, and especially to the confessor who is to be notified by the present letter, that because the devout son in Christ, Caspar Seywath, for himself . . .
2) In Löscher: "beukede" instead of: "brukede".
to the so holy and godly work of defending the true Catholic religion against the faithless heretics and their followers, according to the nature of his fortune and according to the requirement of confession, he therefore, by virtue of the authority of the Holy Apostolic See and of our most holy Lord, Mr. Paul, by the divine providence of the second Roman Pontiff of that name, and according to the mandate of their holiness, the most reverend Father in Christ and Mr. Rudolph, Bishop of Breslau, his legate hereunto authorized, the grace to choose for himself a suitable confessor, who, either in life or at his end, may absolve him from all spiritual punishments and sins, they may be as great as they please, even in such cases as the apostolic see has specially reserved for itself, and grant and confer upon him plenary indulgence according to the formula below; but without interruption of restitution and pardon, if restitution or pardon should be granted to anyone.
The form of the indulgence either in life or in the hour of death shall be this: Have mercy on you etc. Our Lord Jesus Christ absolve thee; and I, by virtue of his authority and that of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and also of the holy apostolic see, in this matter granted to thee and entrusted to me, absolve thee from the bonds of banishment, suspension, and interdict imposed by men, or founded in law in general; no less from all your crimes, sins and transgressions, even in such cases as the Apostolic See has specially reserved to itself; and grant you plenary indulgence and pardon of the same; and as far as the power of the keys entrusted to the Church extends, I remit to you the punishment which you should justly have endured for it in Purgatory, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. For the confirmation of which Magister Heinrich Sletstater, of the Order of Preachers, by virtue of the general authority communicated from above by said Lord Legate to all Commissariis and Confessors deputized and to be appointed in the matter concerning this Crusade, has deemed it good to issue the present Letter of Indulgence, sealed with his seal. Given in the year of our Lord 1470, the 5th of February.
11. Johann Nixstein's, Minoriterordens de observantia, letter of indulgence, which he granted under Sixtus IV Duke Wilhelm of Saxony and his wife Catharina, April 21, 1482.
From Kapp's "Nachlese," Theil III, p. 73.
Translated into German.
Hereby it is manly made known that the most noble Prince and Lord, Lord Wilhelm, Duke of Saxony etc., with his wife, the Highborn Duchess and Lady, Catharina, who both profess the Roman Church, have made their due contribution to the Crusades decreed and to be instituted by our most holy Pope Sixto, according to the prudence of God the Fourth of that name, against the Turks, as renounced enemies of the Cross of Christ and of the faith founded upon it. Therefore, by virtue of papal sovereignty, he is hereby granted the authority to choose a suitable man, be he an auxiliary bishop or a lay priest, as confessor for himself and his spouse, who will absolve them after hearing confession, and by premeditated apostolic authority and power from all her sins and transgressions committed, be they as great and as important as they may be, even if they are of such a nature that the apostolic see should be consulted about them; likewise from every penalty, and from all kinds and degrees of excommunication, which are expressly named in ecclesiastical law, are also founded in other statutes, and which the Roman See has reserved to itself to administer, not more than once; but from those which the papal see has not reserved to itself, as often as it shall require, or shall ask for, to be counted loose; besides proclaiming, giving and granting them, once in life and in the last hour of death, plenary indulgence of all their sins, without regard to all those cases which the said pope or his predecessors, according to the 1480, 4 Nov. Nov, issued in 1480, Nov. For greater certainty and confirmation of this matter, I, Brother Johann Nixstein, of the so-called Order of Friars Minor de observantia, and Subcommissary appointed for the work of the Holy Crusades by virtue of apostolic sovereignty and authority, have had this letter of indulgence issued and kept with my usual seal. Given in the year after Christ's birth 1482, April 21.
Formula of absolution.
The Lord have mercy on you etc. Our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his heartfelt mercy, absolve you, release you and set you free; and I, by the power and authority of him and of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul, and also of our most holy pope, which have been given to me and communicated to you for your good, grant you a plenary indulgence for the penalty of banishment of which you have been guilty, and hereby receive you back into the communion of the church, of the sacraments entrusted to it, and of all the faithful members thereof; I also absolve you, by virtue of this power, from all and any crimes, faults, and sins, however grave, great, and terrible they may be, and even if they were such transgressions that the apostolic see would have to be consulted by right. For this reason, by virtue of the authority given to me, I grant you complete indulgence, and forgive you the same in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, amen.
By the way, I reserve the right, if I have to absolve you in mortal weakness with this clause, if you should come back from this illness and recover, to then give you complete indulgence and forgiveness of your sins according to this authority of mine.
The pope has driven out money through milk and butter letters.
12 Letter of butter issued to the Würtembergers by Pope Nicolaus V.
From Crusius annul. Kuevie. purs III, lilr. 7, eap. 7, p. 387.
Translated into German.
Nicolaus, the bishop, a servant of all servants of God, for the constant remembrance of the cause, a successor decreed by God of Him who has the keys of the kingdom of heaven, Roman pope, who received from God the power to bind and loose; who, as much as there is in him, gladly and willingly provides for the benefit and indemnity of all believing Christians, and restrains and restrains the severity of the law with apostolic gentleness.
The Lord is willing to mitigate, as it seems good and salutary to each according to the circumstances of the place, the time and the person in the Lord. Our beloved sons, the noble Counts of Würtemberg, in their name and in the name of their descendants of both sexes and of their subjects, have recently sent us a letter of request to the effect that they, together with their ancestors, are for the most part still in possession of their property: that they, along with their ancestors, for the most part still remember people, because of a lack of oil, oil trees and fish, according to the example of the neighboring countries, which have received the privilege and permission from the papal see, as it is believed, may eat milk food during the forty-day fast and also on other fast days, and have been accustomed to do so up to now, and have made use of it at such times up to this hour. Since, however, as was stated in the petition, the counts, count's children and their subjects are concerned about this, since they would not receive permission from the apostolic see, they have humbly requested that we, in accordance with our apostolic love and kindness, consider this point and take care of it for them. Accordingly, in consideration of such reasonable and humble request, we absolve and absolve the aforementioned Counts, their children and subjects all together, not only those presently living, but also their descendants, together with their ancestors, from all transgressions and trespasses of which they have since been guilty in every way, by our apostolic authority and power, and hereby declare them free and absolved from the same; We also grant them, notwithstanding any other mutual ordinances, by present letters, by virtue of our authority, for want of oil and fish, as long as the feast days prescribed by the church last, to eat milk food and to help themselves to it without propriety according to their pleasure. Therefore, let no one undertake to offend this indulgence and privilege granted to us in writing, or to oppose it boldly: but if anyone should take the liberty of attempting this, let him know that he will thereby incur the displeasure and wrath of Almighty God and of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul. Given in Rome at St. Peter's, in the year of the Incarnation of our Lord 1448, June 18, of our papal dignity in the following year.
13. Spenlins, Doctor of Medicine and Theology, and Provost of St. Mary's in the town of Herrnberg, objects to this Papal Indult.
From Crusius uurml. Kuevie., Mr8 III, Iil>. 7, eup. 7.
This man claimed in the writing contrary to the above indulgence letter: "the pope would have been deceived by false news, considering that 1. in the Würtembergerland there was neither a lack of rivers nor water ditches, which could provide fish in abundance on the prescribed fast days. 2) There would be no shortage of olive oil there, if it were brought there every year during Lent; the cities in Würtemberg as well as in the surrounding neighborhood would be provided with it themselves, and in these regions there would also be nut tree oil, poppy seed oil, 1) linseed oil and turnip oil, not to mention other types. Thus it is also without reason that these noble lords, the Counts of Würtemberg, together with their children and subjects, have been using milk foods for the forty-day Lent since time immemorial". With this he provoked the pope to anger against himself and brought it about that he was led captive to Conftanz and would even have been deprived of his office, if he had not revoked his opinion.
14. the papal bull of Anno 1490, in which it is allowed to eat butter and dairy.
From the "innocent news", 1713, p. 723. This bull was given by Innocenz VIII to the Elector Frederick of Saxony for the construction of the bridge over the Elbe and the chapel near Torgau.
Innocentius, bishop, a servant of the servants of God, his greeting and papal benediction to his dear sons, the noble men, Frederick, Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, and John, brothers, dukes of Saxony. If we, not sufficiently meritorious, are placed by divine providence in the holy city of St. Peter's, are gladly inclined to those things 2) by which your and your subjects' and
1) "Poppy seed" put by us instead of "Mag seed" in the old edition.
2) Here we have erased "we".
of other believers in Christ who wander to your lands and dominions may be blessed with usefulness and health of the body and purity of conscience: So then, for your sake, we have received a request that in Saxony and other principalities and lands subject to your temporal government and protection, the cold half of the land, olive trees do not grow, therefore oil in the fast and other times, We, ready to promote your and the aforementioned subjects' harmlessness and usability, and that of others who migrate to your princedoms, are inclined to your diligent request, You, the aforementioned your subjects and others, also those who go to the lands and dominions, you, and also others of yours, subject to such principality, for twenty years only, from this date on, that in the fast and other times and days, in which dairy products, by right of ancient custom, are forbidden, you may eat, and you may eat butter and other dairy products freely and fairly and without any burden to your conscience, by papal authority, here at present, by the gift of special grace, we permit. And so, after you have confessed that near the city of Torgau, Meissen diocese, where you commonly reside and keep your farm, situated under your temporal government, to which a large number of the people, also of the nobles, both of the horsemen and pedestrians with wagons and horses must daily come by necessity, a large water, called the Elbe, flows; On which water, especially near the so-called city, there is no bridge, so that the people, horsemen and pedestrians, who desire to come to the same city, are urged to cross in ships, and often because of the water and storms, especially in winter time, the people who approach the above-mentioned city in large numbers, not without great danger to their lives, and often in many days may not get across, therefore it is useful, for the safety of the people, also for the sake of your umbrella. Therefore, it is useful for the safety of the people, and also for the protection of your principality, that a stone bridge be built over the same water, which bridge may not be completed in a short time and at little cost, so that 3) for the sake of cold, snow and storms, construction on such bridge may not take place except in a short time of the year, so that it may be fortified.
3) Here we have deleted "such". The meaning is: because cold etc. half only a short time in the year can be built on it.
and remain strong. Have also the will, out of mild devotion, to have a chapel built at the same bridge for the increase of divine service and for the bliss of the souls of the believers in Christ who wander there: That all and any persons, spiritual and secular, of both sexes, or bold, who want to use such milk works, shall pay the twentieth part of one Rhenish guilder every year for the next ten years for the building of the same bridge and chapel; After that, when the same ten years are over, for the other ten years, excluding the fourth part, which is to be used for the building of the church of the Prince of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Rome, but the above for the completion of the aforementioned bridge and chapel; and when these are completed, in the same and in the parish church of the same city, abstention, and not to be turned into any other use, are to be paid. In the foregoing authority we establish and ordain it without hindrance of papal and in provincial and synodal councils commonly and especially set constitution and order, and all others who might be contrary to it, as they would be; therefore it is quite lawful for no man to disturb this writing of our will granting, statute and order, or to come contrary to it unlawfully. But if any man should fail to do so, let him know that he shall come into the disfavor of Almighty God, and of the holy apostles Peter and Paul. Given at Rome at St. Peter's, baptizing the Incarnation of Christ four hundred and ninety years, Quinta Calend. Augusti [July 28], in the sixth year of our papacy.
Meanwhile, as indicated here before, this freedom and grace shall be renewed with proclamation each of the twenty years with you and subsequent officials and councillors: Our request is that you, the magistrate, have the Latin and German copies of the bull, together with this document of ours, written in your office book, and that you, the council, have them written in your city book, unforgotten, so that new copies may be written on them every year and that there will be no lack of them; Also you, bailiff, let our heirs, in and around your care, decided and not decided, know that the copies of the mentioned liberty and grace, together with this our writing, are posted with you, which they want to use with theirs, that they have to find them and act according to them. Date ut supra.
15 The Electoral Proclamation referring to this bull. 1491?)
From ellronio DorZav. in Mencke, tönn II seriptoruni reruili OorManieurum, n. 572, and in the "innocent news," 1713, p. 719.
Frederick, by the Grace of God Duke of Saxony, Archmarshall of the Holy Roman Empire and Elector 2c, Landgrave of Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen.
Dear faithful! You and men in our and other surrounding countries, who are in the habit of hiking and building roads, are unaware of the noticeably large need for a bridge over the Elbe here in Torgau, over which many people, both local and foreign, are required annually and daily, for the sake of their need, to travel unmeantime, on horseback, 2) on foot and on wagons, on every occasion, which up to now had to be done by ship, and often due to water and thunderstorms, also especially in winter time with great danger and heaviness, when people, belongings and goods often may not get over, to harmful delay 3) and misdeeds: And as in former times with the highborn prince, Mr. Friedrichen, at that time Elector, Duke of Saxony etc., our dear lord and ancestor, blessed and laudable memory, there at Torgau over the Elbe a wooden bridge of no small cost was erected: so it did not remain standing for long, but by great ice journey broke again and went down. If we now, for the benefit of ourselves, our lands, people, other inhabitants, also foreign and wandering people, are inclined, out of princely consideration, to erect a permanent stone bridge across the Elbe at Torgau with divine help, we can nevertheless consider that this is difficult to accomplish without the common support and presentation of ours and many other devout Christian people. So that ours and others, through honest and sincere causes, will be moved and willing to do so; for considering that tree oil is difficult to obtain in these lands, that the local oil is very repugnant and harmful to many people because of their nature and complexion, or weakness, and that it also gives birth to illness in many people, during the holy fasts and on the required feast days.
1) The old edition of Walch has in the caption: "of the same year", thus 1490; but the text says: "anno Vor 1400 im Ein und neunzigsten Jahre".
2) In the old edition of Walch: "Paths".
3) "Samptniß" in the old edition resolved by us by "Säumniß".
For years, if one avoids using butter and dairy according to Christian order and commandments, and obediently, without the special permission of the supreme spiritual power, does not pass over this, although with difficulty: By our most holy father, Pope Innocentio the Eighth, we have obtained such freedom and grace for all our people, spiritual and secular, male and female, as well as those who are subject to our protection and who may wander or come to the same, to be granted for twenty years from now: As, whichever of such people in each of the same years shall pay and give for itself the twentieth part of a Rhenish florin for the building of the said bridge and a chapel thereat, it shall and may freely eat and use the fasting and all the feast days of the same year, butter and dairy, with such papal permission, without sin and burdening of the conscience, according to the papal bull, which says so; We hereby send you a true transcript or copy of the papal bull, in Latin and German, requesting that you publicly proclaim it in all parish churches, through the pastors in the cities and villages of the care, to all in the pulpits, after the proclamation has been made, such transcript or copy, together with the copies of this our writing, on the church door in your town, where everyone has access to read it, and then have a tightly fastened and well-enclosed box placed in the parish church, in which every person may put money for himself; for this purpose three keys are to be made, one of which is to be held by the priest, the other by the magistrate, and you, the council, the third; not to exclude any part behind the other, for every month you three parties will open the box with the three keys; you, bailiff, take the fallen money counted and recorded to you, how often it is needed between here and Easter, and in the Easter week the fallen money is all brought to us against Torgau, or whoever is ordered to approach and build the bridge, [over]answers without restraint; You are also to direct, manage and carry out all this, as indicated and expressed before, for the next twenty years, especially with the new proclamation of the bull and others, without any delay and behavior, so that the construction of the bridge is not delayed, find yourselves sincere and diligent in this, and let this be done by your subsequent officials and councillors, also unchanged, in actual command and management, with avoidance of any delay.
We are sure that you will not be punished in any other way. We leave this to you without any doubt, and it is our entire intention to do so. Given at Torgau on Wednesdays, Vigilia Epiphaniä [Jan. 5] anno Oni. 1400 in the one and ninetieth year etc.
16: The Elector Frederick and Duke John, brothers, sent a letter to the von Einsiedel that the bull granted to them by Pope Innocent VIII had been renewed by Pope Julius II, with the order to publicize it and to keep it in force. 1513.
From Ootlia äixüomatioa in Löscher's Reformation Acts, Vol. I, p. 98. In Walch, this document is already placed here with an incorrect title, while it should have been placed under No. 26 of this section. There Walch has corrected his error.
By the Grace of God Frederick, Elector etc., and John, Brothers, Dukes of Saxony etc.
Dear faithful, since it has not been disclosed that we have previously acquired from Pope Innocentio the Eighth, for movable and frugal causes, such freedom and grace for twenty years for all of our people, spiritual and secular, male and female, also those who are subject to our protection and umbrella, and who would like to migrate or come to the same, that every man, who gives the twentieth part of a Rhenish florin for the building of the bridge at Torgau over the Elbe, and a chapel thereon, may happily and safely eat and use the fasting days and all the fasting days of the same year butter and milk works, without sin or burdening of the conscience; As the bulla given about it indicates and says. Since the same twenty years have now "appeared, the building of the bridge and chapel at Torgau, which was undertaken for the praise and common benefit of God, has not been completely accomplished with stones; we have also come to know that many people use milk works during special vacations, in disobedience to the Christian Church, according to the old usage, to the detriment of their consciences and salvation, to the extent that tree oil is difficult to obtain in these lands: Therefore, we have first of all to praise God, so that no one may disobey in the use of dairy, for the common good and all our subjects and relatives, by our most holy father, Mr. Julio II., now reigning pope, that his holiness be renewed to all our people, spiritual and secular, male and female.
17 Letter of butter issued by Pope Innocent VIII, at the request of Duke Albrecht of Saxony, for the benefit of the Freiberg Cathedral, which burned down in 1484, for a period of 20 years. 1491.
Bishop Innocentius, the servant of the servants of God, for the constant remembrance of the cause.
According to the office of servitude that we have assumed, we direct, among other things, our office-
1) To "that", as can be seen from the previous rescript, is to be added: "man".
We are also constantly concerned about how we may promote the reconstruction of churches that have been miserably destroyed by misfortune and have become funeral pyres, and how we may also assist and help persons who are faithful to us and zealous in religion in their need, as we deem it good and salutary in the Lord for the damage suffered by the churches and the burdensome circumstances of such persons. The request recently made to us in the matter of our beloved son, the noble Lord Albrecht, Duke of Saxony, was to the effect that the said Duke Albrecht, after the praiseworthy example of his forefathers, should fight with all his might against the faithless rage and the ungodly undertakings of the heretics in Bohemia, who rage against the believers in Christ without ceasing. He has not only made every effort to curb their raging fury with force and power, as he still continues to do every day, but he has also built up the former parish church, which is still in use today, but also the former parish church of the Holy Virgin Mary in the city of Freiberg, Meissen diocese, has been designated by apostolic sovereignty as a cathedral church, and it is dined at one table with a dean, twelve canonicis and just as many perpetual vicarii or caplains, who live together, who live together, dine at one table, and officiate in the aforementioned church day and night, so that, when the said city is entrusted to such faithful, zealous, honest and learned men, they may fortify and establish the faithful in the unity of the church and in the power of the true faith by word and example, and counter and resist the deceitful wiles and errors of these heretics, and also faithfully instruct and teach them, so that they may all the sooner abandon their errors and confess the universal truth. And although our beloved sons, the dean and caplains of the first-mentioned church, which has recently been miserably reduced to ashes, are thinking with all diligence and care about its reconstruction, so that, if it remains under the ashes and the canonici and caplains have to look at it with their backs, the wicked cunning and malice of the reported heretics will not become even more fierce and powerful: Nevertheless, the income of this church is so poor and small that it cannot possibly be rebuilt and restored to its former condition, but rather the honest assistance of the Christian faithful is most necessary. Since, according to the aforementioned request, this country is very cold and the aforementioned city is situated on the Bohemian mountains, the citizens and inhabitants of this city
of the city and many other subjects of this duke, also those who have him as their patron, work diligently in the mines on the Bohemian mountains and barren oers, which are indeed outside the duke's land, but nevertheless border directly on it, where one could not have sufficient food, if it were not brought from other places, and yet with their supply because of much snow often great danger arises, that therefore many miners and other poor people, especially during the great Lent, would have to suffer indescribable shortages; not less also other subjects of this duke live in very cold places, where no oil trees grow, and consequently no olive oil is to be had, where it is not brought there from remote countries with great effort and expense; Nevertheless, if the duke, his subjects and those under his protection were allowed to enjoy such butter and dairy products during Lent and also on other days on which it is forbidden to eat butter and dairy products, provided they contribute from their wealth to the reconstruction of the church mentioned, it could indeed be hoped that this church building could be carried out and completed in a short time: So on the part of the said Lord Albrecht, Duke of Saxony, Margrave of Meissen and Landgrave in Thuringia, we have been humbly requested that, according to our apostolic grace, we would provide counsel in the above circumstances in due time. Accordingly, we, who gladly give all possible support to the reconstruction of the torn down churches, first want to exempt Duke Albrecht from all church censures and punishments of banishment and exclusion from the communion of the church and the Lord's Supper, which either the right or a certain person, on whatever occasion, may have done, or a certain person, on whatever occasion or in whatever matter it may have occurred, if he should be involved in any way, only so that the present letter may have its force and force, absolve him and consider him absolved: Therefore we, who are inclined to hear such supplications, by virtue of our apostolic power, by the present indult, decree and order that the said Duke Albrecht, and all and every of his subjects, and others under his protection, whether ecclesiastical or secular of either sex, who are in such mines and elsewhere, and others who come to such places, shall, during Lent and other days mentioned, receive butter and milk food for the next twenty days.
However, those who want to use such food, as long as the said twenty years last, shall be obliged to contribute annually the twentieth part of one Rhenish florin for the reconstruction of the above-mentioned church, of which the fourth part is to be sent to Rome for the construction of St. Peter's Church. And if in the meantime the church itself has been repaired, then the said contribution shall be used for the preservation of this and other parish churches of the city, and not for other things, and always the fourth part of it shall be given for St. Peter's Church, as reported, regardless of the apostolic and in provincial and synodal councils drawn up general or special decrees and conclusions, also other such statutes contrary to these. Therefore, no one shall dare to offend this written absolution, order, ordinance and will of ours, or to oppose it in a thoughtless and audacious manner. But if anyone should dare to do so, let him know that he will thereby fall into the disgrace of Almighty God and of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul. Given in Rome at St. Peter's, in the year after the birth of Christ 1491, July 10, in the seventh year of our papal dignity.
18 Pope Innocence VIII, June 14, 1492, publicized confirmation of his aforementioned
Butter letter.
From Andreas Möller's "Freiberg" etc. I. c. Translated into German.
Pope Innocentius the Eighth.
After we have been told by our beloved son, the noble man Albrecht, Duke of Saxony, how he, after the example of his predecessors, has continued to resist with all diligence and zeal the faithless rage and ungodly undertakings of the heretics in Bohemia, who rage and rage without ceasing against the faithful members of Christ, with all diligence and zeal, bravely and undauntedly, and not only by external means of coercion and force to put a stop to their senseless rage, but also to destroy the former parish church of St. Mary of the city of Freiberg, Meissen. Maria of the city of Freiberg, Meissen diocese, which is under his secular rule, into a cathedral church, and appointed a dean, twelve canonicos and twelve vicarios perpetuos.
or chaplains, who were to live together in common, and the godly intention was conducted in such a way that, if the said city were provided with righteous, pious, well-mannered and learned men, the faithful might be fortified in the unity of the Christian church and might be able to resist the devious wiles of the first-mentioned heretics. And even though the cathedral dean, the cathedral chapter and the clergy of this church, which was miserably consumed by the fire and turned into a funeral pyre, were diligently striving for its reconstruction and were working on it, so that it would not perish after the misfortune that had come upon it and that the cunning malice and the fury of said heretics against the believing Christians would become so much greater, after the reported canonici and clergy had been forced to look at such a church with their backs because of the fire they had suffered; However, the income and the incomes of this church were far too small and insufficient for it to be rebuilt and restored to its former state; rather, the unanimous will and the generous contribution of godly and faithful Christians were highly necessary; Since it is also included in the story that the country is very cold, the city of Freiberg lies on the Bohemian mountains, and both the inhabitants of the same, as well as other subjects of this duke, and those who live under his protection, work diligently in the mines on the Bohemian mountains and desolate oersterns, which, although outside the lands of said duke, but still directly abut the same, where the necessary foodstuffs would not be sufficiently available, unless they were brought from other places, and yet in their supply, because of much snow, there would often be a not insignificant danger that many would be plagued with too great famine during the forty-day fast, and others would live in too cold mountains, where no oil trees would grow, nor would olive oil be found, unless it were brought there from distant lands, and that at great expense: so that we might better promote the building of said church, we decreed last year by our other letter of indulgence, by virtue of apostolic majesty, that said Duke Albrecht and all his subjects, also all who are under his protection, of both sexes, no less others who come to these places, may freely eat butter and milk food on the forty days and other fast days mentioned, until the next twenty years, without doubt of conscience; but in such a way that those who
We are obliged to pay the twentieth part of a Rhenish guilder annually for twenty years for the building and renewal of the said church, of which we have intended to dedicate the fourth part for the building of the main church of the most noble of the apostles; and if in the meantime the church itself comes to a stand, the money is to be used for the protection and preservation of this and other parochial churches of the said city, without breaking off the fourth part, as is contained in this letter with more. However, because, as the letter recently sent to us by our beloved son, the noble. man, Georgen, eldest prince of this Duke Albrecht, at the time when said letter was handed over, the aforementioned Duke did not take up arms against these heretics, nor did he wage war against them, although, as a devout Christian, he always had in mind and was willing to repulse them, as he could have done; also in the said district oil is beaten from various kinds of legumes and seeds, which the faithful can enjoy; but nothing of this was mentioned in the letter referred to, and therefore it is claimed by some, 1) as if this letter had been secretly executed: Our will, which we gladly wish to prevent that this letter may not be accused of a vitii surreptionis, and are inclined to hear Duke George's humble request in this matter, is that the statute and ordinance and oft-stated letter, with all and every clause contained therein, have had and still have their validity, and that they have had and shall still have their full force and weight, and in virtue thereof the above-mentioned persons and subjects of the counts, barons and noblemen, as the said duke's vassals, even if they are subjects from other fiefs of foreign dominion, as well as the above-mentioned arrivals, may eat butter, cheese and other dairy products on the days in question; And this shall be valid in all and after all, just as if in this letter what Duke Albrecht had in mind and intended to repel the above-mentioned heretics to the best of his ability, and that in the country mentioned oil be struck from some kinds of legumes and seeds, which the faithful may make use of,
1) This probably refers to the writing reported in the next number, which may have caused the pope to confirm his bull. The Bishop of Meissen had also opposed the Bull. (Löscher, Ref.-Acten, Vol. I, p. 100.) Cf. the following No. 20.
The letter would have been written in explicit words, and other intended subjects in this letter would have been mentioned by name. Notwithstanding the apostolic statutes and all other ordinances contrary thereto etc. Given at Rome at Peter under the Fisherman's Ring, June 14, in the eighth year of our papal dignity.
19. Johann von Breitenbach's, Prof. jur. canon. at Leipzig, expert opinion against the Papal
Butter letters.
About the beginning of 1492. 1)
Breitenbach's writing, in which he gives his opinion, is found in the Pauline Library in Leipzig and is printed in Kapp's "Nachlese nützlicher Reformationurkunden", Theil III, p. 81. The title reads: "Gutachten Johannis von Breitenbach, beider Rechte Doctor, auf der berühmten Academie zu Leipzig, Merseburgischer Diöces, ordentliche Lehrers des Kirchenrecht: ob diejenigen, so nach dem Inhalt der apostolischen, durch den gegenwärtigen Herrn Pabst Innocentium VIII. Innocentium VIII, for the reconstruction of the cathedral church of St. Mary in the city of Freiberg, Meissen diocese, may eat butter and other dairy products during the Great Fast and also on other days on which it is forbidden to eat butter and other dairy products, without any scruples of conscience" in quarto. Without year. It is noteworthy that the author, a strict papist, brings proof from canon law that the power of the pope to "grant graces" is very limited.
Translated into German.
The factum is this:
The Most Holy Father in Christ and our Lord, Mr. Innocentius VIII, according to the providence of God, the present reigning pope, for certain reasons, has permitted and given freedom to the most noble prince and lord, Lord Albrecht, Duke of Saxony, Landgrave of Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen, together with all and every one of his subjects, and others who are under his protection, whether spiritual or secular, male or female, that if they give the twentieth part of a Rhenish gold guilder annually for the reconstruction of the cathedral church of St. Mary, the city of Freiberg, and the diocese of Meissen, they shall then pay the Lent of one year for the reconstruction of the cathedral church of St. Mary, the city of Freiberg, and the diocese of Meissen. Marien, the city of Freiberg, Meißnischer Diöces, they could then enjoy such butter and milk dishes freely for twenty years during Lent, as well as on other days on which butter eating and other milk dishes are forbidden, without any doubt in their conscience; as such is contained and expressed more extensively in the apostolic letters issued about this, the content of which from word to word is as follows:
1) Because of this time determination compare our note to the previous writing.
Innocentius, the bishop, the servant of the servants of God, for the constant remembrance of the cause. According to the office we have taken etc.
See the 17th document.
According to this, some have doubts whether the said Duke and his subjects, who according to the Apostolic Letters contribute their share, could and may freely eat butter and other dairy products on the said days without any scruples of conscience?
And since many Clerici and Laici have asked me to open up and explain what my opinion is on this doubtful point of law, I therefore, for the sake of the welfare of the illustrious republic of my fatherland, which I live to serve and am bound to obey, will, according to the L. veluti ff. de justitia et jure, and according to the L. postliminii, § filius quoque ff. de captivitate, also for the benefit of my masters of both rights, and especially of the canon law, I will briefly indicate what seems to me in the first-mentioned doubtful puncto juris.
Having previously invoked the most glorious name of Christ, our Lord, God, Creator and Redeemer, and of His holy and always unharmed Mother, the Virgin Mary, and having well seen and carefully examined what is contained in the narrative of the above-mentioned Facti: then, as it seems to me at first sight, one must answer with yes, namely that the obedient Duke and his subjects, who according to the contents of the said apostolic bull do their part, can freely enjoy butter and other milk foods on the said days without any scruples of conscience. Since this is implied by the expression of the said bull, one must not deviate from the literal meaning of it, according to L. non aliter ff. de legatis III. can. ad audientiam, dedeci; indeed, it is better to stick exactly to the words of an edict in a doubtful point, since one must stick to the words of the law itself in doubtful cases, according to L. I. § si is qui etc. ff. de exercito actio, unb ηαφ bem L. prospexit ff. qui et a quibus manumissi cum simili.
This is also confirmed by the fact that the Lord Pope can dispense from the right over the right, c. proposuit, where the text applies according to the letter de conces. praeben. Yes, even in the statutes of general councils of the Lord Pope, his power and authority suffers an exception, c. Significasti, where the text beautifully reads äs electione; and therefore it comes that the Lord Pope can dispense against a general council.
The pope is still in charge of the council; as the strange gloss has c. ex parte de Capell. Monach. unb in c. ubi periculum in principio in verbo consilio, de elect. libr. VI. moreover, the Lord Pope is able to dispense from the right everything, so, as God himself, according to Osti. ut ipse notat in c. quanto de translat, prelato. Therefore, according to Bal. in lege fi. codic. de senten. rescin. non pos. a rightfully elected pope holds God's office on earth. On the other hand, he who has not been duly elected is a devil, and therefore has not the keys of the kingdom of heaven, but of hell. Therefore it is said that the Lord Pope has perfect power, II. q. VI. decree. c. ad honorem de autori. et usupal. c. unico, ut ecclesiasti, be- nefi. et dic. c. proposuit, and the same is the governor of God and thus represents the place of our Lord JEsu Christ allhie on earth, c. inter corporalia de transla. prelato. c. per venerabilem § rationibus, qui filii sint, legit, et c. I. de homici. 1. VI. where in the text, which deserves to be written with golden letters, the reason is given why our Lord, the Son of God, entrusted his place and the care of his army to the blessed Petro and his successors, and for this very reason spoke to the blessed Petro and to his successors: What you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven etc. c. Solite, de majo. et obedi, et die § Rationibus, et XXIV. q. I. Quocunque; therefore we must also accept it with meekness and humility, even if the Lord Pope should burden us with something unbearable, XIX, dis. in memoriam. Just as we kiss his feet as a sign of his highest dignity, as the gloss says. In 1.1. s. äs äorns. st prots. I. XII. Incidentally, the Lord Pope is not bound by the laws and rules, but is free from them. IX. q. III. cuncta per mundum et 1. princeps, ff. de legi, et XXV. q. I. his ita, et notatur in c. I. de constitutionibus. Now, however, since the aforementioned former pope, against the law, according to which the eating of butter and other milk foods are forbidden during Lent, has made and dispensed a decree, as he could do according to the above, therefore etc.
This is also, thirdly, confirmed by this. For if the causes mentioned in the aforementioned apostolic bull were not legitimate, the indult or letter of freedom of the pope would nevertheless have its force, so that the aforementioned duke and his subjects, if they had as much as is mentioned in this apostolic bull, would have the same right to the freedom of the duke and his subjects.
The pope can freely enjoy butter and other dairy products during Lent and other days, without any scruples of conscience. Which I therefore prove, because, although the Lord Pope cannot dispense against what is founded in divine law, without important and reasonable causes, he can at least dispense against what is established according to human law and in jure positivo, according to his mere and free will, because for this his will alone, without any other cause, is already sufficient; as notes Inno, in c. cum ad monasterium de stat. Monach. et sequitur specu, ti. de legato § Nunc breviter dicendum est, ver. et nota, quod nisi Papa. And herein has instead the well-known saying: 8ie volo, 8io znkso, 8it pro rations volnntas. But since this, that one is not allowed to enjoy butter and milk food during Lent, does not have its reason in divine law, but only juris humani unb positivi ifi, as in c. denique IV. dis., then the Lord Pope can, and can also really pardon against said human law, according to his mere and free will; for which reason one does not have to ask about the reasons given, whether they are true or false, nor to dispute about them because of the circumstances mentioned above.
This is also proved, and fourthly, in this way. For if one or the other of the causes mentioned were not true, such an indult or pardon would still be valid if only one of them had a cause. Art. eorum, quae in simili dicuntur, de sententia, because then, if two causes are stated in the sentence itself, one of which expressly disputes with the general law, while the other does not, the sentence has its force; as especially noted Inno, in c. in praesentia, de renuntia, et Io. An. in c. Cum inter de re judica. For there the sentence itself becomes strong, by virtue of this circumstance, which does not run expressly against the general law, pro quo fa. c. per tuas, qui filii sint legitimi. The judge, in stating two causes, does not base himself praecisely on the other alone, and it is therefore already enough that the judicial pronouncement can stand for the cause that does not expressly conflict with the general law; to which belongs Ratio c. causam de re judica, where it is said that the mind of a judge is not always directed to a particular kind of proof; and this is also noted by Mr. Nico, alias Panor. in s. 1. s. ti. So, according to the foregoing, it seems to be already enough and sufficient that such be-
gnadigung und Indult Stich halten kann, vermöge desjenigen Grunds, der nicht falsch ist, wofof auch streitet fa. quia in dubio interpretandum est, ut potius res et dispositio valeat, quam pereat, c. Abbate de verbo significa, et 1. quotiens, ff. de rebus dubiis cum simili.
But on the other hand and pro parte negativa, that the said Duke and his subjects, who according to the contents of the said apostolic bull do their part, cannot freely enjoy butter and other milk foods during Lent without conscience scruples, is stated: Because such causes are falsely stated, such an indult and pardon is also invalid, because a supplicant who commits fraud has no right to enjoy what he has been granted. c. sedes apostolica de rescript. et 1. et si legibus c. si contra jus vel utili, publi. Therefore one must consider these words, which indicate that letters of grace received in this way would be invalid, according to what 1. et no. per Io. An. et doc. de ea dictione penitus in C. Romana § fin. de sententiis excommunica. 1. VI. fa. 1. ambiguitatem c. de usu et habita. Yes, in the papal scripts or bulls this condition is always to be understood under it, although it is not put to it, namely, where the request is based on truth, or where it is so, c. II. de Rescript. et 1. universa C. de diversis rescript..., where it is also stated that whoever asks for something and presents falsehoods shall not enjoy the answer received. Next to this, the matter is proved thus: The vitium surrep- tionis, or when one presents untruths, or conceals and suppresses the truth, deprives not only the scripts, or bulls, issued for the attainment of certain benefits, as is noted in Cie. 1. de praeben. of their force, but also the letters of grace granted over certain liberties or dispensations; as such is recalled by Inno. in c. Constitutus de rescriptis. Yes, also the grace becomes invalid by this act of corruption, c. I. et II. defin. presbi. lib. VI. et fa. c. ad audientiam II. de rescriptis et notant doc. communiter, in dic. c. Ceterum. Similarly, the secret effect weakens the grace with the deed itself, if it also consists in the fact that one has a foreign kaetnni, of which the one who has been made theilhaftig has probably known nothing, according to the text dio. c. Constitutus quemd. Nico, ibi dicit pro hoc menti tenendum; and this is especially true when there is fraud under the surreption. Where under the surrept
If there is a deception in the statement, and either the truth is concealed, or unfounded things are stated, then this invalidates the whole Rescript; which happens not only when disputes are to be settled, but also when privileges and pardons are granted, according to what has been noted in dic. c. Ceterum, which is also noted by d. Nico, in c. super litteris de rescript. , allwo auch nach der Glosse 08ti. 6t lo. ^.n., if and when one who states false things or withholds the truth in obtaining a rescript, or an apostolic letter of grace, does this maliciously or out of simplicity. And according to the aforementioned document, this same Nico. also states that a judge must discern from various circumstances and assumptions whether there is fraud or simplicity; and when the judge has taken care of all the circumstances, he must consider whether the one who obtains grace is simple-minded or diligent, and whether the fact concerns him or another; whether he is near or far; whether his letters are substantial or not, and so on, for the inner deceit cannot be brought out otherwise than by mere speculation. 1. dolum Cod. de dolo, et c. II. de renuntia. Ii. VI., baoon in dicto c. super litteris plene per doc. et maxime moder. Yes, the apostolic bulls issued over certain privileges and pardons, if they have been secretly executed, are null and void according to the laws themselves, as in c. dudum. II. de elec. et. 1. I. ff. de natali restituen. et notat. Io. An. post Compostel. in dicto c. ad audientiam, ad quod dic. c. I. et c. II. de fi. presb. lib. VI. et notat, d. Nico, indic, c. dudum. who says that the pardon issued per vitium sur- reptionis would be void according to the law itself; and this same one holds that this would also be said of all letters of pardon in general. Furthermore, surreption offends the apostolic bull, not only if it was a final cause of the pardon or of the rescript; but also if it was a moving cause of it; thus, because the pope or the prince would otherwise have issued letters of pardon, where one did not secretly ask for it, in this case surreption was the moving cause of it; as the beautiful text has in c. postulasti de rescript..., which text must be remembered because it is nowhere else, secundum d. Nico, ibi, which also adds that in this text one encounters a peculiar and special casum, according to which, where the moving cause cessirt, or is wrong, also the decree falls over a heap; whereby to our intended cause the gloss
The most remarkable is in c. post translationem in verbo cessante, de renuntia, the content of which is that, if a dispensation occurs from any cause, this cessante caussa should also cessiren. Of this, there is a wide-ranging discussion by D. Anth., who examines: whether and if, cessante caussa, the effect should also cessiren, what one calls a final and a driving cause, to which one must answer, as is done there by him. Of this also Io. de Ymola et d. Nico, in c. cum cessante de appell. et per Gloss. in 1. 1. § sexum ff. de postulant. and more extensive Bar. in 1. 2. § fin. ff. de donationibus. So also about the preservation of apostolic rescripts or bulls one gives this rule, namely, that everything must stand in the letter with express words, what is able to direct the heart of the lord pope or the prince to grant grace, and to grant the same not at all or reluctantly; as the gloss notes in verbo litteras, and there doc. in the before mentioned c. super litteris. §iergu bient c. postulasti unb c. si proponente de rescriptis unb c. si motu proprio, de preben. libr. VI Therefore, since it is claimed that in the said apostolic bull the untruth has been expressed, and the truth suppressed and concealed, since nothing is said therein about the fact that olive oil can be had almost in all the said lands subject to Duke Albrecht's dominion for almost the same price and as frequently as butter; and that the oil of certain fruits, of which our parents and forefathers availed themselves, some of which brought their lives from a hundred and more years, can be procured for a more moderate price than butter usually is. Since it is not thought that people of male and female sex have reverently and certainly abstained from eating butter and other dairy foods, which are forbidden during fasting and on other days, from time immemorial, it is also not thought that people of male and female sex have reverently and certainly abstained from eating butter and other dairy foods, which are forbidden during fasting and on other days; Since it is not further reported that from the eating of butter and other dairy foods, which takes place during the said days, as well as from the omission of the said praiseworthy and godly custom, a very great annoyance has arisen among the Christian believers, who reside in the said Duke's own and other surrounding lands and provinces, as in Bohemia, Saxony, in the Mark, in Silesia and in Lusatia 1); as well as that almost everywhere in said lands there are as many fish as are needed, and these are bought for a fair amount of money; and it is in
1) In the old edition: Lausnitz.
that if our ancestors, citizens and inhabitants of these lands had one fish thirty years ago, we have two or three nowadays, as experience teaches, and therefore it is to be presumed that the people should observe and celebrate the holy Lent, which, as it has been salutary ordained by the law and the holy prophets for the welfare of souls and bodies, and sanctified by our Savior through his holy fasts, should be observed and celebrated with the greatest reverence, de consecra. dis.V. quadragesima, eat butter and other milky foods more for pleasure and lust than for necessity: so, alas, I hold that the very last perilous times are approaching, to which, according to the testimony of the apostle 2 Tim. 3 will be men who think of themselves as stingy, boastful, hopeful, blasphemers, unthankful, unspiritual, who love pleasure more than God; and consequently, since the truth has been suppressed and concealed, the apostolic bull, according to the foregoing, cannot have, nor retain, its force and validity.
This is also strengthened by this important reason, because where a law is abolished, not at the same time the custom is to be considered abolished, by which the observation of this law was introduced in particular places, if it would cause annoyance in a place that the ancient law was no longer observed; and therefore, when a law is repealed, it is not thought that the usage and custom by which the law itself was observed is abolished at the same time, if an offense should arise from their omission; as the strange text proves in c. super eo, and the gloss in verbo consuetudo, de cogna. spu. unb anmerfet d. domi, in c. I. de constitu. lib. VI. which says that it is necessary to keep it. Ad quod c. cum oli. de cleri, conjuga. et c. nihil de praescriptio. And so also in the foregoing case, although the lord pope, by permitting butter and other dairy foods to be eaten on said days, abrogates the general law, or grants a liberty and grace contrary to it: yet he does not abrogate the custom, the omission of which would cause offense, or dispense against the established custom, Ar. eorum quae le. et no. in dictis juribus. But that the omission of this very good custom, which has been observed sacredly since time immemorial, causes great and grave trouble among the believers in Christ in the said lands, daily experience teaches. For this, take what Bal. notes in 1. fin. c. si contractus vel util.
pub. 1. where he says very strangely that many pardons could lose their power if one does not especially consider the custom which the pardon is contrary to: cum de ipsa consuetud. ne fieri debeat specialis mentio, and he says: hoc teneri per doc. et menti esse tenendum. Nor would the clause ex certa scientia be sufficient to abolish the custom, if the Lord Pope did not otherwise make an explicit and special report of it. Because, as the Bal. says in 1. fin. c. de sentent. rescind. non poss. the clause ex certa scientia would not be sufficient.
sel ex certa scientia is of no help, except in such matters where the prince is presumed to have knowledge and science, as in matters concerning a point of law; but in matters where it can be presumed that the prince knows nothing about it, where good and praiseworthy customs of certain countries or countries belong, this clause has no force. From what has been said, it is clear that it is not so easy to give a decisum in this doubtful casu, considering also that it concerns a praerogativa and the high authority of the Lord Pope, about which one cannot dispute without danger; because he who makes the same disputable is guilty of criminis sacrilegii c. de diver. rescript.
Neque lingua transiens super terram, os ponere debet in caelum XXI. dis. in tantum.
Therefore, before proceeding to a more detailed elucidation of this matter, which in modern times, when avarice, as a handmaiden of idolatry, is very prevalent, and money and goods are lured out of the bag in a subtle and cunning manner, 1. 2. c. de commere, et mercato, et in cie. abusionibus de poeni- tent. et remissio. If the dispensation, which often occurs, gives rise to a rash, it must be remembered above all that the dispensation or disbursement is so much as a balancing of expenditures with all circumstances, hence a steward is also called a manager, and the one who manages the treasury must pay attention to all circumstances, and must well estimate the work and its wages. For dispensing means nothing other than paying out this and that. And we need such an administrator who, for certain reasons, sometimes enacts a law that is useful in itself; although such a dispensation must not be granted to everyone without distinction, but only to those who make laws and can also repeal them, and should therefore be performed only by the pope or by the prince, or in their name. Accordingly, he who has the administration must direct his eye to the account, to the various good, and to the cause,
Why he dispenses, which is based on three things: utility, necessity, and the particular preference of the persons; and where a steward has these three in mind, he cannot be said to act against the common good and to prefer his own interest to that, but to abate the general statute for the sake of the common welfare, which is added in a special case. In this way, the dispensation is not to be made for a private matter, but for the sake of the common and obvious benefit. For the pardon is a dispensation of the general right, which is made after exact insight into the matter by one to whom the right of pardon belongs, as in nisi rigor. I.
VII; or it is a prudent indulgence of the common law, having first well considered the utility or necessity; or it is a remission of the severity of the right, which has been regularly done by the one to whom such is due; as noted Specui. tit. II. § dispensatio est, in prine. But if a steward were induced to do this merely by his will and his own pleasure, without any intention of predestined pieces, this would by no means be called a pardon, but rather a waste. Therefore St. Bernard says that if a pardon were to happen without reasonable causes, it would then have to be called a waste; as Osti. states in c. Quia in tantum de praebend, and such a one who grants a pardon without reasonable cause would not be considered a wise and faithful steward. In the Gospel of Luke 12:42, 43 it says: "How great a thing is a faithful and prudent steward, whom the Lord sets over his servants to give them their due. Blessed is the servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes etc. But such a steward is unfaithful who does not consider the common good; he is unwise and careless if he has no reasonable cause for himself. From this follows that he who has dispensed without reasonable cause is not safe from God; as the curious gloss reports in c. Non est de voto; and although it seems as if the gloss, which speaks in terms of desire, were referring to what is founded in divine right, this is also true in matters that have their basis in jure positivo, or in human right, as is nicely noted by Io. An., whose statement is to be found almost from word to word in c. de multa de praeben. which allda d. Anthon. Io. de Ymola d. Nico. follows and likewise teaches this; and as just the-
fer d. Nico, in dic. c. This is not hindered by what, from what has been said before, in dic. c. de multa roiber Theoricam concludes Inno, in c. cum ad monasterium de stat, monacho. and says that the pope can grant grace against human law according to his mere and free will and pleasure. For although this, according to the opinion of this same d. Nico. applies to the contending church, in which the opinion and pronouncements of the pope no one may master, XI. q. III. Nemo, it does not apply in the sight of God, because even the Lord Pope may not, without cause, abate a right built on the common welfare, he is rather bound, according to his office, to feed his sheep, and to act as a righteous steward; as he speaks there and dic. c. Non est, and so has d. Nico, in c. quae in ecclesiarum de constitu., and says that where there is no lawful cause to depart from the jure positivo, a prince sins when he violates the same, because he has the power to feed his flock, but not to confuse or weigh it down; and therefore he must act according to justice and equity, but not according to his particular inclination and pleasure. And this I consider to be an indisputable truth, that the Lord Pope in foro poli. or of God does not have the power to slacken the jus positivum without reasonable cause, because its resolution and regulation must be based on the same reason, according to what stands le. et no. in regula I. de regulis juris et in 1. nihil tam naturale ff. c. tit. But since no positive law is to be made unless it is based on reason and natural equity, and where this is the case, the name of right or law is not even deserved, c. erit autem lex IV. dis, hence law is called the art of what is just and equitable, 1. I. ff. de justitia et jure; so likewise it may not be abrogated again without reasonable cause and natural equity. This, that the pope, if he wants to dispense contrary to the positive laws, must have natural equity for himself, is beautifully proved by the text c. manet XXIV. q. I., where it is said that the privilege deriving from Blessed Petro remains unaffected, even if a pronouncement is made in accordance with its equity. Therefore it is said that the pope is able to do everything, so that he is unconfessed in his power, which he exercises, namely after previous judicial investigation; just as the power which the church has is called a key. And in fact there is only one key, or One
But the fact that one sometimes speaks of keys in the number of multiplicity is due to the fact that a prelate, in addition to the power, must also make an investigation and decision, so that there are two keys, one of the power, the other of the investigation and decision; as we therefore rightly say that the pope is able to do everything without erring in his executive power, namely after previously made investigation and decision. This is noted by d. Nico, in c. tanta de excess. praelato. Take to this what the gloss has in c. Quanto de jurejurando, where the gloss also mentions the clavis discretionis, and says that the pope can absolve someone from the oath for legitimate and well-founded reasons, if he first uses the clavem discretionis properly. Inno. also says there that although the pope can do everything, he must often use the clavis discretionis before he makes the pronouncement. Here belongs a beautiful dio. Bal. in 1. II. in IX. colum, c. de servi- tut. etaq., where it is said that no power, neither of a prince nor of the council, can make the prince cease to be a rational and mortal creature; nor can it make him free from the law of nature, or from the instruction of sound reason and the eternal law; and thus, although the prince himself is not subject to the laws, he is not free from what sound reason instructs him to do, according to the saying of this same Bal. ibi, quod est perpetuo menti tenendum. Moreover, in every dispensation, if it especially concerns divine right, the pope must pay attention to three things, namely: what he may do according to justice and equity; what he should do according to respectability, and what may be good in view of the benefits and advantages; as the beautiful text reads c. magnae de voto. Yes, the pope must sometimes abstain from many things that are not unlawful, according to the apostle's saying (1 Cor.6,12.): I have it all power, but it is not all pious; as in c. Aliud quod decet c. XI. q. I. From this it is concluded that, although the power and authority of the pope is of a very great extent, and is endowed with an immense number of privileges and privileges; of which in dic. c. proposuit de concess. praeben., unb in dic. c. Cum ad monasterium de sta. monach. unb in c. litteras de restit. spolia., also per gloss. et doc. in c. I. de transla. praelat. and in c. quod trans- lation. de offi. lega. and in c. sicut unire de excess. praelat., and more extensively per specu, tit. II. § Nunc ostendendum and § Nunc breviter dicendum, per totum, and per Bal. in 1.
rescripta c. de preci, impera, offeren., also per d. Nico. in his disputation, which begins: Episcopus et quidam Rector etc., and per d. Andre, alias Barbatium in dic. c. quod translationem: yet he may not prove this his high power and authority without reasonable causes; whereto the peculiar saying Inno, in c. Innotuit de elec., which expressly says that the pope may not use and exercise his complete power without reasonable causes.
On the other hand, it must be noted that regardless of someone committing a pagan sin, who wants to be a Christian, and yet is disobedient to the apostolic see, c. si qui presbyteri LXXXI. dis. even to obey the papal commands is necessary for salvation, as in extrava- gant. Bonifa. VII Unam sanctam, and the gloss notes in cie. Ad nostrum § tertio de heretic., this is to be foreseen: as long as it is not to be assumed that by the papal command the church will be put into extreme unrest, or that other mischief will arise from it; as is nicely noted by Innoc. and after him in c. Inquisitioni de sentent. excommunic., where it is stated whether and to what extent one is obliged to obey the pope or the prelate who gives unjust orders. See the gloss, and just there IInnoc. in c. ad aures de tem- por. ord. together with the note of Nico, in c. si quando de rescript, where he also has quite strange words, namely that a subject, if the regent, be he pope or emperor, should order something, whose compliance and observation could cause trouble in the city, is not bound to obey, which must be especially noted. This is also what Nico means in c. quae in ecclesiarum de constitut. He says: "One does not have to obey the prince and regent if one has to fear a future offense from his command, or disorder in Christendom, or otherwise a great sin. But also this is noted by the said Nico in c. accepimus de fide instrum, where he says: the pope must be obeyed in a command, although hard, which he lets go out from enlightened knowledge, if only such command has nothing sinful in it, or one has to fear an offense from it; whereby one conferire, what has been noted per doc. post Osti. and Io. An. in c. significavit de offic. ordin. and in c. Cum adeo de rescript. From this it is further concluded that where the prelate in a place presumably foresees that the observance of the apostolic order or the apostolic bull could bring about an annoyance, he should not let it happen that
Rather, he shall report it to the pope and present to him the resulting annoyance and all other circumstances arising from it, and then expect a different order from the pope himself, after he has been well and sufficiently instructed in everything. And so the matter is also proved in dic. c. si quando, after the said d. Nic., which concludes from this text: that the magistrate, or another to whom the prince gives a written order, has the power not to obey it for this time, but to write to the prince and expect another order; although the prince, because of the too great impetuosity of the one who asks, or because he wants to effect something secretly, or because of his too many affairs, does and permits what he should not and should not do and permit. In this connection, this same D. Nico, in c. causam II. de Testi. remarks and says that an official in the execution of liberties and privileges, which seem to dispute with reason, or under which there is a fraud, or which run contrary to the common interests, must not proceed immediately, but first ask the prince for advice and expect a different command, whereby the text to confer in c. ad nostram and c. porrecta de confirmatione utili, vel inutili; et in authentico, ut nulli jud. § Et hoc vero coi. IX, and what the curious text has in c. ordinarii § si vero de offic. ordin. lib. VI, where it is stated that if there were any doubt as to whether the dispensation granted was correct and sufficient, the apostolic see should be consulted. And what has been said before is confirmed by what is noted per doc. in c. cum venissent de judi. where they claim that a subject can examine whether the privilege of the prince has been secretly exercised or not. Here is to be looked up c. super litteris de rescript, and what notes Io. An. in c. I. de litis contest. lib. VI, therefore it is said that those prelates would be miserable who were immediately afraid. For they must not fear at all when they deal with the truth, in that they thereby make themselves pleasing to God and the pope, as the curious gloss reads in 1. puniri c. si contra jus vel utilit. public. And Bal. says there: this should be noted against such wretched prelates, who accept the papal bulls so strictly that they do not even want to admit to examining them and objecting to them. For according to the Bal. they must let this happen; and the gloss also notes this in authentico de mandatis prin- cipum in § deinde in verbo nuntians coi.
III, where the gloss also says: this should be noted against the wretched prelates, who are so afraid of the papal bulls that they do not have the heart to object to them; which they should not do, according to this very gloss. Indeed, that the apostolic letters should be carefully read and examined by every local bishop is proven by the text in cie. II. de poenitent. et remiss.
Thirdly, it must be considered that although the pope can dispense against the law if he has a substantial and useful cause for it, and especially if he wants to dispense against the divine law; against which he could also dispense on the impulse of a very important cause, according to what has been noted per doc. post Inno, in dic. c. quae in ecclesiarum and per glossam in c. a. nobis de deci. and per gloss. et doc. in 1. fin. C. si contra jus vel util. pubi. fa. c. quanto de translat. praelat., but the good text excludes certain cases in which the pope can by no means dispense; of which with more per gloss. et doc. in prae al. c. proposuit and in dic. c. cum ad monasterium and in dic. c. litteras, and per specui, in dic. § Nunc breviter dicendum est. And among other cases is also this, if the pope wanted to dispense against the general state of the church, so that after such dispensation and change the same would gain a completely different form: so he could not then dispense; as the text proves in c. et si illa, 1. q. VII. tenet Archidia. in c. sunt quidam, XXV. q. 1. and so must be understood the gloss, which wants just this, in dic. c. proposuit unb in dic. c. litteras according to d. Nico. who also asserts it in dic. juribus. From this it follows that the pope cannot grant a secular prince the power 1) to judge and condemn the clergy in his territory on all matters without distinction, because this would reverse and change the general state of the churches. Not to think that this conflicts with the divine will and law, XCVI. dis. si imperator, where the peculiar text deals with it; and note doc. after Inno, in c. II. de majori et obedient. And just that, that the pope cannot do this, asserts d. Nico, in prae al. c. litteras and d. Floren. in c. perpendimus de sentent. ex- commun. Therefore, according to divine law, the clergy are exempt from jurisdiction or lordship.
1) "not" put by us instead of: "with" in the old edition.
The laymen are free to create, as it is written in dic. juribus. And so the clergy may be altogether fearless, because the word of God speaks for them and says: Do not touch my anointed ones [Ps. 105, 15]. Therefore they are quite calm and secure in this, as stated gloss. in authentico, de non alienando aut permutando ec- cles. re. § 1. in verbo degenerari, coi. II, however, for this reason the clerics, and especially the priests, should not offend anyone, but be ready to serve all, XIV. q. Y. denique et c. fin. de Postul. There is also another case exempted from this, namely, marriage contracted between faithful persons and already consummated by conjugal cohabitation, which bond the pope is by no means able to sever and dissolve; as the gloss notes in c. ex publico, de conver. conjugato, et Io. de Ymo in c. fi. de transaction. and d. Nico, in dic. c. ex publico. But it is different with a marriage that has not yet been consummated by the carnal union, in which case the pope can dispense for important reasons, as note doc. in prae al. c. ex publico and Io. de Ymo in dic. c. fi., which says that this would be accepted by everyone. From this one can draw a conclusion to the abominable and cruel injustice which the most unjust king in France, if he still deserves the royal title, is said to have inflicted on our most glorious lord, the Roman king, by abandoning the daughter of said our lord and king, who was betrothed to him, and the Great British princess, who had been promised to our lord and king, has been chosen as his wife, about which all your faithful and especially the German subjects of the Holy Roman Empire have reason to be justly grieved and to heartily regret their chief. 2) Therefore, all German princes, dukes, margraves, counts, barons, and nobles in general, would like to show prudence and prevent that, through the malicious plots and clandestine attempts of the said French king and other barbarians, the Holy Roman Empire, for which the honest Germans and righteous nobles, who are called Theotunici, as is noted in XXXIV. dis. Quorundam, and by Io. An. in c. venerabilem in verbo germanus de elec., have so merited by their bravery, as the gloss affirms in c. Ego Lu- dovicus LXIII. dis. unb Io. An. in dic. c. ve-
2) King Carl VIII of France turned his fiancée, the heiress of Brittany, away from the German King Maximilian I and married her.
nerabilem, be snatched from them, and after its loss, which God wants to avert, they might fall into servitude. Therefore, the aforementioned Duke Albrecht, having considered, according to his high and enlightened insight, how to counteract the apparent danger that the Germans would face, has sent his sweet wife, noble sons, wise councillors, obedient subjects, his country and everything else dear to him in his duchy, and what else was dear to him in his duchy, and exposed himself to the greatest danger in the lower part of Germany, because he would rather die than see the Germans deprived of this incomparable crown and the Republic ruined to the ground. For this reason, the memory of this wise and honest prince, and of the other highborn princes and lords, the Dukes of Saxony, the Landgraves of Thuringia and the Margraves of Meissen, should remain in constant blessing among all nations. For of such it must be said that they live unceasingly for the sake of their acquired fame; as is stated in § 1. institut. de excusat. Tutorum. Therefore, if this marriage with the princess of our king had been consummated by carnal cohabitation, the pope could by no means dispense with it. But if this had not happened, and the marriage between our king and the English princess had not been consummated by conjugal cohabitation, the pope could dispense with it for important reasons. And if there were no probable suspicion that from such a dispensation great annoyance, or some other great mischief might arise, why then should the pope hesitate to dispense? Ar. eorum quae no. per doc. post Inno, in dic. c. Inquisitionem de sentent. excom. et per d. Nico, in dic. c. si quando de rescript. et in dic. c. quae in ecclesiarum de constitut. ad quod nota per gloss. in re. Qui scandalizaverit de re jud. et in c. sane de tempor. ordin., where it is noted that although one should not abandon the truth of a pious and righteous life because of the arousal that has arisen, the truth of justice and the truth of doctrine suffer a great blow because of the arousal.
Provided this, I give my decisum pro parte negativa, and say that the aforementioned Duke Albrecht and his subjects, who do their part according to the decree issued in the apostolic bull, cannot eat butter and other dairy products during Lent and on other forbidden days without scruples of conscience. And this is what drives me, in addition to what I have learned in this
The first point is that in doubtful matters one must take the safer way. c. ad audientiam and c. significasti II. it. c. penit. de homicid. and c. Illud de cleri, excom. ministrat. Therefore, in matters that are doubtful, and in which the soul can be put in danger, we must always choose what is more certain, and what can be done without danger to the soul, and in this respect the power that takes the safe path is also to be considered better, less severe, and more benevolent, as the curious gloss reads in c. 1. de scrutin. in ord. facien. et text. in cie. Exivi de verbo signif. ad quod c. juvenis de sponsal. et ibi per doc. Moreover, it is incumbent upon honest hearts to be afraid of sins where no oversight is to be found,v. dis. ad ejus et c. consilium de observan. jejun. Thus also this power serves to preserve and promote religion and abstinence; although there must already be an important reason which serves to preserve religion, 1. sunt personae ff. de religione. Yes, if the said apostolic bull had not been received secretly, and therefore not per vitium surreptionis, I would nevertheless advise the contributors to abstain from eating butter and other milk foods during Lent; For this reason, because one should abstain from that which one can do and refrain from without mortal sin, in order to prevent only the offense, and should make use of it, according to the circumstances, to prevent the offense. Therefore the apostle says 1 Cor. 8, 13: If the food offends my brother, I would never eat meat; and the Lord in the Gospel Match. 18, 7. and Luc. 17, 1.: Woe to the same man by whom trouble comes. Of which the text is very curious in c. cum ex injuncto de no. ope. nuntia. Ad idem text. cum gloss. verbo distinguendum in c. Nisi cum pridem pro gravi quoque de renuntiat, where the gloss says that the blessed Gregory in the VII homily on Ezekiel would have made the distinction: whether or not we can avoid the offense without sin; for insofar as we can avoid it, we are obliged to do so; whereby to read what has been noted in dic. regula qui scandalizaverit de regul. juris. It is quite certain that whoever contributes according to the regulation founded in the apostolic bull can abstain from eating butter and other dairy foods without sin, since no one is obliged or required to do so, and yet, if such foods were consumed on the aforementioned days, great annoyance would result.
as experience teaches. Therefore, to prevent this, one must abstain from such foods, per praedicta, et fa. c. illa in f. XII. diss. et c. cavendum X. q. III. et c. nolite recedere XI. q. III. ad idem gloss. notabil. in 1. in laqueum ff. de acquirendo rerum do- min. et in § apium. Institut. de rerum divis. where it is nicely remarked that one should fear the annoyance even more than the judgment. And as I hear, also the venerable and devout fathers, Mr. Gregorius 1) de Frickenhausen, S. Theol. Prof., and Mr. Jo. de Bomberga, S. Theol. Baccalaureiis, both preachers in this famous city of Leipzig, have decided the deal, and agree with my opinion, which is evident from the above.
Now it remains that I also answer the reasons that one puts forward pro parte affirmativa. To the first I answer thus: Although it is necessary to stick to the words of a law or indult and a letter of grace, and not to depart from the letter, it is also true that if such letters of grace or indults are executed secretly, that is, in such a way that false things are stated or the truth is concealed, then they no longer have validity and force, and one must then depart from the letter, and the rights must agree with each other, and one law must agree with the other. c. cum expediat de elec. lib. VI. cum simili. Moreover, the rights and laws must also be conciliated per subauditiones tacitas, as the gloss notes in c. cupientes § quodsi per viginti, in verbo petere de elec. c. Ii. fa. 1. non possunt ff. de legi. Also, one must limit the words of such pardon bulls that hold hostile, burdensome and vexatious dispenfations, as in can. odia cum concor. de regul. juris lib. VI.
On the other point, I must remind you that although the pope is still above the law and can dispense against it, it only applies when there is a legitimate cause, and therefore he should not do anything without prior investigation. And if his pardon bull had been issued secretly, it would then have no force, as was previously thought; and thus old and new laws must harmonize with each other.
Coming to the third argument, that is not approved in rights, that the pope can contradict the leges positivas according to his mere and
1) In the documents No. 20 and 23 he is called "Georgius".
The Pope's own free will, so that neither he who accepts the dispensation has to undergo punishment in divine judgment, nor the Pope himself who grants it, sins; rather, the opposite is asserted in it, as I have explained above. Therefore, the statement of the Inno. and Specu. must be abandoned if it is not founded in rights, since the words of a certain teacher have only a probability, and one remains with them insofar as they are affirmed in rights; as is noted per gloss. in 1. 1. C. de legi, ad quod glos, in c. 1. de postuland. praelato. Hence it is that a teacher, though a great one, may not be trusted and believed unless he proves his propositions from credible writings; as is beautifully noted by Archi. in c. nolite eos, in verbo in scripturis XI. q. III. III. And so it is also permitted to depart from the common opinion of a teacher, if the same cannot be proven from the laws; as notes d. Nico, post d. Antho. in c. Tua nos, de usuris, which one must well keep, and take to it what Jo. An. notes in e. I. 66 oon8tit. With this one does not argue, if one wanted to say, what pleases the prince is valid as much as a law, 1. I. ff. de constitut. principum and in § sed quod principi, Institut. de jure naturali et gentium et civili.. For the word placet presupposes the will and expert opinion of a righteous man, and so we take the popularity of it,- what seems good to a righteous and reasonable man, 1. Tahys. § sorore ff. de fidei commiss. libertat. notat Bar. in ex- travagante ad reprimendum, in verbo videbitur et d. Nico, in c. I. de constitut: But a righteous and reasonable man will not put up with anything without cause. Nor does it stand in the way that in the case of a prince, as far as human law is concerned, the well-known saying: Sic volo, sic jubeo, sit pro ratione voluntas, ftati^at, per gloss. in c. si gratiosae de rescript. lib. VI, for this is not to be understood of the mere and free will, but of the will tempered and governed by reason, as is clear from the above.
To the fourth and last point, it serves as an answer that this is well in science, which, if the disputes are thereby raised and settled, becomes favorable; and thus the thing on which this science goes, where it does not expressly dispute with the general right, protects and affirms science itself. But it is different in pardons or privileges, which, in so far as they are in conflict with the general
The pope is to take and interpret them in an unpleasant way and in a narrower sense, yes, the secret effect invalidates even such privileges, as has been said above. Therefore, when the pope has first been presented with the great annoyance, the long-established custom, and other obscure circumstances, and thus has a certain infallible science and a reasonable reason for himself, he should grant such a papal favor or privilege: no one will doubt the validity of such a favor or privilege; although it is not to be presumed that the pope, whose office entails increasing the service of God, c. ex parte de Constitut. to promote religion, to keep fast, to practice godly and praiseworthy habits, c. ad apostolicam de Simo. would grant such a letter of favor only for a minor and unworthy cause. And even if an indult had been issued secretly and without the knowledge of the pope, it would still have to be reclaimed and rescinded in the event that an annoyance arose from it and the matter amounted to a sin. C. suggestum de aeci. where the text is very strange and shows that one would have to reclaim a letter of freedom because of an offense that arose over it; Jo. An. just there, who presents twelve cases in which a privilege is overturned, and in the tenth case says that such annoyance occurs halfway; likewise, so that many inconsistent things do not arise from an inconvenience or impropriety in a granted liberty, 1. Ratas. C. de rescind. vendit. in the beginning, and follow Ovidii saying:
Principiis obsta, sero medicina paratur.
Nam mala per longas convaluere moras. As the gloss notes in c. ad haec de re- script. where Tullii words convention: Every evil is damped in its first beginning with slight effort; but where it grows, it commonly becomes stronger, and therefore it cannot be remedied so easily. Hence blessed Jerome also says: "As long as your enemy is still small and has no strength, rub him up, so that his evil may be stifled in its first beginning.
Now, what has been presented by me so far, in total and in particular, I hereby want to submit to the censorship of our aforementioned Most Holy Lord Pope and the Holy Mother, the Church, also of the aforementioned Duke Albrecht, and of the Highborn Prince and Lord, Duke Georg zu
Saxony, Landgraves in Thuringia and Margraves in Meissen, my most gracious lords, and all well-meaning, submit; testify also hereby publicly that I assert and accept what you and each of them in particular accepts, and that I reject what he rejects; in this no reasonable person will be able to reprove me, per ea, quae le. et no. in c. Haec est fides XXIV. q. V. et in c. damnamus in fin. de sum. trini, ad idem glossa in prooemio. VI. in principio. Nor have I wished to present and write this to anyone for harm or favor, but for the welfare of this flourishing fatherland, also for the benefit and advantage of the Lords Studiosorum of both rights, and especially of the Papal right, which I publicly testify evenly to the glorification and praise of God, Amen.
20. of the Bishop of Meissen, John VI a Saalhausen, protestation and other acts against this indulgence. About the beginning of 1492.
From the Georg Fabricius aimal. urd. Msaio., lid. Ill, p. 171.
Bishop John VI had to overcome many difficulties before he reached this dignity, and in the beginning of his office the priests in Bautzen and Meissen were his most important opponents. In addition, he was plagued by foreigners. For the indulgence merchants from Liefland had obtained letters of indulgence from Pope Alexandra VI and Julio II, and also wanted to distribute their goods in his cities, under the name and authority of the archbishop of Magdeburg; but he rejected this altogether and protected the freedom of his church, which would be a free one. Therefore, from all places of his diocese, he severely restrained these merchants who carried such dissolute goods, and finally won the case before Julio II. His opponent was Christian Baumhauer, quasi dicas, arborum caesor, aut eversor, who made money out of this indulgence, and needed two swindlers, Philipp Scirpen and Hermannen, a priest of Hildesheim, for it. He rejected many superstitious things in his time, and said that as often as he read the Bible, he found a different religion in it than was practiced in public. When he saw the people paying money to Tetzel for indulgences, he cried out: "Oh, how foolish people are that they put money into the box for which they have no key! Georgii von Frickenhausen, a Dominican in Leipzig, when
who preached against the papal butter letters, he took up, and in his defense against the Freiberg canons used these words: nam quod Romae palam et impune per totum anni tempus venditur, id Germanis sine aere permittere, aut sine poena edere, non licebat? that is, what one sells in Rome freely and publicly, without incurring a penalty, year after year, should we Germans not be allowed to concession this without payment, or to efsen with impunity? Whenever he saw a monk, he used to say: There would be no more insolent animal than the one peeping through the cowls.
21st Duke George of Saxony's order to the dean and chapter of Freiberg, as well as to the monks of the Barfüßer and the preachers of Leipzig, as both disputing parties, to send their mutual reasons in writing to the prince within a certain time, so that these could be sent to a university for pronouncement. 1492.
From Kapp's "Nachlese nützlicher Reformationurkunden," Theil III, p. 113.
By the Grace of God, we George, Duke of Saxony, Landgrave in Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen, confess that [due to the disagreement] 1) between the worthy, our dear devotees, dean and chapter of our Lady Church at Freiberg, on the one hand, and the Order of Preachers and Barefooters at Leipzig, on the other hand, because of the afflictions which have arisen between them, concerning 2) the promulgation of the Papal Bull concerning the milk diet: So that the lords of the chapter at Freiberg shall send their consilium and all their justice to the affected monasteries, which shall then have such three weeks, and see whether they may accept and find from it to reject their authority. But if this does not happen, the affected brothers and monasteries shall also send all their justice or mobility causes to us again, which we want to have conveyed to the chapter, who shall then also have such three weeks, and shall see whether they may reject themselves from it, but if this also does not happen, we shall then be informed after the end of the three weeks. 3) The monasteries shall send their consilium and all their justice causes to us again, which we want to have conveyed to the chapter, who shall then also have such three weeks, and shall see whether they may reject themselves from it.
1) inserted by us, and "held" deleted before "talked about".
2) "raised" inserted by us and "um" put instead of: "and" in the old edition.
3) "us" is set by us instead of "and" in the old edition.
We will send this to Leipzig in our university to the doctors of holy scripture and law, commonly and no person therein extracted, or to other foreign high schools, in the form as indicated; and in doing so, to look at nothing but God and justice in the letter, and to open their opinion and mind to us. And what is thus recognized and declared by the same doctors shall be held and recognized by every part willing to accept them. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our seal. Given at Dresden on the Saturday after Dionysius 1492.
22 Duke Albrecht and his first-born son, Duke George, wrote to Pope Alexander VI, requesting that, because both some monks and John Breitenbach had preached against the indulgence granted by Innocentius VIII and had asserted erroneous and vexatious propositions, he either take this matter to Rome or assign it to the bishop of Schleswig.
From Kapp's "Nachlese," Theil III, p. 115.
Translated into German.
Which prescribed process, which we have indeed complied with, they have not observed at all, but rather have traveled to court, and have stated us falsely, unjustly and shamefully to the apostolic see, in respect of the Cardinals and the entire public Consistorii, blasphemously as follows: 4)
Most Holy Father! Innocentius VIII, Pope, then of most blessed memory, the ancestor of your Holiness, had by various letters, at the humble request of the sons of your Holiness and of the Holy Roman Church, Albrecht, Duke of Saxony, and George, his firstborn, for the need of his subjects and some other persons named at that time, also for the reconstruction of the church of the Holy Virgin Mary in his city of Freiberg, in the Meissen district, which said Duke Albrecht, out of devotion and zeal of faith, has made into a collegiate church with an excellent foundation.
4) The preceding introductory words are to be regarded as a complaint of the Leipzig Order of Preachers and the Order of the Barefoot against the dean and the chapter of Freiberg.
(Collegio) had been erected on apostolic benefits, and which had been miserably devastated by a conflagration: It is hereby established, decreed and granted that until the next twenty years from then on, both Duke Albrecht and all his subjects, along with some others who were named at that time, may eat cheese and such dairy food freely and without hindrance during Lent and other feast days, when the eating of butter, cheese and other dairy food is forbidden; However, those who wish to make use of this freedom shall pay the twentieth part of a Rhenish guilder annually for the reconstruction of the church in question, in such a way that the fourth part of such tax shall be used for the construction of St. Peter's Church in the city. St. Peter's Church in the city should be deducted from it.
Nevertheless, some preachers dare to destroy the authority and power of their holiness and the apostolic see, and pretend by false speeches and lying doctrines in their sermons: that the duke, his subjects and other reported persons, by virtue of such letters, are not allowed to eat butter, cheese and milk on said days, because in those regions oil is made from all kinds of seeds and legumes, which the faithful otherwise eat in those places; And their holiness could not, against the custom of such places, ordain another for the people, by which they would cause great offence, and, as it were, excite a riot and a new sect; and because they are not under the ordinary spiritual jurisdiction, and are not afraid of our punishment, preach all the more freely that of which I have already reported; from which it is even probable to fear that there might result many annoyances and dangers to souls. As then a child of perdition, Joh. Breitenbach, has fallen in with such preachers, and has publicly advocated some annoying and erroneous propositions of said things, and has endeavored to have them printed almost in a thousand copies in quarto 1). So that what we have said about this sect, that it seems to be disrupting the religion and the Catholic faith of this country, does not continue to eat away at it and spread, their Holinesses Albrecht and George humbly ask that it be respected by any judge, that they deign to order and command some judge of the Roman court to order the Ordinarii of the same region, in whose cities and districts this is going on, by way of punishment and banishment, as it may be well for the said Commiffario, thereupon to diligently
1) In Walch's old edition, Llills ^uatsrnis Uttvri" 6tL. is given here by: "in 1015. letters"; in the next following writing by: "in 1015. lines".
To take care, and to forbid said preachers and Joh. Breitenbach, under equal curses and church punishment, seriously, that they do not dare to preach or even to advocate such things before the believing peoples from now on. And that whoever has preached against your Holiness and the Apostolic See's authority and prestige, or has asserted or advocated something, recant it, be he of whatever status, order, or even prelature and dignity he wishes. And that he also summons and summons the said preachers and Johannem Breitenbach in a summary and extrajudicial manner to appear personally before him at the Roman court for curses, spiritual punishments and fines, which he himself, the judge, may name at will; both that they justify themselves for what they have already committed, as stated above, and that they clear themselves of the strong suspicion of heresy that has arisen against them as a result of the above-mentioned things, and also certify that they hereby recant all of the above; But otherwise (if they have not done so, but have despised or neglected to do so), that they may be condemned and sentenced to the curses, penalties, and fines above mentioned, and others which have been decreed against the resisters of the authority of the apostolic see, and to which they are liable. Likewise, that he also summons and warns others according to their transgressions, and stops and punishes the crimes; and that he also had and has everyone tear up and burn the above-mentioned printed sentences, where they are only expelled, contents of other letters omitted about it, with the above-mentioned curses; and that they do and execute everything that they consider necessary or useful in the aforementioned matters and in addition, regardless of all other exceptions, liberties, letters and privileges that the apostolic see, in whatever form and according to whatever description, may grant or still grant to any person, place or order, even of its own accord and good knowledge; All of which shall be of no avail against the same, notwithstanding all apostolic ordinances, statutes, and other things contrary thereto, in whatever manner they may be deemed expedient.
By order of our Lord Pope, the Bishop of Schleswig shall hear, and after summary extrajudicial interrogation, after the testimony on reported matters, order and request that one appear in person, and proceed with excommunication and other reported punishments, as requested, and establish justice, even if from above reported liberties something would be in the way.
23 Pabst Alexander VI's other letter, issued in this dispute, in which he has drawn the whole matter, which he had ordered the bishop of Schleswig, after the Dominicans and Franciscans had been presented, to the Roman court, to which a Dominican's note is prefixed and a Franciscan's memory is buried to the end.
From Kapp's "Nachlese," Theil III, p. 115.
Translated into German.
Upon which adverse complaint the most holy pope (although in our part the procurator or attorney, as he is called, of the order of preachers, all of which was contradicted in the same full consistory), and after he had been instructed to the contrary, assigned the matter to the venerable father, the bishop in Schleswig etc. But after the Holy Spirit had been further informed of many great upsets and various mischiefs, he took the matter to himself in the following form:
Since it was formerly presented to us that Innoc entius VIII, our ancestor, of blessed memory, by various apostolic letters, granted to his beloved sons, Albrecht, Duke of Saxony, and Georgio, his firstborn, for the need of his subjects and some others who are under their protection and belong to their dominions, and for the reconstruction of a certain church, under the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the city of Freiberg, in the Meissen district, which said duke, out of devotion, ordered to be a collegiate church, with an excellent collegio or foundation, and which afterwards should have been burned down by conflagration, had decided, ordered and granted that for twenty years from then on, both the duke himself, as well as all his subjects, and other persons included in said letters, may eat butter, cheese and other such dairy food freely and unhindered during the great fast and other days (where otherwise butter, cheese and other dairy food would have been forbidden to be eaten because of the church statutes); but so that those who wanted to use such freedom should pay the twentieth part of a Rhenish guilder annually for the renewal of said church, and that a fourth part of it should go to the building [of the church] of the prince of the apostles in the city:
And that, on the other hand, when the said letters of freedom were made known in the same regions, some
Preachers took upon themselves to diminish the authority of the apostolic see, and to assert in their sermons, with false persuasions and lying doctrines, that the said duke, his subjects, and other reported persons, by virtue of such letters, were not permitted to eat butter, cheese, and such dairy foods; that in such regions an oil is beaten from various legumes and seeds, which the faithful of the same places otherwise enjoyed on the said days, and that therefore no decree should have been issued against this old custom; and that many would be annoyed by this, and that they would thereby, as it were, create a new sect, whereupon it would be to be feared that many souls might suffer mischief and annoyance from it; and that also the beloved son Joh. Breitenbach, has joined in with the aforementioned preachers, and has not shied away from publicly advocating various annoying and erroneous statements about the aforementioned things, and from having them printed in almost a thousand copies in quarto:
Thus, at the request of the said Albrecht and George, we ordered the most venerable brother Egard, bishop of Schleswig, a 1) steward from the apostolic palace, that he emphatically forbid the said preachers and John, with church punishments and banishment, from henceforth preaching or advocating such things to the believing peoples, and that all who have so far preached, asserted and advocated the opposite, revoke it; The said preachers, however, and John, at his request, appear in person at the Roman court, under the same penalties, and apologize on account of the above-mentioned things, and on account of the grave suspicion of heresy which they have thereby given against us, as it was said, and also certify that they recant what they preached and advocated before; or otherwise, and there see that they are declared to be people who have carried out and forfeited the penalties, curses and fines I have announced against those who resist the authority of the apostolic see. How he would therefore have to remind and demand them, also to punish them according to their offense and crime, and have the above thousand copies torn into quarters and burned.
And what was further added, on the part of the dean and chapter of said collegiate church: that although on the venerable brothers, the archbishop in Magdeburg and other of his suffragan bishops, will, so in said letters kund-
1) In the old edition of a.
In certain neighboring countries their people, according to the apostolic liberty, needed butter and other milk food in the fasting without annoyance; nevertheless the beloved sons, Brother George of Frickenhausen, Master in Theology, and Brother John of Bamberg, Baccalaureus in Theology, the Order of the Friars Preachers and Minorites, and the above-mentioned John, Doctor, 1) because they intended to destroy the power and authority of the said apostolic see and to interpret the same's letters of grace and liberties for the renewal of the said collegiate church in an annoying manner, with apparent censures and false doctrines, not to be afraid to preach publicly that the said duke and his subjects, and other persons mentioned, by virtue of these apostolic letters, are not free to eat butter, cheese and dairy food on the said days: And that our forefather, having given liberty over the express right, and having abrogated it, does not use the key of understanding in the said matters; and that the people in such places, having accepted such liberty, contrary to their former use of their fatherland, would be greatly annoyed, and, as it were, stirred up to a right sedition and new sect; but that the said collegiate church would remain without renewal and rebuilding, and that it would be daily to be feared that no greater annoyances would arise therefrom:
At the request of the dean and chapter, we have instructed the same bishop, our administrator, to order the ordinaries of the same places to take diligent care of the aforementioned matters, and to expressly forbid the aforementioned Georgen, Johannem and Johannem, in the event of such a ban and fine, from preaching or advocating such things to the faithful people, but rather to revoke what is preached and advocated in such matters; that the people may use the said liberty without hindrance; that the said Georgen, Johannem and Johannem, brethren and doctor, nevertheless appear before them personally, and apologize in the said matters, be charged with the same penalties, and that everything else be decreed, as is contained in various commissions issued by us concerning this matter with more.
But since, as we have heard through credible (people's) report, this matter is becoming more and more annoying in such places, and gives more cause to depart from the statutes of the church than to go to the sea-
1) In the old edition instead of "Doctor" only "D". It refers to Doctor Johannes Breitenbach.
The reason for this is that it seems as if the salvation of souls is being bought with money, and thus our honor and the prevention of the souls' aggravation are at stake here, so that it is an important matter, and there is more to consider than what has recently been feared in the manner indicated:
Thus, moved by these and some other causes in our minds, we have brought the matter and similar matters before us, such to our venerable brothers, Oliverio and Cs. Bishops of Sabina and Alba, the Holy Roman Church of Naples and Lisbon priests, out of their own impulse and good sense, that they order and grant to the parties on both sides due dates, which they may set at their pleasure, and where it is necessary, further suspend, in order to enforce their rights and grounds on both parts; and that they, after due hearing has been held, the rights of the parties have been recognized, and their arguments and reasons have been maturely considered, present them to us in secret council, so that we may take due precautions, both with them and with other venerable brethren, our holy Roman Church Cardinals, in such a way and manner, so that we may be able to prevent the annoyances of the nations and to counsel the salvation of souls, with the power to require and prohibit, in the Roman court and outside of it, also with ecclesiastical punishments and excommunications and other penalties, as seems good to them, without being hindered by any other statutes and apostolic orders, or others that are contrary to it.
Which dragging of the matter to Rome the supposed bishop, since he was no longer judge, no doubt bribed by gifts, did not respect.... against us, who had been warned and, if necessary, summoned: that, against God and law and all due process, indeed, against the content of said ... warning and, if necessary, summons, since we never refused to appear to them in person, and they could come to our homes without any danger, they nevertheless, to our greatest shame and that of both orders, had such things publicly posted and posted on the doors of the churches of our monasteries, on the day of the seraphic teacher, our father Francisci, at a great sermon and procession, before a populous assembly, and thus heaped injustice upon injustice. By which
We have publicly contradicted, and exposed their deceit, cunning, falsehood and lies, both in schools and pulpits, and that they cannot continue to revile or insult us in our honor, appealed to the Holy Apostolic See.
On August 25, 1496, Pope Alexander VI issued a bull imposing silence on both parties.
From Möller's "Freiberg ttievtr. olironie.", Theil II, p.37. Translated into German.
Alexander the Sixth, Roman Pontiff, to the beloved sons, dean and the cathedral chapter of Freiberg St. Mary's Church, Meissen Diocese.
Beloved Sons! My greeting and apostolic blessing beforehand. Our predecessor Innocentius VIII, Roman Pontiff, of blessed memory, to our beloved son, the noble man Albrecht, Duke of Saxony, and to all persons of both sexes in his country, likewise to those who are subjects of his feudatories in secular matters, who are also under his protection, and who at present live under it, at their request, that they may eat butter, cheese, and other dairy foods, during the forty days of fasting, and on other days on which meat-eating is forbidden to the faithful of the Christian church, for the next twenty years without scruple of conscience; if only those who want to eat such things contribute the twentieth part of a Rhenish gold guilder annually, as long as the twenty-year period lasts, for the reconstruction and improvement of your Freiberg Church of Our Lady, the Meissen parish, which burned down, and other churches named at that time; and therefore also decided that this very indulgence, regardless of some doing the opposite, at the request of the beloved son and noble Lord Georgii, as the eldest Prince Albrecht, and present Duke of Saxony, shall have its validity, and extend as far as such is contained in all letters of our predecessor, which were issued at that time, more extensively. And we have also subsequently, since our beloved sons, Brother George Frickenhausen, and Brother John of Bamberg, from the order of the mendicant monks, as preachers of the divine word
in the same places, in their speeches to the people, did not shy away from asserting that the aforementioned indulgence was not valid, and also our beloved son Johannes Breitenbach, a doctor of both rights, who held it with the aforementioned preachers, took the liberty of publicly disputing about the aforementioned, and thus, while disputing about it, to assert some annoying sentences and conclusions because of the aforementioned, to have one thousand five hundred 1) copies of the same printed; In order that we may prevent the aggravation which we fear may arise from such a dispute, we have ordered the venerable brother Egerdo, bishop of Schleswig, who by virtue of our order is to hear the parties in the papal palace, that, after having received notice of such matters, he should admonish the aforementioned preachers, as well as the doctor of mutual part, in a certain manner, that they desist from their intention and present themselves before him personally. Then, because of certain causes, we also ordered some Roman Cardinals by and by, and finally our beloved son Bernardino, Cardinal of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, that they should inquire about what had been cited on the part of the preaching monks and the same Doctor for the rejection of what was contained in said letters, as well as for your vindication and defense, and bring it to us. Since, however, the aforementioned Cardinal, after having been fully instructed in the matter, has honestly told us everything that has been said by both parties, we have, in order to prevent all opportunity for offense and unrest among the believers in Christ, also to cut off all cause for dispute, which has already arisen because of the aforementioned deal and could still arise in the future; to provide for the salvation of most souls as well as for the physical needs and comfort of the first-named subjects of Dukes Albrecht and George, and of all others who are reported; also to take care of the reconstruction of the said church, which is considered to be of undoubted use for the suppression of the Bohemian heresy and the protection of the Catholic faith of the said lands, to take care of the said trade, together with other disputes that have arisen between you and the said brothers Johanne and Georgio, and Johanne Doctore, or others, whoever they may be, as well as all other disputes that have arisen on the occasion of the aforementioned
1) Thus the old edition, while in the two previous writings only one thousand copies are mentioned.
We are aware of the fact that the matter has arisen in the course of our business, and we wish to appeal to the said Bernardino and other Cardinals, and also to those who have to hear the parties in dispute in the papal palace, as well as to the judges at the Roman court and outside it, wherever they may be, by virtue of our duty and after requesting the complaints submitted to us by each party, by virtue of the present edict, and to have them settled completely and in all respects. And lest any doubt remain in the minds of the faithful as to the validity, force, and observance of the indulgence mentioned, which was granted by Innocentio, our ancestor: We therefore resolve and decree that this very letter of indulgence, and that which is contained in it by apostolic authority, shall have its full force for twenty years, counting from the day of the first concession granted in such letter, which was executed at the request of the aforementioned Duke Albrecht, and shall be observed according to its contents without any error of conscience; We impose a complete silence on the said brothers, Johanni and Georgio, as preachers of the divine word, as well as on Doctor Johanni, with regard to their objections, sermons, disputations, and everything else that has been brought forward by them, both in and out of court, against this indulgence and its observance. However, our opinion here is that the use of such milquetoast, which shall take place during these twenty years, shall not benefit anyone to establish any custom, or to advance any excuse for such use, after the elapsed twenty years, nor give the said Dukes Albrecht and Georgio, nor the subjects of their lands, and other places aforesaid, any excuse or pretext that they should not be deemed to be in the state as to the use of dairy products in which they were before the said letter was executed by our ancestor; We hereby declare invalid and void anything which, knowingly or through ignorance, shall be done in any way contrary to our decree, without regard to the foregoing, including apostolic decrees and orders, and everything which our predecessor in his bull did not wish to be considered, and everything else which may seem contrary to our letter. Given in Rome, at St. Peter's, sealed with the Fisherman's Ring, August 26, 1496, in the fifth year of our papal reign.
25: Pope Julius II extends the butter exemption for Electoral Saxony for another twenty years. 1512.
From Kapp's "Nachlese," Theil III, p. 156.
Julius, Bishop, a servant of all servants of God. To our dear sons, the noble men Frederick and John, Dukes of Saxony, blessedness and papal benediction.
Your devotion, goodwill, and loyalty, so that you may have us and the Holy Roman Church in honor and dignity, require that we favorably bestow upon you the means [that] your own, your subjects, and other believers in Christ who wander and come to your region, dominion, and principality, may be blessedly preserved and cared for in benefit, prosperity, health of body, and purity of conscience. Because in the past, Pope Innocentius the Eighth, of blessed memory, our forefathers, has stated that in Saxony and other dukedoms, principalities and regions subject to your temporal authority, protection and protection, for the cold of the same region, no tree oil grows, and therefore the oil in the fast and at other times, where the use of the dairy is forbidden by law or custom, would be very difficult to obtain, has named Pabst, our ancestor, out of gracious inclination and papal authority, has granted you, your subjects, and all others who come into the country and region subject to your duchy's authority or protection and shield, twenty years, to be counted from the issuance of the same papal letter, to use and eat butter and dairy freely, safely and without any burden of conscience, during fasting and at other times and days when dairy is forbidden by law or custom. Since also, according to your report, a considerable amount and number of people, nobility and other people would have to come to your city Torgau, Meissen diocese, your most common court camp, daily on horseback and on foot, and that over the great water, called the Elbe, flowing there, there would be no bridge, and therefore the people who wanted to enter your city on horseback or on foot, would have to let themselves be carried in ships, would have to be driven across in ships, and on several occasions, due to the outpouring of the waters, the turbulence of the air and other storms, especially in winter, would not be able to get across without great danger to their lives, and for this reason it would be useful, for the sake of safety and for the protection of your principality, to build a stone bridge across the Elbe.
stirred water to build. What bridge could not be built in a short time and with little expense and presentation, by preventing the cold, the rising of the waters, the storms, and other ways, also that one would build on the same bridge a little time of the year for the continuance and fortification; with attached indication, how you would be willing to erect a chapel at the same bridge out of kind devotion for the increase of the divine service, and for the blessedness of the people's souls, who would pass over said bridge. Thereupon our ancestor, by papal authority, decreed and ordered that all persons, spiritual and secular, male or female, who wished to use such milk works, should pay the twentieth part of a Rhenish guilder for the construction of said bridge and chapel for the next ten years, and after sparing the first ten years, the fourth part of the same money, the fourth part of the same money to the building of the main church of the Prince of the Apostles in Rome, and the rest to the construction of the said bridge and chapel, and after the erection and construction of the same bridge and chapel, the remaining money to the said building and the many-named city of Torgau parish church preservation to give, give and deposit, as is further understood in the said letter of our ancestor Pabst Innocentii. If now, after your next request to us has been reported, the same twenty years have passed, the causes that existed at the time of the grant still exist, and the named bridge is barely half built, and your subjects and other persons believe that Pabst Innocentii's grant or freedom still exists, and have therefore needed dairy works after the passage of the said twenty years, we humbly request on your behalf, out of papal benevolence, that such be conveniently provided and preserved. So that you and your subjects may show yourselves so much more devout, willing to serve and inclined towards the Roman church, as much as you feel and know more and higher grace and handling towards you from the same Roman church, therefore we confer out of special grace on you, thought your subjects, and all those who at this time come into the territory and principality subject to you, For twenty other years, to be reckoned from the issue of this letter, during the fast and other times and days of the year on which dairy products are forbidden by law or custom to eat butter and other dairy products without burdening the conscience. But so, that all persons or people who eat such dairy products
each shall deposit for itself the twentieth part of one Rhenish guilder annually, of which money the fourth part shall be paid for the next ten years to the above-mentioned supreme principal church in Rome, but the other three parts, the same for the first ten years, and then for the following ten years, all parts and the same money shall follow for the completion of the said bridge. We also decree and acknowledge that if the said fourth part of the past papal charter forfeited to the aforesaid building of the supreme principal church in Rome has not been paid in whole or in part until now, that the said fourth part shall not be remitted or forgiven in any part by this papal grant. And this grant shall be in dignities and powers, unhampered by prior and all other papal, also special or common conciliation, suspension and order, and everything else that is contrary thereto. Therefore, it is not lawful or permitted for any man to break this letter of our indult and grant, and to act contrary to it with boldness and audacity. But if anyone should presume and dare to do so, let him know that he will come under the disfavor of Almighty God and of His holy apostles Peter and Paul. Given in Rome at St. Peter's, after the Incarnation of the Lord one thousand five hundred and in the twelfth year, on the third of the Kalends of April, that is, on the thirtieth day of March, in the ninth year of our Papacy.
26 Elector Frederick and Duke Johannis, brothers, letter to the von Einsiedel on Sunday Lätare 1513.
This letter, which Walch has accidentally already set well) No. 16, belongs to the just preceding bull. See Col. 63.
D. The pope finally dispensed with and permitted everything for money, so that a formal trade was made of it.
27: The Würtemberg envoys to Rome request complete freedom and exemption from all church ordinances, church discipline etc., as well as complete absolution of all sins, freedom from fasting etc. 1517.
printed in Löscher's "Reformation Acta," Vol. I, p. 189.
Translated into German.
Most Holy Father! In order that the welfare of the souls of your subject petitioners, the Highborn Ulrich, Prince of Würtemberg and Teck, also Count of Mömpelgard, of the Diocese of Constance, and twelve other persons, who are to be named only once by him, and their associated wives and children of both sexes, may be more salutary advised: the said Supplicants humbly request your Holiness, inasmuch as you grant them and each of them special grace, that a suitable confessor, whether he be a secular or any religious priest, whom each of them wishes to choose, exempt them and each of them from all ecclesiastical ordinances, disciplines, and penalties of banishment, suspension, and interdict, which may have been inflicted on them by law or by any man on any occasion, also transgressions of all and any vows and ecclesiastical ordinances, of the guilt of perjury, both actual and contemplated manslaughter, forcible manslaughter of all and any ecclesiastical persons, except prelates, because of the past, of interdictions, also total or partial neglect of fasts, horae canonicae, divine offices and imposed penances; also of all and any of their sins, vices, excesses and crimes, they may be as grave and as great as they always wish, if they heartily repent of them and confess them with their mouths, they should also be of such a nature that the Roman See would be justified in asking counsel for them; to absolve themselves from the reserved exceptions contained in the bull Coena domini, once in life and at the hour of death, but from others not reserved to the Roman See, as often as may be necessary, and to expound a salutary penance for what they have committed; to change any vows, including the vow to cross the sea to visit the thresholds of the apostles Peter and Paul in Rome and Jacob in Compostella, with the exception of the vow of monasticism and chastity, into other works of love; also to remit any and all oaths, without prejudice to a foreign right; also to be able to communicate once in life and at the hour of death the redemption and absolution of all sins by apostolic authority.
And that the prince and the nobles or graduates or priests to be named by him, and also each one of them, shall be permitted to have a funeral altar, on which they shall stand with due reverence and honor, in the places fitting and honorable for that purpose, even if such places are not
and are subject to the ecclesiastical interdict by ordinary authority, if only they have not given cause for such interdict, even before daybreak, but at daybreak, in their presence and that of their relatives and household members, mass and other holy offices, themselves, who are priests, or have them performed by other priests, and may attend such services at the time of the interdict, as well as receive the holy night meal and other holy sacraments, without detriment to anyone, except on the Easter feast of the resurrection of the Lord.
And that the bodies of such deceased may be given a church burial, without funeral pomp.
Moreover, that by visiting one or two churches, or two or three altars, in the places where they take up their residence, at Lent or other times, and the days for visiting the stations of the city of Rome, which church or altars each of them shall deem good to choose, may receive as much and the same indulgence, also forgiveness of sins, as they would obtain if on each of these days they personally visited any church in this said city and outside of it, which the faithful of Christ are accustomed to visit in this way for the sake of the stations.
Furthermore, during fasting and other forbidden times, they may, on the advice of both physicians, help themselves to eggs, butter, cheese, and other dairy products and meat, and eat them freely, without any scruple of conscience. Incidentally, each of the aforementioned supplicants, together with four other respectable women, whom each of them may choose, may go four times a year to any nunnery, they may belong to any order, including that of St. Clare, with the permission of those who are the superiors there, and may and may keep company with these nuns, if only they do not spend the night there themselves.
He was granted permission and indulgence by special grace, without regard to the apostolic constitutions, the apostolic ordinances, the rules of the apostolic chancery, and the other things contrary to these:
Also because of the reserved, excepted, previously set [cases], once in life and in the hour of death, as above.
Also because of the cases not reserved for the aforementioned chair, as often as it will be necessary.
Also because of change of vows, and because of remission of oaths, as said above.
108 Vom Ursprung u. Fortgang d. päbstl. Indulgences. I.Sect., No.27ff. W. xv, isi-iz-, 109
Also because of the complete remission and absolution once in life and at the hour of death.
Also because of a Tragaltar along with Celebrirung before day, and in places that are under the Interdict, as above.
Also that at the time of the interdict the bodies of the supplicants can be part of the ecclesiastical burial.
And for indulgences of the stations of the city [Rome], by visiting the churches or altars, as above.
Also because of eating eggs, butter, cheese, also other dairy food and meat, as above.
Also because of entry into the nunneries for above said supplicants, as above.
Also with the abrogation of the rules of the apostolic chancery, which state the opposite.
Also that the present indulgence lasts and is not considered revocable as long as the supplicants live.
And that only the sealing of the present letter of indulgence is sufficient, without issuing other letters.
And that also present copies of the letter, which have been made out for each supplicant in particular, since no other notification is made, signed by a notarius publicus, and confirmed with the seal of a person standing in an ecclesiastical dignity, are given full credence.
28 Answer to the previous letter, in which Pope Leo X grants everything requested. 1517.
From Löscher's "Reformation Acta," vol. I, p. 192. Translated into German.
Let it be done as requested. 1)
Alexander, called Farnesius, by the grace of God Cardinal Diaconus of the Most Holy Roman Church of St. Eustace, eternal salvation in the Lord to all and everyone who will see, read or even hear about this letter.
We declare and testify that we have seen, read, kept and diligently examined the original letter of confession, the copy of which is given above, and have found that it was, and still is, inscribed in the hand of our most holy father, Lord Leo X, Pabst: Fiat ut petitur.
1) Leo X put these words on the previous letter of petition.
Therefore, for the sake of the above-mentioned most illustrious Lord Ulrich, Prince of Würtemberg, who has been primarily named in the above original letter, we have ordered to take and copy the necessary, without expression of the other names, which are to be named once by him, and will, just as our most holy lord, the pope, in the same letter willed and commanded that such a copy be given full credence in and out of court, also in all places, if such is shown, as the said original itself. To authenticate all and any of the above, and to attest to the superior, we have commanded the present letter to be executed and signed by the end-signed Notarius publicum and to be published, and also to certify the same with the affixing of our seal. Given at Rome in our ordinary residence, in the year of the birth of the Lord 1517, in the fifth indiction, on the 10th day of April, in the fifth year of Pontificate. April, in the fifth year of the Pontificate of the aforesaid in Christ most holy Father and Lord Leo, by the grace of God the tenth Pope of that name, in the presence of the venerable men, Mr. Stephano Rosino, of the Cathedral Churches of Freisingen and Padua Canonicus, and Caspar Witth, Prepositus of the time, Episcopal Collegiate Church, and Ernst Banf, Canonicus of the Collegiate Churches of Georgii and Martini at Tübingen, as witnesses especially required and requested for this act.
29. three indults of Pope Clement VI, which he granted to John, King of France, and Joan, Queen. 1350.
From Lucas d'Achery ZpioilsZium 8ivs eollsetion. vstsruin "eriptorum, tom. Ill, p. 723, after the Paris edition of 1723; with German translation in Kapp's "Sammlung einiger zum päbstl. Ablaß gehörigen Schriften," p. 1.
Translated into German.
By M. Joh. Erhard Kapp.
a. Permission that the King and the Queen may celebrate on monasteries that have been imposed with the interdict.
Clement, Bishop, a servant of the servants of God, wishes salvation and apostolic blessing to his son, beloved in Christ, John, Serene King in France, and Joan, Serene Queen in France. Your uncolored devotion deserves that we follow your wishes mainly in those things that can contribute to your blessedness, as much as we can in the sight of God.
We are pleased to be able to do so. Now that we have been moved by your humble petition, we grant you and your successors, the kings and queens of France who will be at this time, and each one of you and them, by apostolic power, that, where you may come into places which are subject to an ecclesiastical interdict, you and they may be permitted, to have mass and other divine offices said aloud in your presence and in the presence of your councilors and also of other persons who follow you, where you or they have not given cause for the interdict, nor has the same been specifically forbidden to you or them. Therefore, no one shall be allowed to break this charter of ours or to contravene it by a bold undertaking. But if anyone should undertake this, let him know that he will fall into the disfavor of Almighty God and the holy apostles Peter and Paul. Given at Avignon the 29th of April s1350P of our Papal Government in the ninth year.
b. Allow them to choose a confessor.
Clement wishes salvation and apostolic blessing to his beloved children in Christ, John, the noble King of France, and his noble wife Joan, Queen of France. Those things are to be graciously granted to you, by which, as it appears that you demand them out of piety, you may obtain peace of conscience and salvation of souls by God's grace. Hence it comes that we have been moved by your devout and footsteps pleading, and by virtue of this we grant to you and your successors, the kings and queens of France, who will be at this time, and to you, and to each one of them, by apostolic power, for ever, that each one of you and them may choose as his confessor an able and skilful clergyman, who, as often as it shall be convenient for you and your successors, after having diligently heard your and their confession, may grant proper absolution from your and their sins, and impose wholesome penance, though it may be such things as the apostolic see may be justly asked to advise. Therefore etc. But if any etc. Given the 20th of April in the ninth year.
c. Permission for the confessor to change their vows and oaths.
Clemens etc. wishes salvation and apostolic blessing to the most beloved Son in Christ, John, the Serene King in France, and Joan, Serene Queen in France. We gladly grant your wishes, but especially those by which you may obtain peace and blessedness with God's grace, just as it appears that you are asking for it out of piety. Therefore, by your humble petition, we have been moved to permit you, and your successors, the kings and queens of France, who will be at this time, and each one of you and them, by apostolic authority, by virtue of which, for ever, a spiritual or secular confessor, whom each one of you and them will deem it good to choose, to hear the vows that may have been made by you, and may be made by you and your successors in the future (except for those made across the sea and to the holy apostles Petro and Paulo, as well as the vow of chastity and abstinence), as well as the oaths made by you and may be made by you and them in the future, which you and they cannot comfortably keep, may be changed for you and them into other works of godliness, as it may be useful according to God, your and their souls' blessedness. Therefore, etc. Whereas etc. Given at Avignon the 20th of April in the ninth year.
30. collection of some of the most distinguished indulgence formulas as they were formerly found in the English Officiis. 1526.
From the Horas of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for Godly Use, printed in Paris Anno 1526. Gilbert Burnet has included these indulgence formulas in his dmtoriu rotorirmt. oeeiosiuo ^.nMcmnuo, p. 89, and p. 91 in English added some prayers that one must say after having obtained indulgence. Kapp brings this in the "Collection of Some Writings Belonging to Papal Indulgences"; the indulgence formulas in Latin, the prayers in English and German, p. 493. The page numbers given refer to the Paris edition.
Folio 38.
To all those who are in the state of grace, and daily devoutly recite this prayer before our Blessed and Compassionate Lady, she will show them her holy face, and indicate to them the day and hour of their death. Also, at their last end, the
112 Vom Ursprung u. Fortgang d. päbstl. Indulgences. Section 1, No. 30, W. xv, 139-141. 113
Angels of God bring their souls to Heaven, and he shall receive 500 years and as many quadragens of indulgence as have been given by five Holy Fathers to the Roman Popes.
Folio 42.
Our Holy Father Sixtus VI, Pope, has given a sum of 11,000 year indulgence to all who will devoutly recite this prayer before the image of Our Lady.
Folio 44.
Our holy father Sixtus, at the request of the noble Princess Elizabeth, late Queen of England and wife of our sovereign prince, King Henry VII (whose dear soul and all Christian souls may God have mercy on), has decreed that the person who is to be blessed every morning at dawn, after the Hail Mary bell has been struck three times, is to be given the right to be blessed. (on whose dear soul and on the souls of all Christians may God have mercy), has decreed that he who early every morning, after striking the Hail Mary bell three times, shall say the entire greeting of Our Lady: Hail Mary etc., three times, namely at six in the morning three Hail Marys, at noon three Hail Marys, and at six in the evening the same number of Hail Marys, shall each time receive for such action 300 days of indulgence toties quoties [as often as he does it] from the spiritual treasury of the Holy Church. Likewise, our holy father, the archbishop of Canterbury and York, along with other bishops of this kingdom, has given forty days' indulgence three times a day to all those who are in the state of grace and are sent to receive forgiveness. This began March 26, 1492, in the 7th year of Henrici, and the summa of indulgence for each Hail Mary is 860 days toties quoties. This prayer is to be prayed at the ringing of the Hail Mary bell.
Folio 47.
Our holy father Pope Boniface has given seven years and forty quadragens or carenas of indulgence to all those who devoutly speak this lamentable contemplation of our Blessed Lady, who stands under the cross with tears, and has compassion on her dear Son JEsum. Likewise, Pope John XXII gave 300 days of indulgence.
Folio 50.
These are the 15 Oo, 1) which the holy virgin Brigitta used to say daily before the holy cross in the church of St. Pauli in Rome. Whoever prays this for a whole year, shall get fifteen souls from his nearest blood friends from the feg-.
1) Probably "Oo" means orutiones, prayers.
fire and convert fifteen sinners to a pious life. There shall also be fifteen other pious men of his lineage who shall continue in a pious life, and whatsoever ye shall ask of God, that shall ye have, if it be for the salvation of your souls.
Folio 54.
To all those who pray five Our Fathers and five angelic greetings before this compassionate image, as well as once devoutly praying the faith and compassionately contemplating these arms of the suffering Christ, 32.755 years of indulgence are given. Sixtus IV, Roman pope, also made the fourth and fifth prayers and doubled his predicted indulgence.
Folio 56.
This letter of our Savior was sent by our Holy Father, Pope Leo, to Emperor Carl the Great, of whom we find written: He who wears this blessing on his body and pronounces it once a day shall have 40 years of indulgence and 80 carenas, and shall not die a quick death.
Folio 57.
This prayer was made by St. Augustine, who assures that the one who says it on his knees every day will not die in sins, but will enter eternal joy and bliss after this life.
Folio 58.
Our Holy Father, Pope John XX, has given 3000 days of indulgence from mortal sins to all those who devoutly recite this prayer after the annulment of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Just there.
Our holy father, Pope Boniface VI, has given 10,000 year indulgences to all those who devoutly recite this following prayer between the annulment of our Lord and three Agnus Dei (O Lamb of God).
Folio 61.
Our holy father, Sixtus IV, has given to all those who are in the state of grace and say this following prayer immediately after the lifting up of the body of our Lord, complete and eternal forgiveness of all their sins, also John III, Roman Pontiff, at the request of the Queen of England, has given to all those who pray this prayer before the image of our crucified Jesus as many days of indulgence as there were wounds in the body of our Lord at the time of his bitter suffering, which were 5465.
Folio 65.
St. Gregory made these five petitions and prayers, and gave 500 years of indulgence to all those who prayed these five prayers, with five Our Fathers, five angelic greetings, and the faith devoutly.
Folio 66.
These three prayers are written in the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Rome, which is otherwise called Sacellum Sanctae Crucis septem Romanorum. Whoever prays them devoutly will receive 1,000,000 year indulgence from mortal sins. This indulgence was given by John XXII, Roman Pontiff.
Folio 68.
Whoever will devoutly contemplate these arms of our Lord Jesus Christ shall receive 6,000 years of indulgence from our holy father St. Peter, the first pope of Rome, and from thirty other popes of the Roman Church, his successors. Also, our holy father Pope John XXII has given 3000 years of indulgence from venial sins to all those who are truly contrite and have sincerely confessed, and say these following devout prayers in memory of the bitter Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, but they must first pray an Our Father and an angelic greeting.
Folio 71.
Our most holy father, Pope Innocentius II, has given 4000 days of indulgence to all those who devoutly say this prayer while adoring the wounds that our Lord had in his blessed side when he died and hung on the cross.
Folio 72.
This devout prayer was spoken by the holy father Bernard daily kneeling at the adoration of the most holy name JEsu. It is also believed that St. Bernard, by invoking the most excellent name of Jesus, received a special word of perpetual comfort from our Lord Jesus Christ. These prayers are written on a tablet, and in St. Peter's Church next to the high altar, where our holy father, the pope, usually reads the mass. But whoever says this prayer devoutly and with a contrite heart every day, and in the same day is in the state of eternal damnation, then the eternal punishment shall be changed into the temporal punishment of the purgatory. But if he had deserved the punishment of the purgatory at that time, it shall be forgotten and forgiven by the infinite mercy of God.
31 Seven Roman Jubilee Calendars of the Inexpressible Indulgence of Sins, through all the months and on all the days of the whole year, communicated from Papal Scribes.
These seven jubilee calendars are found in des Elias Ehinger fiist. eoolss. sooul. XV, p. 108 and in Kapp's "Sammlung," p. 519.
On the elevationem poli.
1. veneti, printed in 1532.
2. Ingolstadiensis 1596, Archfraternity with the knitted belts.
3rd Viennensis 1629, for the Brotherhood of the Holy Rosary.
4. Constantiensis 1603, the Blessed Virgin Mary Rosary.
5. constantiensis 1630, the souls rainbow.
6. augustensis 1630. rosetum or little rose garden.
7. coloniensis 1603. rosarium.
1. Venice 1532.
Of the indulgences granted for the churches of the city of Rome through all the months of the year.
In the month of Jenner.
On the Feast of the Circumcision there is plenary indulgence at St. John Lateran, and likewise at the Altar of Heaven.
On the day of the Three Kings is full indulgence at St. Peter's, and forgiveness of all sins at St. Mary Major.
In the Octave of the Magi full indulgence at St. Peter's.
Des Felix in Pincis 1000 year indulgence at St. Sebastian.
The Holy Five Martyrs and the Order of Minorites, and St. Marcelli, Pabst and Martyr, forgiveness of all sins and 1000 year to St. Sebastian.
St. Antonii, Abbot, forgiveness of the third part of sins, daily at St. Mary Major.
Fabians and Sebastians, full indulgence and forgiveness of all sins at St. Sebastian, and 158,968 years and 28 days.
The Virgin and Martyr Agnes, forgiveness of all sins and 200 year, and every day 1000 year indulgence to St. Mary Major.
On the first Sunday after the feast of Antonii, Abbot, Veronica appears, and is full of indulgences at St. Peter's, and the Romans have 7000 years, but those over the mountains 14,000 and so many quadragenas, 1) and is forgiveness of the third part sins.
1) A "quadragena", that is, forty-day indulgence.
Des Vincentii and Anastasii, 40,000 year indulgence at St. John Lateran.
Pauli conversion day, full Ahlaß and 10,000 year to St. Pauli.
The Agnes full 1) forgiveness of sin, as on the first, at St. John Lateran.
Cyri and Johannis, forgiveness of the third part of the sins at St. Sebastian.
In the month of Februarii.
On the day of the Purification of Mary the Virgin, full indulgence to St. Mary de populo and 155.293 year and 285 days.
Agatha, virgin and martyr, full indulgence to the Holy Cross.
Of the Chair of St. Peter, full indulgence and 1000 year to St. Peter, and 158,968 year and 289 days.
Of St. Matthew the Apostle, full indulgence at St. Mary Major, where her body rests, and 159,290 years and 285 days.
In the month of Martio.
On the day of St. Thomas Aquinas, full indulgence to St. Mary in Minerva and 158.958 year and 2832 days.
Gregory, the Pope, full indulgence and daily 40 years indulgence and so much quadragenä and forgiveness of the third part of sins, likewise 10,000 years to St. Peter.
Joseph the Confessor, full indulgence at St. Mary Major.
In the vigil St. Benedicti, the abbot, full indulgence to the Holy Cross, in the chapel, so called Jerusalems, on which day the dedication of the same is celebrated.
St. Benedicti, the abbot, 100 year indulgence at St. Peter's and 159,154 year and 40 days.
Annunciation of the Lord, full indulgence and 1000 years and so many quadragens, and forgiveness of a third part of sins; and again 1000 years at St. Mary Major, and 158,958 years and 285 days.
In the month of April.
Georgii, the martyr, 1000 year indulgence and 154,913 year and 260 days.
Marci, the Evangelist, full indulgence at St. Peter's and 154,990 year and 200 days.
Peter, the Martyr, Order of Preachers, full indulgence to St. Mary in Minerva.
1) "full" put by us instead of "2." in our template. The latter will probably be a printing error instead of: "v." January 1 is "plenary indulgence"; so also in the other jubilee calendars for the day of St. Agnes.
In the month of May.
On the day of Philippi and Jacobi full indulgence to St. Mary Major and 158.978 year and 285 days.
All Sundays in this month full indulgence to St. Sebastian, and 186.039 year and 100 days.
Holy Cross invention, full indulgence to the Holy Cross, and 186,039 year and 100 days.
Similarly, on the third day of this month full indulgence, because it is the consecration of St. Mary Rotunda.
St. John's before the Latin Gate, Indulgence of the Redemption of a Soul from Purgatory at St. Mary Major.
St. Michael's Epiphany, plenary indulgences at St. Mary's, likewise from that day until Aug. 1, three plenary indulgences daily at St. John Lateran.
Nerei, Achillei and Pancratii, 100 year indulgence at St. Pauli.
Bernardini, the Confessor, from the Minorite Order, full indulgence to St. Mary at the Altar of Heaven.
At the Ascension of our Lord, full indulgence at St. Peter's and 158.968 years and 285 days.
On the Feast of Corpus Christi, full indulgence at St. Peter's, and 259,968 year and 45 days.
Petronillä, the Virgin, 1000 year and so many quadragenen indulgence to St. Peter.
In the month of Junio.
Marcellini, Petri and Erasmi, 1000 Year Indulgence at St. Peter's.
Barnabas, the Apostle, 600 year full indulgence to St. Mary at the Altar of Heaven.
Paulini, the Confessor, and Crescentiä, 100 year indulgence and so much quadragenen to St. Pauli.
Paulini, the Confessor and Pope, 7000 year indulgence at St. John Lateran.
On the feast of the birth of St. John the Baptist, full indulgence in the Lateran Church and 154.989 year and 45 days.
St. John and St. Paul, 1000 year indulgence at St. John Lateran.
Leonis, the Pope, 1000 years and so much Quadragenä to St. Peter.
Peter and Paul, full indulgences in both churches, and 159,964 year and 45 days.
The commemoration of St. Paul, full indulgence and 1000 year in his church.
In the month of Julio.
The Octava St. John the Baptist, full indulgence to St. Mary de populo, and 158.958 year and 285 days.
Bonaventure, the bishop and confessor, of the
Minorite Order, full indulgence at St. Peter's and 158,997 year and 285 days.
Division of the Apostles, 2000 year indulgence at St. Peter's.
Alexii, the Confessor, full indulgence and 1000 year at St. John Lateran.
Margarita, Virgin and Martyr, 100 years to the Holy Cross.
Praxedis, the Virgin, 2000 year indulgence at St. Peter's.
Magdalen, full indulgences and 100 years to St. Mary Major.
Apollinaris, the martyr, 100 years at St. John Lateran.
Christinn, the Virgin and Martyr, 40 year indulgence at St. Mary Major.
Jacobi, the apostle, full indulgences in his church and at St. Mary Major.
Anna, Mother of Mary, full indulgence to St. Mary Major.
Pantaleon, the martyr, 40 year indulgence at St. Mary Major.
Nazarii, Celsi, Victoris, 300 year indulgence to the Holy Cross.
Simplicis and Faustini, 5000 year indulgence at St. Sebastian.
In the month of August.
On the day of St. Peter in bands and eight following days, full indulgence in its church, and 158.968 year and 285 days.
On the feast of the Consecration of St. Mary de Angelis or Portiunculä, as the first church of the Minorite Order, full indulgence to St. Mary Major.
Invention St. Stephani, full indulgence to St. Laurentii.
On the feast of St. Mary de Nive, full indulgence to St. Mary Major and 159,790 year and 285 days.
Dominici, the Confessor, full indulgence to St. Mary in Minerva, and 158.958 year and 285 days.
Sixti Felicissimi and Agapiti, many indulgences to the Holy Cross.
Cyriaci, Largi and Smaragdi, 1000 year to St. Sebastian.
Laurentii, the martyr, full indulgence through the whole Octav and 158,958 year and 285 days, and every day 1000 year and so many quadragens and forgiveness of the third part of sins, in his church.
Clarä, the Virgin, full indulgence to St. Mary Major, and 100 year indulgence to the Holy Cross.
Eusebii, the Confessor, 1000 year indulgence to St. Mary Major.
The holy evening of the Ascension of the holy
Mary, at vespers, full indulgences to St. Mary de populo.
On the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the whole Octava, full indulgence and forgiveness of all sins, and 40 years and so many quadragenä, and forgiveness of the third part of sins, at St. Mary and at St. Peter's, 185,162 year and 100 days.
On the Sunday after the Octave and Ascension forgiveness of all sins at the altar of heaven.
Louis the Confessor, of the Minorite Order, full indulgence to St. Mary at the Altar of Heaven.
In the Octava after the Assumption of Mary, forgiveness of all sins to St. Mary over the Tiber.
Bartholomew, the Apostle, full forgiveness of all sins and 7000 year indulgence at St. John Lateran.
Augustini, bishop, full indulgence in hischurch, and 1000 year to St. Mary.
Beheading of St. John the Baptist, full indulgence, and forgiveness of all sins. Similarly, 100 years and so many quadragens, and forgiveness of the third part of sins, at St. John Lateran.
In the month of Septembris.
On the holy evening of the Nativity of Our Lady, at Vespers, full indulgence to St. Mary Rotunda, and 159,709 year and 185 days.
Adriani, the martyr, 200 year indulgence to St. Mary Major.
Holy Exaltation of the Cross, full indulgence and 1040 year, and forgiveness of the third part of sins, to the Holy Cross, and 159,064 year and 45 days.
Euphemia, Lucia and Geminiani, 1000 years at St. John Lateran.
Eustachii and his companions, 130 years at St. Sebastian.
Matthäi, the Apostle, full indulgence and 130 year to St. Laurentii.
Cosma and Damiani, 7000 year indulgence to St. Sebastian.
Michaelmas, the Archangel, full indulgence at St. Mary Major, and 154.991 year and 200 days.
Hieronymi, the Confessor, full indulgence at St. Mary Major, where his body is. Likewise of 2000 years, and 158,790 years and 285 days.
In the month of October.
On the feast of our most holy father Francisci and through his Octave, full indulgences in his church above the Tiber and at St. Paul's and 158,968 years and 285 days.
Lucä, the Evangelist, full indulgence and 1000 year to St. Mary Major.
Simonis and Jude, apostles, full indulgence at St. Peter's and 40 years and so many quadragens, and forgiveness of the third part of sins and 158,968 years and 285 days.
In the month of November.
On the feast of All Saints, full indulgence to St. Mary Rotunda, and 185.662 year and 100 days.
On the memorial of the souls, full indulgence, and the eight following days, at St. Mary Major and in the church of St. Gregory, and 154,991 year and 200 days.
In the Octave of All Saints at St. Peter's.
Of the four crowned, much indulgence at St. John Lateran.
The consecration of the Cathedral Church of the Savior, full indulgence at St. John Lateran. Likewise 100 years and 300 days, and 154,983 years and 285 days.
Triphonis, Respitii and Nymphä, much indulgence to St. Laurentii.
Martini, the bishop, 300 year and so much quadragenen to St. Sebastian.
The consecration of the Cathedral Church of the Prince of the Apostles St. Peter, full indulgence and 11,000 years and so many quadragens, and forgiveness of the third part of the sins of St. Peter, and 159,964 years and 285 days.
Elizabeth, the daughter of the king in Hungary, 100 year indulgence to the Holy Cross.
The Presentation of St. Mary, full indulgence in her church and to St. Mary at the Altar of Heaven, and 20 year indulgence and 150,190 year and 285 days.
Clementis, Pabst and martyr, full indulgence in his church and at St. Peter's, and 185,966 year and 250 days.
The martyr Felicitas, 40 year indulgence to the Holy Cross.
Grisonis, the martyr, 1000 year indulgence to St. Mary Major.
Catharine, the Virgin and Martyr, 1000 year indulgence to St. Mary Major.
Saturnini, the martyr, 100 year indulgence at St. Sebastian.
St. Andrew the Apostle, 1000 year indulgence and forgiveness of the third part of sins, and full indulgence at St. Peter's and 159.974 year and 45 days.
In the month of December.
Bibianä, the Virgin and Martyr, 9000 year indulgence to St. Mary Major.
Barbara, virgin and martyr, 1000 year indulgence in her church and to the Holy Cross, and 154,991 year and 200 days.
Ambrosii, the bishop, 1000 years and full indulgence at St. Peter's.
On the holy evening of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin, at Vespers, plenary indulgence to St. Mary de populo.
On the feast of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin, full indulgence at St. Mary de populo, 158.968 years and 285 days.
In four times [Quatember], 40 years of indulgence and so many quadragens, and forgiveness of the third part of the sins at St. Mary Major.
St. Thomas the Apostle, 30 years and forgiveness of all sins, and full indulgence at St. Paul's.
On the feast of the Nativity of our Savior JEsu Christ, full indulgence at all three Masses, and 1000 year at St. Mary Major.
On the day of St. Stephen, full indulgence at St. Laurentii, where his body is; likewise two thousand years and indulgence and forgiveness of the third part of sins; and more indulgence in his church on the high mountain.
St. John the Evangelist, full indulgences at St. John Lateran, and 100 years at St. Paul; and redemption of One Soul from Purgatory and 158,790 years.
Of the Holy Innocents, full indulgences and 40 years and so many quadragenes to St. Paul.
Sylvestri, Pabst's, full indulgence and 10,000 year at St. John Lateran.
2nd Ingolstadiensis 1596.
Papal Bull, Indulgence and Indulgence of the Archfraternity with the Knitted Belts of St. Francisci, Barfüsserorden.
By many Popes notified Order on all the same feast and days in the year etc. And later by Pope Sixto, the fifth of the name, confirmed, confirmed again, and abundantly gifted over all brotherhoods.
1596. Ingolstadt by Wolffgang Eder.
Follow the indulgence and indulgence, so monthly to acquire.
January.
On the New Year Day 365 year, 112 quadragen, given by Gregory IX, Innocentium IV, Clementem IV, Gregory X, Martinum V, Nicolaum IV and Urbanum V.
On the Holy. Three King Day also so much, näm-
lich 365 years, 112 quadragen, a) awarded by first-registered popes.
On the day of the five holy martyrs of the Order of the Barefoot, which falls on the 16th of this month, named Berardi, Petri, Accursii, Adjuti and Othonis, it is decreed by several popes, as Innoc entii IV, Alexandri IV, Clementis IV, Gregorii X, Nicolai III and Nicolai IV, Urbani V, Benedicti XI, Martini V, Johannis XXII, to obtain indulgences 446 years, 100 days, and 40 quadragen.
February.
On Our Lady's Candlemas, indulgences are granted for 406 years, 40 days, and 112 quadragens. Gregory IX, Innocentius IV, Clement IV, Gregory X, Nicolaus III, Martinus V, Nicolaus IV, John XXII, Urbanus V.
On the day of the elevation of the holy confessor Antonii, Order of the Barefoot, held the 15th of the month, one obtains indulgence 356 years, 150 days and 12 quadragen.
March.
On the 14th of this month, the elevation of the holy confessor Bonaventure, Order of the Barefoot, is held so the 15th of the month.
The 18th of this one holds the feast of the Holy Angel Gabriel, is earned indulgence 356 years and 10 quadragen. Nicolaus IV, Gregory VI, Innocentius IV, Clement IV, Gregory X, Nicolaus III, Alexander IV.
On the feast of the Annunciation of Our Lady, the indulgence is the same as on Candlemas Day in February, namely 406 years, 40 days, 112 quadragen.
May.
On the 8th of this month, the feast of the Epiphany of St. Michael, indulgence is 306 years and 10 quadragen.
The 17th of this one celebrates the elevation of the holy confessor Bernardini, Order of the Barefoot, and obtains indulgence 256 year, 12 quadragen.
The 20th on the feast of St. Bernard, is again 356 years of indulgence, 150 days, 12 quadragen. At the same time Gregory IX gave 100 years and 50 years and so many quadragen, also on each day in the eighth 2) 10 years and 50 days. Sixtus V granted plenary indulgences.
The 25th This is St. Francisci elevation and indulgence 356 year, 150 day, 12 quadragen.
1) It seems to us that here, and every time "confessor" is found in this writing, it should be read "confessor"; in Latin, eovtsssoris will probably be found.
2) "in the eighth" will probably mean: in the octave.
Junii.
The 13th of this month falls the day of St. Anthony of Padua, Order of the Barefoot, indulgence 466 years, 122 cron, 150 days, and on any day in the eighth 10 years, 50 days. Sixtus V gives plenary indulgence.
On St. John the Baptist's Day, one obtains indulgences as on the New Year, namely 365 years, 112 quadragen.
On the day of Peter and Paul is indulgence 286 year, 12 quadragen. Innocentius IV, Gregory X, Nicolaus IV, Urbanus V, Martinus V.
Julii.
On the Feast of the Visitation of Our Lady, one earns indulgences as on the Feast of Candlemas, and Urbanus VI has granted all indulgences above it, as Urbanus IV and Martinus V did on the Feast of Corpus Christi of our Lord, and by the eighth to the Office of the Holy Mass and the Holy Days; see above the movable feasts.
On the 14th of this month, the feast of St. Bonaventure, the Order of the Barefoot, is celebrated, earning indulgences for 466 years, 112 quadragen, 150 days, and for every day in the eighth 10 years, 50 days. Julius II gives in addition 40 years, and Sixtus V even plenary indulgence.
August.
The 2nd of this month, called our Lady's Day to the Angels or Portiunculae, about the indulgence, which is 446 years, 100 days and 24 quadrants, recorded in the Jenner, on the Holy Five Martyrs' Day, one obtains plenary indulgence, which has been pronounced by Christ Himself with a living voice, and declared by Pope Benedictum XII.
On the 5th of this is our women's feast with the snow, and indulgence as on Candlemas Day in February.
The 6th of this the declaration of Christ, indulgence as on the New Year's Day in Jenner.
On the 12th of this St. Clare, the Virgin, Feast, Order of the Barefoot, one has indulgence 256 year, 150 day, 12 quadragen, and every eighth 10 year, 50 days. But from Sixto, the fifth, plenary indulgence is given.
On the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady there is indulgence as on Candlemas Day in February. And John XXII still pardoned on this day in the eighth 10 year, and 50 days.
The 19th of the holy bishop and confessor Ludovici day, Order of the Barefoot, indulgence is to be obtained as on the day of the holy five martyrs in the Jenner, and on each day in the eighth still 10 years, 50 days of Johanne XXII. Sixtus V gives plenary indulgence.
124 Vom Ursprung u. Fortgang d. päbstl. Indulgences. Section 1, No. 31, W. xv, isi-ise. 125
On the 25th of this, St. Louis' Feast, King elect in France, Order of the Barefoot of the Third Rule, is indulgence as well as on the day of the Holy Five Martyrs in Jenner.
September.
On our Lady's birthday one acquires ablution as on Candlemas Day in February, and on every day in the eighth 10 year, 50 day, given by Johanne XXII.
On the day of St. Francisci Mark, the 17th of this month, all indulgences are forgiven, as on the day of the five martyrs, in the Jenner, and in addition by Gregorio IX 30 years. Summa 476 years, 100 days and 24 quadragen.
The 27th of this. St. Elzearii the Confessor's Day, from the third order of the Franciscans, on which one gets indulgences, as on the day of the holy five martyrs in Jenner.
October.
The second of this month, St. Clare the Virgin's Exaltation, indulgences are given 356 years, 150 days, 13 quadragen.
On the feast of St. Francisci, founder of the Order of the Barefoot, which falls on the 4th of this, one obtains indulgences as on the New Year's Day in January, in addition to which Alexander IV granted 40 years, John XXII 10 years, 50 days, Sixtus IV a hundred years and so many quadragen; to those who say mass on this day 50 years and so many quadragen. Again, John XXII granted on each day in the eighth indulgence 100 years and 50 days. Sixtus V granted plenary indulgences.
On the 13th of this, St. Danielis, Angeli, Samuelis, Donuli, Leonis, Nicolai and Ugolini day, Order of the Barefoot, 446 year, 100 days and 24 quadragen indulgence is given, as on the day of the five martyrs in the Jenner.
The 27th, St. Ivonis Confessor's Day, from the Third Order of Franciscans, is indulgence 446 year, 100 days and 24 quadragen.
November.
On All Saints' Day Gregory IX gave a hundred year indulgences and so much quadragen.
The 8th of this month is the elevation of St. Louis, the Bishop, Order of the Barefoot, Indulgence 356 year, 150 days and 12 quadragen.
On the 9th of this falls Salvatoris or our Beatific Father's church consecration in Rome; indulgences are to be obtained, as on New Year's Day in Jenner.
The 18th of this, St. Peter and Paul's church consecration, indulgences are granted, as on their feast in June, 286 year, 12 quadragen.
The 19th of this, St. Elizabeth's day, most elect queen in Hungary, of the third order St. Francisci, indulgence as on the day of the five holy martyrs. Gregory IX has also given 100 years and so many quadragen. Summa 546 years, 100 days, 124 quadragen.
The 21st of this, our women's sacrifice in the temple, one acquires indulgences like Candlemas Day in February.
December.
On the 8th of this month is the Feast of the Conception of Our Lady, and indulgences as on Candlemas Day in February. In addition, Sixtus IV grants all the indulgences obtained on our Lord's Corpus Christi, and what Urbanus IV also granted Martinus V by the eighth at all times of the day; those who hear the sermon have 150 days of it. Leo X gives plenary indulgence to those who hear the Feast of the Conception of Mary read, confessed, and repent of sin, and also ask for papal sanctity and the general Church.
On Christmas Day one acquires indulgences as on New Year's Day, namely 356 year, 112
3. Viennensis 1629.
From JEsu Maria Archfraternity of the Holy. Rosary Instruction
by Fratrem Eustachium Mayr, Order of Preachers, Generalem Praedicatorem, and Subpriorem. Vienna by Matthäo Formica.
Pag. 19 Calendar for the Fraternity of the Holy Rosary. Rosary of Our Lady.
In it, certain indulgences to be obtained in the Preacher's Church are listed for all days, taking into account that v. 1) means plenary indulgence, which is the quadragen.
Jenner.
1. circumcision of Jesus Christ, plenary indulgence and 25,000.
2. macarius abbot 6000 year.
3. genovefa virgin 6000 year.
4. titus bishop 6000 year.
5. telesphorus pope and martyr 6000 year.
6. hail, three king to cologne, fully comm.
7. Raymundus Confessor, 2) Order of Preachers v.
1) Here in the original it says "V". However, when setting, the large V seems to have run out soon and then is continued with the small "v".
2) For "confessor," see note Col. 122.
8. erhard bishop 8000 year v.
9. martiana virgin and mart. 10,000 year v.
10. paul the first hermit 10,000 year v.
11. higinus pabst and mart. 10,000 year v.
12. satyr and arcad. Mart. 12,000 year b.
13. Hilarius Bishop 1000 year, also v.
14. felix priest and mart. 3000 year and Q.
15. the feast of the sweetest name of JEsu v. and much.
16. marcellus Pabst and Märt. v.
17. antonius abbot v.
18. chair celebration to Rome v. and much.
19. mar. etc. Mar. 100 year and Q.
20. sebastian mart. v.
21. agnes virgin and mart. v.
22. Vincenz Levit and Märt. v.
23. john allmuser 15 year.
24 Timothy Bishop and Mart. 1000 year and Q.
25 Paul the Apostle Conversion v.
26. polycarpus bishop and mart. 7 year.
27. john to the gülden mouth v.
28th Margarita Queen in Hungary, Order of Preachers, 12,800 year and Q.
29. valerius bishop 12,800 year and Q.
30. adelgund virgin 3000 year and Q.
31 Vigilius Bishop and Mart. 3000 year and Q. v.
Hornung.
1st Ignatius Bishop and Mart. 1000 year.
2nd Candlemas of Mary v.
3. st. blasius bishop and mart. v. Year. 1)
4. veronica 1000 year.
5. agatha virgin and mart. 120,000 year b. Q. v.
6. dorothea virgin, mart. 1000 year.
7. richardus king 6000 year.
The eighth day has been omitted from the printed version.
9. scholastica 8000 year.
10. Apollonia Virgin and Mart. v.
11. euphrosyna monastic virgin 6000 year.
12. eulalia virgin and mart. 6000 year.
13th Castor priest 10,000 year.
14. valentine priest and fair. 12,000 year.
15 Faustinus and Jovita Mart. 6000 year.
16. julians virgin and mart. 12,000 year and Q.
17. constantia virgin 8000 year.
18th Concordia Virgo 6000 year.
19. gabinus priest and fair. 1000 year.
1) So in our template.
20. eustochia monastic virgin 1000 year.
21. leonora 8000 year.
22 Peter's Chair Celebration at Antioch v.
23. serenus abbot and mart. 10,000 year.
24. Matthias Apostle v.
25. walburg cloister virgin 120,000 year and
26 Victor Mar. 12,000 year and Q.
27 Julianus Mart. 10,000 year.
28. romanus abbot 8000 year.
On Sunday Septuagesimä 11,000 year, 48 Q., remission of the third part of the sins. † 2) v.
On Sunday Sexagesimä 12,000 year, 18 Q., remission of part of the sins.
On Sunday Quinquagesimä 28,000 year and v.
Marzenablaß.
1. albinus bishop 12,800 year and Q.
2. Simplicius Pabst 3000 year and Q.
3. cunigund empress 100 year and Q.
4. lucius pabst and mart. 15 year.
5. gulielmus bishop 12,800 year.
6. fridolinus abbot 3000 year and Q.
7. Thomas Aquinas, Order of Preachers, Leh-
8. Philemon and Apollo. Mart. 100 year and 100
9. forty martyrs 7 year.
10. alexander mart. 15 year.
11. humbertus bishop 1000 year and Q.
12. Gregory Pope and Doctor of the Church v.
13th Desiderius Bishop and Fair. 1000 year.
14. mattildi's widow 12,800 year.
15. longinus bishop and mart. 3000 year.
16. cyriacus and his companions, mart. 100 year and Q.
17. Gertrudis virgin 6 year.
18. gabriel archangel v.
19 Joseph Confessor v.
20. Ambrose of Senis, Order of Preachers, v.
21. benedictus v. and 100 year.
22. paul bishop 7 year.
23. theodoricus bishop 121,000 year and Q.
24. Simon, Knab zu Trient, 1000 year.
25 Annunciation of Mary v.
26. ludgerus bishop 12,000 year.
27th Rupertus Bishop 12,000 year.
28. felix bishop 12,000 year.
29th Eustace abbot 12,000 year.
30. Quirinus Mart. 12,000 year.
31 Balbina Virgo 12,000 year.
2) The cross (†) means the release of a soul from purgatory.
Merk, the fasting station and indulgences that can be obtained daily in the Preacher's Church, I have decided to add to this.
On Ash Wednesday of 3000 year.
The next day after that 10,000 years.
The third day 10,000 year.
The first Saturday in the fasting 10,000 year v.
On the first Sunday of 18,000 year.
Monday v. 10,000 year.
Erchtag 1) v. 28,000 year and Q.
Wednesday 28,000 year and Q.
Thursday v. 20,000 year.
Friday v. 18,000 year and
On the second Sunday in the fasting 28,000 year.
Monday, 11,000 year, remission of the third part of sins.
Erchtag, Wednesday, Thursday, twelve thousand year and much.
Friday ten thousand year.
Saturday † v. ten thousand year.
On the third Sunday in Lent, ten thousand year, 48 Q. f.
Monday, Erchtag, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10,000 year.
Saturday twelve thousand year †.
On the fourth Sunday in Lent v. †.
Monday ten thousand year.
The day of the remission of the third part of the sins, 10,000 years.
Wednesday like yesterday.
Thursday ten thousand year.
Friday ten thousand year.
Saturday v.
The fifth Sunday in the fast 28,000 year and tz-, remission third part of sins.
Monday, Erchtag, Wednesday, Thursday 10,000 year.
Friday twelve thousand year †.
Saturday thirteen thousand year †.
On Palm Sunday v. five and twenty thousand year, and 25,000 Q.
Monday, remission of third part of sins, five and twenty thousand years.
Erchtag, eighteen thousand year v.
Wednesday, eight and twenty thousand year and v.
Thursday, twelve thousand year, 48 Q., and v.
On H. Char Friday, Saturday v.
On H. Easter Day 33,000 year, and so much Q. and v.
Easter Monday eight and twenty year v.
Erchtag two thousand year, 18 Q. v.
Wednesday † v. 18,000 year and so much.
1) "Erchtag" - Tuesday.
Thursday v. fifteen thousand year.
Friday fifteen thousand year.
Saturday fifteen thousand year.
Year v.
Indulgence in the month of April.
12,000 year indulgence:
1. hugo bishop.
2. Mary of Egypto, penitent.
3. florentius bishop.
4. Ambrose Bishop and Doctor of the Church v.
5th St. Vincent Order of Preachers v.
6. Sixtus Pabst and Märt.
7. alexandrinus mart.
8th Dionysius Bishop.
9. procorus bishop and mart.
10. Apollonius priest and mart.
11th Eustorgius Fair.
12. Pius Pabst.
13. euphemia virgin and mart.
14. Tiburt. and Valerius Mart.
15 Isidore Bishop.
16. Albinus Archmarch. in England.
17 Rudolphus Mart.
18. eleutherius bishop and mart.
19. Wernerus Fair.
20. Victor Pabst and Märt.
21 Anselmus Archbishop.
22nd Gajus Mart.
23 Georgius Mart.
24. Adalbertus Bishop and Mart.
25. marcus evangelist, 28,000 year and Q. and v.
26. Cletus Pabst and Märt.
27th Anastasius Mart.
28 Vitalis Fair.
29. Peter of Milan Mart. Order of Preachers v.
30 Eutropius Mart.
Here, the following festivals, graced with rich indulgences, are to be taken into account and have been placed here by me, because they are usually held in the following month.
As first in the cross week, Sunday, Erchtag, Wednesdays, 28,000 year and Q., also v.
On H. Ascension Day v. and 28,000 year.
On the evening of Pentecost 15,000 year v.
Pentecost day, Whit Monday, Pentecost eighth day, eighteen thousand year and full.
Wednesdays ten thousand year v.
Thursday eighteen thousand year and f v.
Friday eighteen thousand year and v.
Saturday eighteen thousand year and v.
2) In our template: "eighteen thousand † year".
On H. Corpus Christi Day v.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Erchtag, Wednesday, Thursday v.
Indulgence of the month of May.
12,000 year indulgence:
Mark, every Sunday of this month is plenary indulgence.
On the Sunday after S. Cross invention is celebrated the feast of S. Virgin Catharine of Senis, Order of Preachers.
On the Sunday after the Ascension of Christ the feast of St. Jacob, confessor, preacher. Jacobi, confessor, order of preachers.
1. philip and jacob apostle v.
2nd Anthony Archbishop, Order of Preachers, v.
3. invention of the holy cross v.
4. monica whiting, much, and twelve thousand year.
5. gotthardus bishop v.
6. John of the Lat. porten full †.
7. the feast of the dry crown of Christ v.
8. apparition St. Michaelis v.
9. Gregorius Bishop of Naz.
10. gordianus and epim. Mar.
11. Stanislaus Bishop and Mart.
12 Pancratius Mart.
13th Servatius Bishop.
14th Victor and Corona Fair.
15. Robertus Count Palatine on the Rhine.
16. peregrinus bishop.
17 Bruno Bishop of Würzburg.
18 Dioscorus Mart.
19. potentiana virgin and mart.
20 Bernardinus, confessor, Order of the Barefoot, v.
21 Constantinus the Great, Emperor, v.
22. helena empress.
23. sulpitius and servil.
24. elevation of the holy father Dominici. Father Dominici, Order of Preachers.
25. urbanus pabst and mart.
26. beda priest.
27 July Mart.
28. gulielmus duke.
29 Maximinus Bishop.
30. Felix Pabst and Märt.
31 Petronella Virgo.
Indulgence of the fallow month.
Full c. and 12,000 year indulgence:
1. vincent. Lirinens. Priest.
The other Sunday of this month plenary indulgence.
2. Marcellus and Peter Märt.
3. erasmus bishop and mart.
4. the feast of the five wounds of Jesus.
5. Bonifacius Archbishop and Mart.
6. Nortbertus Archbishop, the Premonstratensian founder.
7. paul bishop and mart.
8. medardus bishop.
9. primus and felician.
10. getulius and his companions, mart.
11 Barnabas Apostle.
12th Nazarius and Celfus Fair.
13. Anthony of Padua, barefoot.
14th Basil bishop and teacher.
15 Vitus Mart. 6000 year and v.
16 Aureus Archbishop of Mainz.
17. botulphus dept.
18. marina virgin and mart.
19. Gervasius and Protasius Mart.
20 Abagarius King.
21 Albanus Priest and Mart.
22. paulinus bishop.
23 Ediltrudis King, virgin.
24. John the forerunner of Christ.
25. prosper bishop and mart.
26th John and Paul Fair.
27. the seven sleepers mart.
28. leo magnus pabst.
29. Peter and Paul, apostles.
30th Martialis Bishop.
Indulgence of the hay month.
Perfectionist and 12,000 year indulgence:
1. rumoldus bishop and mart.
2. Visitation of the Virgin Mary v.
3. land francus bishop.
4. Ulrich Bishop of Augsburg.
5th Wendelinus Abb.
6. goar priest and confessor.
7. wilibald bishop.
8. kilian bishop and mart.
9. agilolph archbishop and mart.
10. the seven brothers with their mother Felicitas.
11. Pius Pabst and Märt.
12. margaretha virgin and mart.
13. Heinrich Kaiser.
14th Bonaventure Card. and Barefoot.
15 The apostle's division.
16th Eustace bishop and confessor.
17. alexius confessor.
18. symphorosa sammt ihren Söhnen und Märt.
19. arsenius dept.
20. Joseph, one of the 72 disciples of Christ.
21 Praxedis Virgo.
22. Mary Magdalene, penitent, v.
23. brigitta, princess and widow, v.
24. christina virgin and mart.
25. jacobus apostle, the greater, v.
26. Anna, Mother of Mary, v.
27. hermolaus priest and mart.
28 Pantaleon Fair.
29. Martha, virgin and hostess of Christ.
30th Abdon and Senna Fair.
31. germanus bishop.
Indulgence of the month of August.
12,000 year indulgence, remission of the third part of sins:
1. peter chain celebration v.
2. Stephan Pabst and Mart. 6000 year.
3rd Stephen of the first mart. Invention v.
4. Dominicus Order of Preachers Founder v.
5. maria to the snow v.
6. sixt Pabst and Märt. v.
7. Afra zu Augsburg, penitent and mart.
8. Hilgerus Prior, Order of Preachers, 10,000 year.
9. romanus mart. 10,000 year.
10. Laurentius Diacon. and Mar.
11. susanna virgin and mart.
12 Clara Virgin, Order of the Barefoot, v.
13 Hippolytus Mart. 280,000 year and
14. eusebius confessor.
15. Assumption of Mary, God's Childbearer, v.
16. rochus, pilgrim and confessor, v.
17. liberatus abbot and mart. v.
18. agapitus Mart. v.
19. sebaldus confessor v.
20. bernardus abbot v.
21 Anastasius Mart. v.
22 Simphorianus Mart. v.
23. zacchaeus bishop and disciple of Christ v.
24. bartholomew apostle v.
25. ludovicus king v.
26. Zepherinus Pabst and Märt. v.
27. bishop Gebhardus.
28. Augustine Bishop and Doctor of the Church v. and 1)
29. John the Baptist beheading v. and 1)
30th Felix and Adauchus Fair.
31 Paulinus Bishop and Mart.
Indulgence of the autumn month..
NB. 12,000 year indulgence, third part of sins.
Is to note that in this month the Quatember thun fall, since on Quatember Wednesday 18,000 year and
1) There seems to be "Q" omitted.
On Quatember Friday v. 18,000 year.
On Quatember Saturday 28,000 year.
1st Verena Virgo 6000 year.
2nd Antonius Mart.
3. emericus duke in Hungary 10,000 year.
4. marcellus bishop 1000 year.
5. victorinus bishop and mart. 8000 year.
6. magnus abbot 121,000 year and
7. regina virgin and mart. 1000 year.
8. our Lady's Nativity v.
9. sergius pabst and confessor 12,800 year and Q.
10. Nicolaus of Talentin, Augustinian, v.
11. protus and hyacinthus mart. 3000 year.
12th Niceta Fair. 100 year and
13 Maternus Bishop.
14. holy cross elevation v.
15. Ludmilla widow in Prague 15 years.
16. euphemia virgin and mart. 1000 year and
17. lambertus bishop and mart. 5 year.
18. methodius bishop and mart. 7 year.
19. january and his journeymen mart. 100 year and Q.
20 Eustachius Mart. 3000 year and Q. and v.
21 Matthew Apostle and Evangelist v.
22. mauricius and his journeymen 128,000 year and Q
23 Tecla virgin and fair. 1000 year.
24. Rupertus bishop 121 year and Q.
25. cleophas disciples 8000 year.
26. cyprianus bishop and mart. 7000 year.
27th Cosmas and Damianus Fair. 7000 year.
28th Wenceslaus Duke in Böheim, Mar., 1000 year.
29. michael archangel v.
30 Jerome Doctor of the Church v.
Indulgence in the month of wine.
The first Sunday of this month is the glorious feast of the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary with plenary indulgence.
1. remigius bishop 8000 year.
2. leodigarius bishop and mart. 6000 year.
3rd Candidus Fair. 6000 year.
4. Franciscus Founder Order of the Barefoot v.
5. Placidus Mart. v.
6. Bruno Carthäuser Founder v.
7. justina virgin and mart. v.
8. pelagia penitent v.
9. dionysius bishop and mart.
10. Gereon and his journeymen Märt. v.
11. Jacobus Alemannus Order of Preachers v.
12. Maximilianus Bishop and Mart. v.
13. Simpertus Bishop of Augsburg 6000 year.
14. burcardus bishop 6000 year.
15. Hedwigis Duchess in Poland 6000 year.
16. gallus abbot 8000 year.
17. heron bishop 10,000 year.
18. lucas evangelist v.
19. Ludovicus Beltram Order of Preachers v.
20. Caprasius Mart. 10,000 year.
21. ursula and her company 8000 year.
22. cordula virgin and mart. 8000 year.
23 Severinus bishop 10,000 year.
24. euergistus bishop and mart. 8000 year.
25. crispin and crispinianus mart. 121,000 year.
26. amandus bishop 121,000 year.
27. jvo, lawyer, 121,000 year.
28. Simon and Judas, apostles, v.
29. narcissus, knight and mart., 1000 year.
30. marcellus knight and fair. 1000 year.
31. wolfgangus bishop 10,000 year.
Indulgence in the winter month, plenary indulgence.
1. all saints day v.
2. All Souls' Day v.
3. Jta Countess in Swabia.
4. Irenaeus, teacher, bishop.
5. Zacharias, John's father.
6. leonhardus abb.
7. florentinus bishop.
8. the four crowned mart. v.
9. theodorus mart. v.
10. ermegar. Countess 10,000 year.
11. martinus bishop v.
12. cunibertus bishop 10,000 year.
13. brictus bishop 8000 year.
14th Serapion Fair. 6000 year.
15. Albertus Magnus, Bishop and Order of Preachers, v.
16th Ottmarus abbot 12,800 year and
17. hugo bishop 12,800 year and Q.
18th Gelasius Pabst 10,000 year.
19. elizabeth landgravine 8000 year.
20th Eadmundus King Mart. 8000 year.
21. sacrifice of Mary v.
22. caecilia virgin and mart. v.
23. Clemens Pabst and Märt. v.
24th Chrysogonus Mart. 8000 year.
25. catharina virgin and mart. v.
26th Conradus bishop 10,000 year.
27. wrgilius bishop 12,800 year and Q.
28 Sosthenes, disciple of Paul, 3000 years.
29. saturninus bishop and mart. 100 year and Q.
30 Andrew Apostle v.
Indulgence of the Christian month, plenary indulgence.
Mark, favorable reader, wett in this month the H. Advent of our Lord is celebrated, are in it the following indulgences to receive:
On the first Sunday 28,000 year and v.
The other Sunday 11,000.
On the third Sunday of Advent 28,000 year and H-.
Fourth Sunday.
On Quatemb. Wednesday v. 28,000 year and Q.
On Quatember Friday v. and 10,000 year.
On Quatember Saturday 12,000 year and Q.
1. Eligius bishop, eight thousand year.
2. bibiana virgin and mart.
3. lucius king and confessor 6000 year.
4. barbara virgin and mart. 6000 year.
5. crispina virgin and mart. 8000 year.
6. nicolaus bishop v.
7. ambrose bishop and teacher v.
8. conception of the Virgin Mary v.
9. joachim, father of mary, v.
10. Melchiades Pabst, Mar.
11. Damasus pope and confessor.
12 Epimachus, Mar.
13. lucia virgin and mart. v.
14th Nicasius Bishop.
15. valerianus bishop.
16. adelheidis empress 10,000 year.
17. lazarus bishop 8000 year.
18. Wunibaldus abbot 121,000 year and Q.
19. nemesius mart. 10,000 year.
20 Tecla Virgo 12.800 year and Q.
21st Thomas Apostle v.
22. theodosia virgin and mart. 3000 year.
23. victoria virgin and mart. 3000 year.
24. jrmina Virgo 28,000 year and Q.
25. birth of Christ the Savior at the first Mass on Christmas Eve v.
At the second in the morning 28,000 year and Q., also v.
In the third measuring 28,000 year, so much Q. and plenary indulgence.
26. Stephen the first mart. 28,000 year, and Q. and
27. evangelist John 28,000 year, and
28. innocent children 15,000 year and
29. thomas bishop and mart. 8000 year and Q.
30. sabinus bishop and fair. 3000 year.
31 Sylvester Pabst and confessor v.
4. constantiensis 1603.
Rosarlnin,
On the Origin and Advocacy of the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary etc.
By Mr. Conrad Sittardum, the Heil. Schrift Professorn und Provincial Predigerorden durch Hohes Deutschland und Oesterreich.
Pag. 124. follow the Roman indulgences, so the whole year out, at different times, in different places are to be gained:
Januarius.
1. on the new year's day at S. Maria trans Tiberim, majori unb ara coeli, a thousand year plenary indulgence.
6. on H. three King's Day and the whole Octave, at St. Peter's twenty-eight thousand years, and so many quadragen, and plenary indulgence.
16. at St. Marcello Pabst at St. Antonio Abbot
18. at St. Peter's Chair in Rome
20. at St. Sebastian's.
21. at St. Agnes
22. at St. Vincent and Anast.
25. at St. Paul's Church
27. at St. John Chrysostom at St. Mary Scala coeli
31. at the Heil. Cross at St. Cyro and Johanne
plenary indulgence.
Februarius.
2. to light masses at St. Mary major, and otherwise three other churches, plenary indulgence.
9. st. apolloni, st. ludwigskirchen? mener
22. in St. Peter's Church Cathed. s indulgence.
24. at St. Matthia, Twelve Messenger, /
On the Sunday of Septuagint at St. Lawrence outside the city wall, a thousand years and 48 quarters of indulgence, remission of the third part of all sins, and the release of one soul from the third purgatory.
On Sunday Quinquagesimä, at St. Peter 28,000 year and plenary indulgence.
Martins.
7. at St. Thomas Aquinas.
12. at St. Gregory Pabst at St. Peter's
19. at St. Mary Major
20. at St. Sylvester's Chapel,
plenary indulgence.
21. at St. Peter's, on St. Benedict's day, one hundred year indulgence.
25. on the day of the Annunciation in the church, called Annuntiatae, plenary indulgence, and from these days until August 1, one has in this church every day 12,000 year indulgence.
Fasting, Stationes and Indulgences at Rome.
On Ash Wednesday visit St. Sabina, Order of Preachers, church, in it are 300 years and plenary indulgence.
The other day in the fast at St. George's are 10,000 year indulgences.
The third day at St. John and Paul are 1000 year indulgences.
The first Saturday in Lent at St. Trifon 10,000 year and plenary indulgence.
The first Sunday in fasting.
At St. John. Lateran, item at St. Peter eighteen thousand years and plenary indulgence.
Monday at St. Peter's in bands ten thousand years and plenary indulgence.
Tuesday St. Anastasia twenty-eight thousand, and so many quadragen, and the release of a soul from purgatory.
Wednesdays St. Mary major twenty-eight thousand year and so much quadragen indulgence.
Thursday St. Laurentii in Palisperna twenty thousand year plenary indulgence.
Friday St. Apostle twelve thousand year and plenary indulgence.
The second Saturday St. Peter eighteen thousand years and so much quadragen, also plenary indulgence.
On the second Sunday in Lent.
At S. Maria della Nanicella, and at S. Maria major twenty-eight thousand year indulgence.
Sunday St. Element eleven thousand year indulgence, and remission of third part of sins.
Tuesday S. Balbina.
Wednesdays S. Caecilia.
Thursday S. Maria trans Tiberim.
Friday S. Uval..
† The third Saturday at St. Peter and Marcellina ten thousand years, also plenary indulgence, and the release of a soul from purgatory.
Third Sunday.
† At St. Lawrence extra innres, 88 quadragen, and the release of a soul from purgatory.
Monday St. Marcus 10,000 year indulgence.
Tuesday St. Potentia 10,000 year indulgence.
Wednesdays St. Sixtus 10,000 year indulgence.
Thursday St. Cosmas and Damianus ten thousand year indulgence.
Friday St. Lawrence in Lucina 10,000 year indulgence.
† Saturday St. Susanna 12,000 year indulgence.
The fourth Sunday in Lent.
By the Holy Cross of Jerusalem, plenary indulgence and the release of a soul from purgatory.
Monday the H. four crowned 10,000 year indulgence.
Tuesday St. Lawrence in Damaso, remission of third part of sin, 10,000 year indulgence.
On Wednesday, St. Paul, the third part of sins is forgiven, and 10,000 years of indulgence.
Thursday St. New Year 10,000 year indulgence.
Friday St. Eusebius 10,000 year indulgence.
Saturday St. Niclas in carcere,, plenary indulgence.
The fifth Sunday in Lent.
At St. Peter's twenty-eight thousand years and so many quadragen indulgence, also remission of third part of sins.
Monday St. Chrysogonus 10,000 year indulgence.
Tuesday St. Quirinus 10,000 year indulgence.
Wednesday St. Marcellinus 10,000 year indulgence.
Thursday S. Apollinaris10,000 year indulgence.
Friday S. Stephano rotundo Redemption of a soul from purgatory.
Saturday St. John before the Latin Porten 13,000 year indulgence, and the release of a soul from purgatory.
Palm Sunday.
At St. Johan. Lateran. 25,000 year indulgence, so much quadragen, and plenary indulgence.
Monday St. Praxedis 25,000 year indulgence, and remission of third part of sins.
Tuesday St. Prisca eighteen thousand year, also plenary indulgence.
Wednesday St. Mary Major 28,000 year, also plenary indulgence.
Thursday St. Johan. Lateran. 12,000 years, 48 quadragen, and two plenary indulgences.
On S. Char Friday at S. Cross of Jerusalem plenary indulgence.
Saturday St. John. Lateran. 12,000 year indulgence, 40 quadragen, also plenary indulgence.
On Holy Easter Day.
At St. Mary Major 33,000 year and so much quadragen, and plenary indulgence.
Monday at St. Peter's twenty-eight thousand year and plenary indulgence.
Tuesday at St. Paul's twenty thousand year indulgence, 18 quadragen and plenary indulgence.
Midweek St. Lawrence extra innro8 18,000 year and so much quadragen. Discharge of a soul from purgatory, and plenary indulgence.
Thursday St. Apostle fifteen thousand and plenary indulgence.
Friday 8. Maria rotunäa 15,000 year indulgence.
Saturday St. John. Lateran 15,000 year indulgence.
On Sunday Quasimodo.
5. at St. Pancraz fifteen thousand years, also plenary indulgence.
Aprilis.
5. at St. Vincent's Order of Preachers plenary indulgence.
23. on St. George's Day at St. Peter's plenary indulgence.
Twenty-eight thousand year indulgences at St. Mark's and at St. Peter's, and so many quadragen, plenary indulgences.
Majus.
Mark, every Sunday Maji is to earn plenary indulgence at St. Sebastian's.
1. at St. Philip, and Jacob Apostles plenary indulgence.
3. Cross of Jerusalem plenary indulgence.
4. at St. Augustino on the day of S. Women St. Monica much indulgence.
† At St. Johan. before the Latin Porten plenary indulgence.
At St. John's. Lateran, plenary indulgence and release of a soul from purgatory.
St. Michael's Appearance.
12. by St. Nereus and Achilles.
19. at St. Pudentiana.
20 In ara coeli St. Bernardini day.
21. at St. Helena.
H. from St. Bernardini day to August 1 at St. John. Lateran, all day plenary indulgence.
H. in the Weeks of the Cross, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at St. Peter twenty-eight thousand year, and so much forty-day penitential indulgence.
On S. Pentecost evening at St. Johan. Lateran. fifteen thousand year, also plenary indulgence.
On S. Pentecost at St. Peter's, and Monday at St. Peter's in vincula plenary indulgence.
Tuesday St. Anastasia eighteen thousand year indulgence.
Wednesdays St. Mary Major, eighteen thousand year, also plenary indulgence.
Thursday at St. Lawrence extra muros, 18,000 years, and so much quadragen indulgence, release of a soul from purgatory, and plenary indulgence.
Friday St. Apostle eighteen thousand year and plenary indulgence.
Saturday St. Peter eighteen thousand years and plenary indulgence, also the release of a soul from purgatory.
On Corporis Christi day, that is, on S. Sacrament day, plenary indulgence, and the whole octavo off.
Junius.
The next Sunday of June, at Maria de Consolatione, plenary indulgence.
11. at St. Barnaba Apostle plenary indulgence.
13. at S. Antonio de Padua plenary indulgence.
15 St. Vitus and Marcellus six thousand year plenary indulgence.
24. st. johan. Lateran, John the Baptist. Baptist's plenary indulgence.
28. St. Peter's and Paul's Eve, plenary indulgence.
29. on S. [Peter and Paul] day plenary indulgence.
30th St. Paul's Commemoration.
Julius.
Visitation of the Virgin Mary in two churches de populo et pace, the whole octavo out, plenary indulgence.
17 St. Alexius plenary indulgence.
20 St. Mary Magdalene plenary indulgence.
21. s. Praxedis plenary indulgence.
22 St. Mary Magdalene plenary indulgence.
23 St. Apollinaris plenary indulgence.
25 St. Jacob Apostle plenary indulgence.
26 St. Anne plenary indulgence.
30. on the day of Saints Abdon and SennonJ) plenary indulgence.
August.
1. st. peter in vinsnla plenary indulgence.
3. St. Lawrence extra muros plenary indulgence.
5 St. Mary the Greater plenary indulgence.
8. maria supra Minervam a plenary indulgence.
H. Day Dominici plenary indulgence.
6. at S. Johan. Lateran. Transfig. plenary indulgence.
1) In the old edition: "der heiligen Abden und Sennen".
10th St. Lawrence day, and the whole Octav, extra rnnro8 plenary indulgence.
12. at St. New Year's Eve, on the day of St. Clare, plenary indulgence.
1. and the whole Octave of the Assumption of Mary is plenary indulgence in five places, 8. Mariainazor, rotnnäa, de populo, ara coeli unb S. Maria Angelorum.
From our Lady's Ascension Day to her birthday, the pilgrimage or station is at St. Mary the Greater, and there are indulgences every day for 12 years, and remission of the third part of all sins.
16. at St. Rocho plenary indulgence.
14. at St. Bartholomew Apostle plenary indulgence.
26. at St. Augustine, teacher, plenary indulgence.
28. at St. John Lateran, plenary indulgence.
St. John's beheading plenary indulgence.
September.
8. on our Lady's birthday is plenary indulgence in the following churches, S. Maria major, S. Maria rotunda, Ara coeli, via lata, de pace et populo.
10th On St. Niclaus Tolentini day plenary indulgence, at S. Maria de populo, at St. Augustino.
14. on the day of the holy cross, and the eighth day after that, at the holy cross in Jerusalem, plenary indulgence.
On Quatember Wednesdays at 8. Mary inajor eighteen thousand years and so much forty-day penitential indulgence.
On Quatember Friday at St. Apostle 18,000 year and plenary indulgence.
On Quatember Saturday at St. Peter 28,000 year indulgence.
21. on Matthäi Apostle's Day plenary indulgence.
29. at St. Michel, Archangel, plenary indulgence.
30th At 8 Mary Major, on St. Jerome's Day, plenary indulgence.
October.
4. on St. Francisci day, and the whole Octav, plenary indulgence.
18. at St. Lucä, evangelists, plenary indulgence.
28. perfect indulgence on the day of Simonis etc. at St. Peter's.
November.
On All Saints' Day and the whole Octave at 8. Maria rotunda plenary indulgence.
2. on the day of all souls at St. Gregory, Camaldolese Order, plenary indulgence of the whole Octave, and it is also taken for the deceased.
8. at St. Peter and Paul plenary indulgence.
9th At St. John Lateran, consecration of the Salvatoris Chapel, plenary indulgence.
11. St. Martin's Day at St. Peter's plenary indulgence.
21. at S. Maria major praesentans plenary indulgence.
22. perfect indulgence at St. Cecilia's.
23. at St. Element plenary indulgence.
25. perfect indulgence at St. Catharine Martyr.
30. St. Andrew in St. Peter's Church plenary indulgence.
December.
On the 1st Sunday in Advent at St. Peter's plenary indulgence, at S. Mary major twenty-eight thousand year indulgence.
On the second Sunday of Advent at the Holy Cross of Jerusalem 11,000 year and plenary indulgence.
On the third Sunday at St. Peter 28,000 year and quadragen, also plenary indulgence.
On the fourth Sunday at St. Peter's and St. Paul's plenary indulgence.
2. St. Bibiana Church plenary indulgence.
6. St. Niclas in carcere, plenary indulgence.
7th St. Ambrose plenary indulgence.
8. the Assumption and the whole Octave in five places plenary indulgence.
13th St. Lucia plenary indulgence.
On Quatember Wednesday at S. Maria major twenty-eight current year, and so much quadragen, that is, forty-day penitential indulgence.
21 St. Thomas the Apostle plenary indulgence.
24. on Christmas Eve S. Mary major twenty-eight thousand year and quadragen indulgence.
25. also on S. Christ Day S. Maria major plenary indulgence, at S. Anastasia, the Early Mass twenty-eight thousand years and quadragen, also plenary indulgence at the office in S. Maria major and Ara coeli, a thousand years and quadragen, also plenary indulgence.
26. at St. Lawrence outside the city wall, and at St. Stephen's. rotundo, 28,000 year and quadragen, also plenary indulgence.
27. at St. John Lateran. 28,000 year and plenary indulgence.
28. at St. Paul fifteen thousand years and plenary indulgence.
31. perfect indulgence at St. Sylvester.
5th Neoburgensis 1630.
The souls rainbow, in it to see beautiful sky colors of Catholic devotion.
M. Leonhard Mair, parish priest at St. Peter's and provincial dean.
Neuburg on the Danube by Lorenz Danhauser.
63. to note, the v. means plenary indulgence, the † release of a soul from purgatory, the quadragen.
In the Jenner.
1. on the New Year's Day v.
6. on the holy three king day v.
14. st. felix v.
16. st. marcelli v.
17. st. antoni v.
19 Peter chair celebration to Rome v.
20. st. sebastian v.
21. st. agnes v.
22nd St. Vincent v.
25. st. paul conversion v.
26th St. Chrysostom v.
31. on the holy day of the cross and at St. Cyron. v.
In the horn.
2. Candlemas v. †.
3. St. Blasii v. †.
4. st. agathä v. †.
9. apollonia v. †.
22 St. Peter's Chair Celebration at Antioch v. †
24. st. Matthiä v. †.
Sunday Septuagesimä v. † 48 Q. , Sunday Sexagesimä 12,000 year.
Sunday Quinquagesimä † 28,000 year.
In the March.
8. st. thomas of aquino v.
17. st. gregorii v.
19. st. josephi v.
20. in St. Silvester's Capell v.
21st St. Benedicti 100 year.
24th Vigil. Annunciation v.
25th Feast of the Annunciation v.
From that day until August 1 daily 11,000 year.
Lenten Station.
Ash Wednesday 3000 year v.
Thursday 1000 year v.
Friday 1000 year.
Saturday thousand year v.
On the first Sunday in Lent eighteen thousand year v.
144 Vom Ursprung u. Fortgang d. päbstl. Indulgences. I.Sect., No. 31. W. xv, 177-179. 145
Monday ten thousand year.
Erchtag eight and twenty thousand year.
Wednesday eight and twenty thousand year v.
Thursday two thousand year v.
Friday two thousand year v.
Saturday eighteen thousand year.
On the other Sunday in the fast eight and twenty thousand year.
Monday, remission of the third part of the sin and eleven thousand years.
Erchtag, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday ten thousand year v. †
On the third Sunday in Lent 88 †
Monday ten thousand year.
Erchtag, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday ten thousand year.
Saturday twelve thousand year.
On the fourth Sunday of Lätare v. †
Monday ten thousand year.
The first day and Wednesday, remission of the third part of the sin, ten thousand years.
Thursday and Friday ten thousand year.
Saturday v.
On the fifth Sunday remission of the third part of the sins, eighteen thousand year, eight and twenty thousand
Monday, Erchtag, Wednesday, Thursday ten thousand year.
Friday †
Saturday thirteen thousand †
On Holy Palm Sunday five and twenty thousand v.
Monday Remission of the third part of sins.
Erchtag, Wednesday, Thursday v.
On holy Friday and Saturday v.
On the Holy Easter Day, Monday, Erchtag and Wednesday v. †
Thursday v.
Friday fifteen thousand year.
Saturday also so much.
Sunday Quasimodo. v.
Aprilen.
5. St. Vincent Order of Preachers v.
24. st. gregorii v.
25. st. Marci eighteen thousand Q., eight and thirty thousand year v.
In Mayen.
All Sunday in Mayen v.
1. philippi and jacobi v.
3. cross invention v.
4. monica v.
6. s. Iohannis ante portam Latinam v.
7. corona domini v.
8. st. Michaelis apparition v.
9. nerei and achillei v.
19. st. Potentiana v.
20th St. Bernardini v.
From this day until the month of August is daily v. In the cross week on Monday, Erchtag, Wednesday 28,000 Q., eight and twenty thousand year.
On Ascension Day also so much.
On the holy day of Pentecost fifteen thousand year v.
On the holy day of Pentecost and Monday v.
On the day of Pentecost eighteen thousand year.
Wednesday eighteen thousand year v.
Thursday nineteen thousand eighteen thousand year.
Friday eighteen thousand year v.
Saturday eighteen thousand year † v.
On Corpus Christi Day and through the Octav v.
In June.
All Sunday this month v.
2. st. marcellini thousand year.
11. st. barnabä v.
13. st. Antonii of Padua v.
15. st. Vitus six thousand year v.
24. s. Iohannis Baptistae v.
28 Vigil. St. Peter and Paul v.
29th St. Peter's and Paul's Feast v.
30. St. Pauli Gedächtniß v.
In the Julio.
1. eve of the Visitation of Mary v.
2. Visitation feast, and by the Octav v.
14. st. bonaventure v.
17th St. Alexius v.
20th St. Margaret 200 year v.
21. st. Praxedis v.
22nd St. Mary Magdalene v.
23. st. Apollinarius 100 v.
25. st. jacobi v.
26. st. annä v.
30. 8000 year v.
August month.
1st St. Peter's Vol. v.
3. st. Stephen's invention v.
4. St. Dominicus founder of the Order of Preachers and the Brotherhood † v.
5. st. mary to the snow v,
6. transfiguration of Christ v.
8th St. Cyriaci v.
10. St. Laurentii and the Octav v.
11. st. clara v.
14th vigil. Assumption v.
15. Assumption and the Octav v.
From this day until the birthday of the Virgin Mary, daily remission of the third part of sins and 12,000 years.
16. st. rochus v.
24. st. bartholomew v.
25. st. Zepherinus v.
28. st. augustine v.
29th St. John's beheading v.
In the autumn month.
7th vigil. Nativity of the Virgin Mary v.
8. Nativity of the Virgin Mary v.
1V. St. Nicol. Tolentin. v.
14th H. Cross Increase v.
Quatember Wednesday 18,000 Q., 18,000 year.
Friday 18,000 year v.
Saturday 28,000 year v.
21. st. Matthew 14,000 year v.
27th St. Cosmas and Dam. 4000 year.
29. st. michaelis v.
30. st. hieronymi v.
In wine month.
On the first Sunday they hold the great feast of Holy Rosary v.
4. franciscus v.
18th St. Lucas v.
28. st. Simon Judas v.
In the winter month.
1. of All Saints and the Octav v.
2. all souls and the octave by f v.
8th St. Salvatoris church consecration v.
11. st. martin v.
18th St. Peter's church consecration v.
22nd St. Cecilia v.
23. st. clement v.
25. st. catharina v.
30. st. andrews v.
In the month of Christ.
On Sunday in Advent 28,000 year v.
On the 2nd Sunday 11,000 b.
On the 3rd Sunday 28,000 Q. 1) v.
On the 4th Sunday v.
2. st. bibianä v.
4. st. barbara 10,000 year v.
6. st. nicolai v.
7. st. ambrosii v.
1) From here on, the original says (probably because the writing was not enough) "q." instead of: "tz."
8. mariä Empfängniß and the Octav v.
13. lucia v.
Quatember Wednesday 28,000 v.
Friday 1000 year v.
Saturday 28,000 Q., 28,000 year v.
21. st. thomas v.
24. h. Christmas Eve 28,000 year, 28,000 q-
On High Christmas Day twice 28,000 Q. v. v. and three masses.
26th St. Stephen 28,000 † v.
27th St. John 27,000 year v.
28th Kindleinstag 15,000 year v.
31st St. Silvester v.
6th Augustensis 1630.
Rosetum,
This is: Beautiful rose garden, in which all kinds of beautiful flowers, so full of great graces, indulgences and freedom, can be found in the gracious brotherhoods of the Holy. Rosary and sweet name of Jesus.
Augspurg, 1630. by Michael Stör, in Verl. Georg Miller's.
Pag. 30. mark, the † significant discharge of a sea! from purgatory, the v. plenary indulgence, the Q. Quadragen.
In Jenner Indulgence.
1. circumcision of Christ or New Year's Day v.
On this day the Brotherhood of the Most Holy Name of JEsu has a jubilee with the preachers, v.
6th H. three King and Octav v.
14. st. felix v.
16. st. marcelli v.
17. st. antoni v.
18. chair celebration St. Peter's at Rome v.
20. st. sebastiani v.
21. st. agnes v.
22nd St. Vincent v.
25. st. paul conversion v.
26 St. John. Chrysostomi v.
27. at St. Mary Scala coeli.
31. on the day of the cross and at St. Cyron. v.
In the horn.
2. Candlemas v. †
3. st. blasii v. †
4. st. agathä v. †
9. apollonia v. †
22nd St. Peter chair celebration at Antioch v. 's
24 St. Matthiä v. †
Sunday Septuagesimä 48 Q. v. † Sunday Sexagesimä 12,000 year.
Sunday Quinquagesimä 28,000 year †
In Merzen.
8. St. Thomas Aquinas v.
9. st. joseph v.
12. st. gregorii v.
20. in St. Silvester's Capell v.
21st St. Benedict 100 year.
24. vigil. on Annunciation of Mary v.
25th Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, from this day until August 1 daily 11,000 year.
Lenten Station.
Ash Wednesday 3000 year v.
Thursday 10,000 year v.
Friday 1000 year.
Saturday 1000 year v.
On the first almost. Sunday 18,000 year v.
Monday 10,000 year.
Tuesday 28,000 Q.
Wednesday 28,000 year v.
Thursday 2000 year v.
Friday 2000 year v.
Saturday 18,000 year.
On the second almost. Sunday 28,000 year.
Monday remission of third part of sins 10,000 year.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10,000 year v. †
On the third Fast. Sunday 88 Q. †
Monday 1000 year.
Tuesday 10,000 year.
Wednesday 10,000 year.
Thursday 10,000 year.
Saturday 12,000.
On the fourth Fast. Sunday v. †
Monday 10,000 year.
Tuesday Remission of third part of sins 10,000 year.
Wednesday as on Tuesday.
Thursday 10,000 year.
Friday 10,000 year.
Saturday v.
On the fifth Fast. Sunday remission of third part of the sins and 28,000 year and 28,000 Q.
Monday 10,000 year.
Tuesday 10,000 year.
Wednesday 10,000 year.
Thursday 10,000 year.
Friday ß
Saturday 13,000 †
On Palm Sunday 25,000 Q. v.
Monday, remission of third part of sins and 15,000 year.
Erchtag, Wednesday, Maundy Thursday v.
Char Friday v.
Saturday v.
Easter Day, Easter Monday, Easter Tuesday v.
Wednesday v. †
Thursday v.
Friday v. 15,000 year.
Saturday also so much.
Sunday Quasimodogeniti v.
April.
1. St. Vincent Order of Preachers v.
24. st. george, v.
25. st. marx 18,000 and 28,000 year v.
In Mayen.
All Sunday at the Majo v.
2. st. philrppi and jacobi v.
3. cross invention v.
4. st. monica v.
6. Johan. ante portam Latinam v.
7. corona domini v.
8. st. Michaelis apparition v.
12. nerei and achillei v.
19. prudentianä v.
20. bernardini v.
From this day until the month of August is daily v.
In the H. Cross week on Monday, Erchtag, Wednesday 28,000 H., 28,Ü00 year.
On Ascension Day also so much.
On H. Pentecost 15,000 year.
On H. Pentecost and Monday v.
Tuesday 18,000 year.
Wednesday 18,000 year v.
Thursday 19,000 Q., 18,000 yr.
Friday 18,000 year v.
Saturday 18,000 year v. †
On the Holy. Corpus Christi Day and by the Octav v.
In June.
All Sunday this month v.
2. st. marcellini 1000 year.
11. st. barnabä v.
13. st. Antonii of Padua v.
15. st. Vitus 6000 year v.
14. st. john baptistä birthday v.
28 Vigil. St. Peter and St. Paul v.
30. to St. Pauli Gedächtniß v.
In the Julio.
1st Vigil. of the Visitation of Mary v.
2. visitation of the Virgin Mary and the Octave by v.
14th St. Bonaventure v.
17th St. Alexius v.
20. st. margaretha 200 year v.
21. st. Praxedis v.
22nd St. Mary Magdalene v.
23rd St. Apollinaris 100 year v.
25. st. jacob v.
26. st. anna v.
30. st. Abdon and Sennon 8000 year v.
August month.
1st St. Peter's Vol. v.
3. st. Stephen's invention v.
4. St. Dominicus, founder of the Order of Preachers and the Brotherhood of Founders, v.
5. st. mary to the snow v.
6. transfiguration of Christ v.
8th St. Cyriaci v.
10. St. Laurentii and the Octav v.
11. st. clara v.
14th vigil. Assumption and the Octavus by v.
From that day until the birthday of the Virgin Mary, daily remission of the third part of sins and 12,000 years.
16. st. rochus v.
24. st. bartholomew v.
25. st. Zepherinus v.
28. st. augustine v.
29th St. John's beheading v.
In the autumn month.
7th vigil. Nativity of the Virgin Mary v.
8. Nativity of the Virgin Mary v.
10. st. Nicolai Tolentin. v.
14th cross increase v.
Quatember Wednesday 18,000 Q., 18,000 year.
Friday 18,000 year v.
Saturday 28,000 year v.
21. st. mathew 14,000 year v.
27th St. Cosma and Damiani 4000 year.
29. st. michael v.
30. st. hieronymi v.
In wine month.
On the first Sunday of this one holds the feast of the Holy Rosary of the Glorious Virgin and Mother of God Mary, with plenary indulgence, conferred by Gregory XIII.
4. st. francisci v.
18th St. Lucas v.
28. st. Simonis and Jude v.
In the winter month.
1. all saints octav by v.
2. all souls and octave by v. †
8. st. salvatoris church v.
11. st. martini v.
18th St. Peter's church consecration v.
21. sacrifice of the Virgin Mary v.
22nd St. Cecilia v.
23. st. clement v.
25. st. catharina v.
30 St. Andrew v.
In the month of Christ.
On the first Sunday in Advent 28,000 year v.
On the other Advent Sunday 11,000 year v.
On the third Sunday 28,000 and v.
On the fourth Sunday v.
2nd St. Bibiana v.
4. st. Barbara 10,000 year.
6. st. nicolai v.
7. st. ambrosii v.
8. mariä Empfängniß and the whole Octav v.
13. st. lucia v.
Quatember Wednesday 28,000 H. v.
Friday 1000 year v.
Saturday 28,000 year and so much v.
21. st. thomas v.
24th H. Christmas Eve 28,000 year and so much (P
25th H. Christmas Day twice 28,000 v. v. in three Masses.
26 St. Stephen's Day 28,000 year v. †
27. st. john. 27,000 year v.
28th Kindleinstag 15,000 year v.
31 New Year's Eve v.
7th Coloniensis 1603.
Rosarium,
Or Rosary of the Holy Virgin. Virgin Mary, of whose origin and highest use, by Conradum Sittardum, the H. Script L., ?ro. 1) Order of Preachers through high Germany and Austria.
Cöln 1603.
Januarius.
On the New Year's Day at 8. Narla kraus ViI-eriru, ruasor and ara eoeli twenty-five thousand years and plenary indulgence.
6. On H. three Kings' Day and the whole Octave, at St. Peter's twenty-eight thousand years, and so many quadragen, and plenary indulgence.
1) According to the Constance Jubilee Calendar, which Sittardus also procured (see Col. 168), "I. kro." will have to be resolved by: Lector, Provincial.
16. at St. Marcello Pabst
17. at St. Antoni Abt i
18. at St. Peter's Chair at Rome I
20. at St. Sebastian/
22. at St. Nincenz and Anast. / Indulgence.
25. at St. Paul's Church v
27. at St. John Chrysoftomo i at St. Mary Scala oosli k
31. at St. Cyrus and John /
Februarius.
2. full indulgence for light masses at St. Mary Major and three other churches.
9. in St. Peter's OatBsära > mener
22. at St. Matthias, Twelve Messengers, l Indulgence.
24. st.apollonia, st.ludwigskirchen/
s On the Sunday of Septuagint at St. Lawrence outside the city wall, eleven thousand years and 48 quadragen indulgence, remission of the third part of all sin, and the release of one soul from the third purgatory.
On Sunday Sexagesimä at St. Paul 12,000 and 18 quadragen indulgence, and remission of part of the sin.
On Sunday Quinquagesimä, at St. Peter's twenty-eight thousand years and plenary indulgence.
Martius.
7. with St. Thomas Aquinas
12. at St. Gregory Pabst / at St. Peter's
19. at St. Mary Major
20. at St. Silvester's Capelle /
21 At St. Peter's, on St. Benedict's day, 100 year indulgence.
25. on Annunciation Day in the church, called ^.nnnneiaka, plenary indulgence.
From that day until August 1, this church has twelve thousand year indulgences every day.
Lenten stationes and indulgences at Rome.
On Ash Wednesday visit St. Sabina, church of the Order of Preachers, in it are 3000 years and plenary indulgence.
The other day in the fast at St. George are 1000 year indulgences.
The third day at St. John and Paul are 1000 year indulgences.
The first Saturday in Lent at St. Trifon 10,000 year and plenary indulgence.
The first Sunday in fasting.
At St. Johan. Lateran. Item at St. Peter's eighteen thousand years and plenary indulgence.
Monday St. Peter in bands ten thousand year and plenary indulgence.
Tuesday St. Anastasia twenty-eight thousand years and so many quadragen indulgences, and the release of a soul from purgatory.
Wednesday St. Mary Major twenty-eight thousand year and so much quadragen indulgence.
Thursday St. Lawrence in Palisperna 20,000 year and plenary indulgence.
Friday St. Apostle 2000 year and plenary indulgence.
Saturday St. Peter 8000 year and so much quadragen, also plenary indulgence.
On the second Sunday in Lent.
At S. Maria della Nanicella and at S. Maria major 28,000 year indulgence.
Monday St. Element 11,000 year indulgence and remission of third part of sins.
Tuesday St. Balbina.
Wednesdays St. Cecilia.
Thursday at S. Maria trans Tiberim
† The third Saturday at St. Peter and Marcellus ten thousand years, also plenary indulgence and the release of a soul from purgatory.
On the third Sunday in Lent.
† At St. Lawrence extra muros, 88 quadragen and the release of a soul from purgatory.
Monday St. Marcus 10,000 year indulgence.
Wednesdays St. Sixtus 10,000 year indulgence.
Thursday St. Cosmas and Damianus ten thousand year indulgence.
Friday St. Lawrence in Lucina 10,000 year indulgence.
† Saturday St. Susanna 12,000 year indulgence.
The fourth Sunday in Lent.
By the Holy Cross of Jerusalem, plenary indulgence and the release of a soul from purgatory.
Monday the H. four crowned 10,000 year indulgence.
Tuesday St. Laurence in Damascus, pardon of the third part of the sin, 10,000 year indulgence.
Thursday St. New Year 10,000 year indulgence.
Friday St. Eusebius 10,000 year indulgence.
Saturday St. Niclas in carcere,, plenary indulgence.
The fifth Sunday in Lent.
At St. Peter's twenty-eight baptizing years and so many quadragen indulgences, also remission of third part of sins.
Monday St. Chrysogonus 10,000 year indulgence.
Tuesday St. Quirinus 10,000 year indulgence.
Wednesday St. Marcellinus 10,000 year indulgence.
Thursday S. Apollinaris 10,000 year indulgence.
† Friday S. Stephano rotundo, Redemption of a soul from purgatory.
Saturday St. John before the Latin Porten 13,000 year indulgence and the release of a soul from purgatory.
Palm Sunday.
At St. Johan. Lateran. 25,000 year indulgence, so much quadragen, and plenary indulgence.
Monday St. Praxedis 25,000 year indulgence and remission of third part of sins.
Tuesday St. Prisca eight thousand year, also plenary indulgence.
Wednesday St. Mary Major 28,000 year, also plenary indulgence.
Thursday St. Johan. Lateran. 2000 year, 48 quadragen, and twice plenary indulgence.
On S. Char Friday at S. Cross of Jerusalem plenary indulgence.
Saturday St. John. Lateran. 2000 year, 48 quadragen, also plenary indulgence.
On S. Easter Day at St. Mary Major 33,000 year and so much quadragen and plenary indulgence.
Monday at St. Peter 28,000 year and plenary indulgence.
Tuesday at St. Paul 20,000 year, 18 quadragen and plenary indulgence.
Midweek St. Lawrence extra iriuros, 8000 year, so much quadragen. Redemption of a soul from purgatory and plenary indulgence.
Thursday St. Apostle 15,000 year indulgence.
Friday 8. Maria rotunäa 15,000 year indulgence.
Saturday St. John. Latergn. 15,000 year indulgence.
On Sunday Quasimodo. at St. Pancraz twenty-five thousand year, also plenary indulgence.
Aprilis.
5. at St.Vincent, Order of Preachers, plenary indulgence.
23. on St. George's Day at St. Peter's plenary indulgence.
25. at St. Marcus and at St. Peter 28,D00 year and so much quadragen, plenary indulgence.
Majus.
Merk, every Sunday is to earn plenary indulgence at St. Sebastian.
1. St. Philip and Jacob, apostles, plenary indulgence.
3. by the Holy Cross of Jerusalem, plenary indulgence.
4. at St. Augustine, on the day of St. Monica, many indulgences.
6. at St. John in front of the Latin Porten plenary indulgence.
† At St. John. Lateran, plenary indulgence and release of a soul from purgatory.
8th St. Michael's Appearance.
12. by St. Nereus and Achilles.
19. at Pudentiana.
20 In Ara coeli St. Bernardine's Day.
21. at St. Helena.
H. from St. Bernard's day to August 1 at St. John. Lateran, all days plenary indulgence.
H. in the week of the cross Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at St. Peter 28,000 year and so much forty-day penitential indulgence.
On S. Ascension Day at St. Peter's 28,000 year and so much forty-day penitential indulgence.
On H. Pentecost evening at St. Johan. Lateran. 15,000 year, also plenary indulgence.
On S. Pentecost at St. Peter, and Monday at Peter in vincula plenary indulgence.
Tuesday St. Anastasia eighteen thousand year indulgence.
Wednesday St. Mary Major eighteen thousand year, also plenary indulgence.
Thursday at St. Lawrence extra muros 18,000 years and so much quadragen indulgence, release of a soul from purgatory, and plenary indulgence.
Friday St. Apostle eighteen thousand year and plenary indulgence.
Saturday St. Peter eighteen thousand years and plenary indulgence, also the release of a soul from purgatory.
On Corporis Christi day, that is, on S. Sacrament day, plenary indulgence, and the whole octavo off.
Junius.
The other Sunday of June, at Maria de Consolatione, plenary indulgence.
11. At St. Barnabas Apostle plenary indulgence.
13. at 8. Antonius äs kaäua complete indulgence.
15 St. Vitus and Marcellus six thousand year plenary indulgence.
24 Johan. Lateran, John the Baptist's plenary indulgence. Baptist's plenary indulgence.
28. St. Peter and Paul ^Vigilie^'s plenary indulgence.
29. total indulgence on S. s^Peter and Paul's day.
30th St. Pauli Commemoration.
Julius.
2. Visitation of the Virgin Mary, in two churches de populo et pace, the whole octavo also plenary indulgence.
17 St. Alexius plenary indulgence.
20 St. Margaret's plenary indulgence.
21 St. Praxedis plenary indulgence.
25 St. James the Apostle plenary indulgence.
26 St. Anne plenary indulgence.
30. On the day of S. Abdon and Sennon 1) plenary indulgence.
Augustus.
1. saint Peter in vincula plenary indulgence.
3. St. Lawrence extra muros plenary indulgence.
5. saint Mary the greater plenary indulgence.
S. Maria supra Minervam a plenary indulgence.
6. at S. Johan. Lateran. Transfig. plenary indulgence.
10th St. Lawrence's Day, and the whole octavo, extra innres, plenary indulgence.
12. at St. Silvester on the day St. Clara plenary indulgence.
15. and the whole Octave of the Assumption of Mary is plenary indulgence in five places, S. Maria major, rotunda, de populo, ara coeli and S. Maria Angelorum.
And our Lady's Ascension Day until her birthday is the pilgrimage or station at St. Mary the Greater, and there are indulgences and remission of the third part of sins every day.
16. perfect indulgence at St. Roch.
24. at St. Bartholomew Apostle plenary indulgence.
28. at St. Augustine, teacher, plenary indulgence.
29. st. john. Lateran. plenary indulgence.
St. John's beheading plenary indulgence.
Septemb er.
8. on our Lady's birthday is plenary indulgence in the following churches, S. Maria major, S. Maria rotunda, ara coeli, via lata, de pace et populo.
10. on St. Niclas and Tolentinus day plenary indulgence in the following churches, at S. Maria de populo and at St. Augustine.
1) In the original: "Abden and Senner".
14. on the day of the holy cross exaltation, and the eighth day after that, at the holy cross in Jerusalem plenary indulgence.
On Ouatember midweek at Mary major eighteen thousand year and so much forty-day remission of penance.
On Ouatember Friday at St. Apostle 18,000 year and plenary indulgence.
On Ouatember Saturday at St. Peter 28,000 year indulgence.
21st On St. Matthew the Apostle Day plenary indulgence.
29. at St. Michel, Archangel, plenary indulgence.
30th At S. Maria major, on St. Jerome's day, plenary indulgence.
October.
4. on St. Francis day and Ockav plenary indulgence.
18. at St. Lucas Evangelists plenary indulgence.
28. perfect indulgence on the day of Simonis etc. at St. Peter's.
November.
1. on All Saints' Day and the whole Octave at 8. Maria roturiäa plenary indulgence.
2. on All Souls' Day at St. Gregory's, Camaldolese Order, plenary indulgence the whole Octavian, and it is also taken for the deceased.
8. perfect indulgence at St. Peter and Paul.
9. at St. John's. Lateran. Consecration of the Chapel 8alvatoris plenary indulgence.
11. perfect indulgence on St. Martin's day at St. Peter's.
21. at 8. maria rnazor prasssiit. plenary indulgence.
23. at St. Element plenary indulgence.
25. perfect indulgence at St. Catharine Martyr.
30. St. Andrew in St. Peter's churches plenary indulgence.
December.
On the 1st Sunday in Advent at St. Peter's plenary indulgence. At S. Mary major twenty-eight thousand year indulgence.
On the second Sunday of Advent at the Holy. Cross of Jerusalem 11,000 years and plenary indulgence.
On the third Sunday at St. Peter 28,000 year and quadragen, also plenary indulgence.
On the fourth Sunday at St. Peter's and St. Paul's plenary indulgence.
2nd St. Bibianä Church plenary indulgence.
6. St. Niclas in oarcere, plenary indulgence.
8. total indulgence in five places for the Assumption and the entire Octave.
13 St. Lucy's plenary indulgence.
On Quatember Wednesday at S. Maria major twenty-eight thousand year and quadragen, also plenary indulgence.
On Friday St. Apostle ten thousand year and plenary indulgence.
On Saturday St. Peter twenty thousand year and so much quadragen, that is, forty-day penitential indulgence.
21st St. Thomas the Apostle plenary indulgence.
24. on Christmas Eve S. Mary major twenty-eight thousand year and quadragen indulgence.
25th On S. Chrism Day S. Maria major plenary indulgence at S. Anastasia, the early Mass twenty-eight thousand years, and 1) quadragen, also plenary indulgence at the office in S. Maria major and Ara coeli, twenty-eight thousand years and quadragen, also plenary indulgence.
26. at St. Lawrence outside the city wall, and at St. Stephen's. rotundo, 28,000 year and quadragen, also plenary indulgence.
27. at St. John Lateran. 28,000 year and plenary indulgence.
28. at St. Paul fifteen thousand years and plenary indulgence.
31. perfect indulgence at St. Sylvester.
32 Alexander de Neronibus, apostolic protonotary, preceptor of the Hospital of the Holy Spirit in Rome. Spirit in Rome, plenary indulgence for the dead and the living. 1516.
From Kapp's "Nachlese", Theil III, p. 213. Walch remarks that this document is not in the right place here, but should have been postponed further.
Translated into German.
The most holy Father and Lord in Christ, Nicolaus V, by the Grace of God, of blessed memory, Pope, has granted indulgences, absolved from sins, and given to all and every believer in Christ of both sexes who, from the goods granted to them by God, donates to the apostolic Hospital of the Holy Spirit in Saxia in the city a papal gold florin or an equivalent, either according to their wealth, according to the valuation of the preceptor, brothers and commissaries of the named hospital, for the maintenance of the poor, the infirm, and children who have been laid off. gold florins, or an equivalent, either according to their wealth, according to the assessment of the preceptor, the brothers and commissaries of the named hospital, for the maintenance of the poor, the infirm, and the abandoned children, whose in the-
1) "and" put by us instead of: "an" in the old edition, according to the parallel Constance Jubilee Calendar.
The saints, who are a large number in the hospital, are to be given alms, and all penalties imposed on them at the hour of death, and after death all punishments which they deserved to suffer in purgatory for the cleansing of sins, are to be remitted: For we, by the mercy of God Almighty, and of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and out of that authority which the Lord bestowed upon us, grant to all and every believer in Christ of both sexes, who from their goods given to them by God, a papal gold florin, or an equivalent, either according to their fortune, as may be deemed proper by the Preceptore, friars, nuncios and procurators, or the commissaries, shall give alms to the said hospital, for the maintenance of the poor, infirm, and abandoned children who are in the said hospital, if only they have heartfelt remorse for their sin and confess it with their mouths, remitting all penance imposed on them for their sin in the last hour of death, mercifully in the Lord. That if perhaps one of them will deliver the said quantum to the intended hospital for the souls of the father and mother or other deceased, who have departed from this life in the sincerity of faith, and the unity of the Holy Roman Church, and in our obedience and that of our successors, the Roman Pontiffs, in repentance and full confession, if it is otherwise time and possible to confess: We absolve and remit all such who die in Christ, trusting in God's mercy, in which we trust more and more in heaven. By whose power we absolve from all punishment on earth, which they deserved to suffer after this time for the purification of their sin, by virtue of foreknown power, mercifully in the Lord absolve and remit at the same time. Which remission of sin and absolution from punishment all Roman popes, as ancestors of Nicolai V, have approved and confirmed; and recently also the most holy Father in Christ and Lord, and our Lord, Mr. Leo X, by the grace of God Pope, has approved and confirmed this same remission and absolution, and has conferred it anew. Therefore, we have Alexander de Neronibus, de Florentia, apostolic protonotarius, preceptor of the aforementioned apostolic hospital, and magister of this entire order generalis, our saint's
sten Herrn Pabsts magister domus, our below designated Commissair assigned to this and other duties; wanting, as we are held, that to all and every believer of Christ of both sexes, living and dead, this treasure
The church is to be distributed and allocated in the manner of an intercession. And because the believer(s) of Christ gave and deposited with our apostolic hospital this alms named in the preceding letter and assessed at the discretion of our commissioner reported below for the believing soul(s) of the deceased: therefore, by virtue of the present, we certify and attest that such souls have obtained complete remission and release from all the punishments they deserve to suffer for the purification of their sins in Purgatory. In the name of the Master, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Given under our round seal of the apostolic hospital, and our below named Commissarii signature. On the day of the month ... in the 1516th year. In the fourth year of the Pontificate of the Most Holy Father in Christ and Lord, our Lord Leo X, by the Grace of God Pope.
A letter of indulgence from the papal nuncio Raymundus Peraldus, which he issued in 1489, since he had been sent to Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Liefland as commissary general of indulgences and nuncio to the pope.
From Lünig's Oerinun. Diplom, kuer., park I, p. 361 reprinted in Löscher's Reformation Acta, Theil I, p. 364.
Translated into German.
To all and everyone who will see the present letter, Raymundus Peraldi, Alnisian Archidiaconus in the Xanctonensian Church, professor of the holy divinity, protonotarius of the apostolic see, and of our most holy Lord Pabst referendarius domesticus, with full power of a legatus a latere envoy, ambassador and apostolic commissarius to Germany, also all and every province, city, country, and territory of Germany, the Holy Roman Empire, its Electors, and here and there its subjects, also the kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Liefland, Prussia, and Russia, and islands and provinces, also other dominions, countries, and territories bordering the same, Hail! We wish you to know that the Most Holy Father in Christ and our Lord, Mr. Innocentius VIII, the contemporary pope, have granted all and every believer in Christ of both sexes, who for the protection of the Orthodox faith against the Turks, enemies of this faith, according to our decree, assistance to the Orthodox faith.
The Holy Father has also granted, in addition to the Jubilee, other indulgences, pardons, and privileges which the faithful of Christ themselves may obtain by attending the churches, through us or our commissioners to be deputized, as if they had attended the main Roman churches at the time of the Jubilee, as is more fully contained in the apostolic letter issued for this purpose; that they may choose a skilled confessor, whether of a religious order or not, who may once in their lives grant them complete absolution from all and any sins, excesses, vices and crimes, even those which the apostolic see has reserved to itself in general or in particular, but to absolve those whom this same See has not reserved for itself, as often as it pleases them in their time of life, even on their deathbed, as often as one is doubtful about their life, even if they should not die then, be able to grant complete forgiveness of all their sin. Our most holy Lord has also granted indulgence on his own initiative, so that all and every believer in Christ and their deceased parents and benefactors, who have departed with love, may always share in all petitions, intercessions, masses, alms, fasts, prayers, disciplines, and all other spiritual goods that are and can be done in the whole holy contending Church of Christ and all its members. And lest anyone should raise any doubt about the foregoing, our most holy Lord himself has willed that our present letter be accorded as much credence as would be accorded to it if it were issued under a leaden bull. Neither should this letter be included among the general or special revocations or annulments that might be issued with respect to such pardons and benefits. And because the devout in Christ N. N. N. have contributed from their goods to this faith of Godly help and defense, according to the will of the pope and our decree, as we confirm by the present letter, which has been handed over to them by us as a testimony of this, then we grant and permit out of apostolic power entrusted to us, by the present, that they may and can make use of and enjoy said pardons and indulgences. Given under our seal ordained for this purpose on the first of the month of August in the year 1489.
34. of the same Raymundus, Cardinal of Gurk and Envoy of Indulgences, two diplomas of the relics to be found at the University of Paris, together with enclosed indulgences. 1502.
From ^oü. I^nuoji nanck. knris. illustrnt. torri. I, x. 222 and 224.
Translated into German.
Raymund, by divine mercy of the Holy Roman Church and of St. Maria Nova Cardinal Priest of Gurk, to all Germany, Denmark, 1) Sweden, Norway, Friesland, Prussia, and all and each of the same countries and cities, regions and places, even those subject to and bordering on the Holy Roman Empire in Germany itself, of the Apostolic See Legatus de Latere, in perpetual remembrance of the cause etc. Just as the accepted office of our and the Holy See's Legation always reminds us: so we take care of the salvation of all believers in Christ willingly and gladly. And that what has therefore been done may remain the more firm, the more it is confirmed by the power of the Holy Apostolic See: so we confirm it by the power of our office, and, to promote the divine service the more, awaken the faithful of Christ themselves by spiritual gifts to greater devotion, as we, by the impulse of the Lord, deem it wholesome and serviceable to be. Now, the petition presented to us by our beloved brother in Christ, John Capel, of the Minorite Order, named by the Observance, of the Divine Right Professoris, contains that
Because, having some holy relics of St. Anne, the most glorious mother of the Virgin Mary, and Mary Jacobi and Salome daughters, likewise of Mary Magdalene, and the holy virgins and martyrs Cecilia, Agatha, Agnes, Barbara, Ursula, Constantia, the sister of her bridegroom, and Apollonia, and the holy martyrs, Sebastians, Blasii, and the confessors, bishops, Nicolai at Mire, Huberts at Liège, Sulpitii at Burges, Germani at Auxerre, and Eligii at Noviomum; by the most venerable in Christ Father John, bishop of Liège, granting and permitting, out of special favor
1) "Denmark" put by us instead of: "Dacien" in the old edition, because we assume that vaoia was read from vania. Likewise in the following documents. Once, Col. 229 of the old edition, even Walch has added to "Dacien" as explanatory word: "(Dännemark)". Nevertheless, it is said ibid. Col. 238 that the king of "Dacien" wars with Lübeck.
from various places of the said city and district, and communicated to the College of the excellent University of Paris and certain other places, for the awakening of the devotion of the faithful: It would increase daily the devotion of the Christian faithful, which everything has been done to increase, and would immensely promote the divine service, by which the honor of the name of Jesus would be elevated, if we, as was enclosed in the petition, confirmed the withdrawal and the approval of the matter with the letters of the most venerable in Christ John of Horrues, bishop of Liège, with the authority of our legation, with the granting of his own indulgence; he, the said brother John, humbly requested us to assist him in all the above-mentioned matters: We, who recognize the said letters and the seal attached thereto, and who in the said Parisian Studii Collegio, which is called Navarre, have learned the Holy Scriptures, which we teach, the first reasons and letters, for the increase of all the devotion of the faithful of Christ, and out of gratitude to the persons attached to the said Studii and Collegio, out of the obligatory duty of our legation, have wholeheartedly promoted all this. And accordingly, by virtue of our said Legation, which we hereby administer, we affirm, confirm, and approve the foregoing letters, and what is contained therein, and all that follows therefrom, in so far as it pertains to such letters, by this present writing and the perpetual validity thereof, in such a manner that any and all defects of right or deed are as good as superseded. And want that, if some by trickery or deceit oppose, nevertheless one has to pay attention to the care and effort of the aforementioned brother Johann Capel to promote the devotion of the faithful, and that consequently his reasonable request is to be given room. And that furthermore the said and all other holy places, to which some of the reported relics, for the increase of the Christian faithful in their devotion, are duly brought and kept therein, are visited with due honor and diligently venerated by all the Christian faithful, and duly preserved and protected in their buildings and services, also well provided and supplied with books, chalices, lights and all church ornaments necessary for worship, and the divine service therein increased. So that the believers in Christ themselves may come to the said places of worship all the more willingly for the sake of devotion.
2) In the old edition: "only" instead of now.
and for their renewal, preservation, protection and support, or whatever else has been thought of, the more quickly they offer their helping hand, the more they feel the rich heavenly gift of grace there: so we, who are inclined to the said brother John, who is beloved to us in Christ, herewith want all and every believer in Christ, who do true penance and confession, and visit the very same holy places and churches on each of the four most distinguished feasts of the year, likewise the holy Virgin Mary, and St. Anne, her mother, and Francisci, and other aforementioned saints' days, from the first to the last vespers. Anna, their mother, and Francisci, and other aforesaid saints' days, from the first to the second vespers, and who lend a helping hand to the same or to some of the same, for all days and times on which and as often as they do the aforesaid or something of the same, have graciously remitted 100 days of the penances imposed on them, that it may remain from now on always for future times. In witness whereof we have executed this letter and affixed our seal thereto. Given Erford, in the district of Mainz, Anno Christi 1502, Nov. 3, of the Papacy of our most Holy Father in Christ, Lord Alexandri, by the divine providence of Pabst VI in the 11th year.
The other diploma reads like this:
Raymund, by divine providence of the Holy Roman Church of the title of St. Maria Nova Cardinal Priest of Gurk, to all Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Friesland, Prussia, and all other their lands, cities, regions, and also the places subject to the Holy Roman Empire in Germany itself and adjacent to them, of the Apostolic See Legatus de Latere, to all and everyone who will see this letter, constant salvation in the Lord! We hereby announce and testify that we have received from the Vicar of the Monastery of St. Anastasii at Three Wells, outside the walls of the city of Rome (who, instead of the most reverend in God Father and Lord, Mr. Raphael, by divine providence, has named St. Georgii to the Golden Fleece of the Holy Roman Church Cardinaldiaconi, and permanent appointed Commendatarii of the same monastery) by virtue of an apostolic breve of our most holy Lord Pope, which allows us to accept all relics in and out of the city, and so has been conferred upon us; and still further below some of the holy 10,000 martyrs, hidden in the so-called Celestial Ladder Chapel, which is next to and near said monastery.
Relics, which the same vicarius gave us charitably and free of charge, humbly and with due reverence (in the presence of the venerable fathers, Mr. Rupert, bishop of Trecor, Marcelli de Clodiis, canon of St. Laurentii in Damaso in the city, and Sebastiani de Bonis, and many credible persons who were there at that time). Laurentii in Damaso in the city, and Sebastiani de Bonis, the apostolic see protonotaries, and many other credible persons who were there at that time; also some relics of the 11,000 virgins, which we received from the monastery of the 11,000 Cologne virgins, since we were present in person, in the month of April of the present A. D. 1502. year, with the consent of the abbess and the convent of the same monastery) by virtue of the same breve. Of which relics (both of the 10,000 martyrs and of the 11,000 virgins) we have given a part or a small piece to Brother John Capel, beloved to us in Christ, public teacher of the Holy Scriptures, of the Minorite Order of the Observance, who was in Provence; that he would like to present it to the excellent one beloved in Christ, Grand Master, Provisor and Magistris of the Burgariorum in the arts and basics of grammar, to the students and chaplains of the world-famous Royal Navarrese College of the noble University of Paris, where we otherwise stayed as a bursar and were not as diligent in the holy teachings of God; Therefore, he should accept the said relics on our behalf, and place them in the chapel of the same world-famous college, for God's and the said holy ten thousand martyrs and eleven thousand virgins' honor and veneration, and for the Christian faithful's devotion, to be kept there always and respectably, with due shyness and reverence. For we, so that henceforth all believers in Christ of both sexes, who do true repentance and confession, may come together in said chapel all the more devoutly in God's honor and veneration of said holy relics, the more they see that they are attaining salvation for their souls, hereby wish, trusting in the almighty God's grace and the holy power of His apostles, Peter and Paul, all and every believer of both sexes, so do right penance and confession, and the chapel of said Collegii on the day when the aforementioned holy relics will be delivered by the very same brother Johann Capel, said Grand Master, Provisor, Bursario and Chaplains of said Collegii, and when the very same relics will be reopened and placed (or placed) by them again in said chapel with honor.
The saints, Louis and others, shall also devoutly attend three days or feasts to be appointed by the same magistrates, provisors, bursars and chaplains, from the first to the second vespers included, and for all the said days, when they shall do so, they shall graciously remit 100 days of the penances imposed upon them in the Lord, that it may henceforth always remain so in the future.
But the content of the above-mentioned breve is as follows:
Alexander Pabst, the VI.
Beloved Son, greetings and apostolic blessings! We gladly comply with your sincere request, in which especially the relics of the saints are honored, and, as much as we are able with God, we gladly accept them in grace. Since we have appointed you as a legate de latere nostro (from our side) to Germany and other countries bordering it, and are willingly inclined to everything by which you can show mercy to the believers in Christ, as well as to the churches and holy places: Then we give you that you accept all of the holy relics, which are in and out of the city somewhere, from those, who want to give you something mildly of it, joyfully and lead on to all places, and to the churches and other holy places, or also princes and other Christ-believers of both sexes, who you will recognize as devout and ready for the same preservation, freely and without hindrance, so that no prohibition (whether it has already happened in ban and in provincial and synodal conciliation, also apostolic, against it), nor any statute and ordinance, or what can otherwise be contrary to it, hinder you, thereby from apostolic power complete power. Given in Rome at St. Peter's under the Fisherman's Ring, October 27, 1500, in the 9th year of our Papacy.
To our beloved son Raymund, of the title of St. Mary Novice, Cardinal Priest of Gurk, our and the Apostolic See's Legate.
In witness whereof we have caused the present letters to be executed and confirmed with the affixing of our seal. Given Erfurt, of the Mainz district, Anno der Menschwerdung Christi 1502 den 5. Novembris, des Pabstthums unseres aller holigsten in Christo Vaters und Herrn Alexandri, durch divine Vorsehung gemeldten Pabst, im 11. Jahr.
35. a letter from the Cardinal of Gurk to the Mayor of Leipzig, Wolfgang Peilike, the
Letter of indulgence issued January 10, 1502.
From the "innocent news," 1706, p. 299.
Translated into German.
Raymundus, by the divine mercy of the Holy Roman Church sanctae Mariae novae Cardinalpresbyter, Bishop of Gurk, of the Holy Apostolic See Protonotarius and of our most holy Lord Pabst Referendarius domesticus, to Germany and all and each of its provinces, cities, lands and lands in Germany, which belong to the Holy Roman Empire, and the Churfürsten, Herzogen, Fürsten, Count and Baron, wherever they may be, as well as to the Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Livonian, Prussian and Russian kingdoms, islands, provinces and other surrounding dominions, countries and lands, Oerter, Legatus de Latere, Apostolic Orator, Nuncius and Commissarius, to all and everyone who will read or hear of this letter, salvation in the Lord and Savior! We declare and know that the Most Holy Father in Christ and our Lord, Mr. Alexander, present Pope, has granted to all and every believer in Christ of both sexes manifold indulgences, pardons and benefits, which should be offered either by us or by our commissaries, also in such cases which the Apostolic See has reserved for itself either in general or especially, and which concern the hour of death, so that we may give them the most perfect forgiveness of all our sins, eternal blessedness and the Kingdom of Heaven. Our most holy Lord has also granted grace by His own motion, so that their parents, children and whole family may also be granted such indulgences, pardons and benefits and all spiritual goods. And lest there should be any doubt about the above, our most holy Lord has willed that our present letter be given as much credence as if it had been issued under his leaden bull; not less that the same should in no way be included among all general and special revocations and annulments which might go forth on account of such pardons and benefits. And because the devout and faithful in Christ, Wolfgang Peilike together with his wife, to the service of God, the Catholic religion and
168 Vom Ursprung u. Fortgang d. päbstl. Indulgences. 1. section, no. 35 f. W. xv, 20S-207. 169
We are also very humbly concerned, out of fear of purgatory and hell, that we may grant them and their family grace so that they may not burn and suffer torment in limbo for a long time: We hereby grant, give and bestow upon them and their entire family, by virtue of the apostolic power vested in us, that they may enjoy and enjoy the said pardons, indulgences and benefits. To certify this, we have executed this letter and have affixed our seal to it. Given in Leipzig, in the year of the Lord 1502, the 10th of January, of the papal dignity of our most holy in Christ Father and Lord, Mr. Pabst Alexandri, by divine providence of the sixth, in the eleventh year.
The letter of indulgence granted by this Cardinal of Gurk to the Church of the Holy Cross in Dresden. 1502.
From the "innocent news" 1714, p. 909.
Translated into German..,
Raymund, 1) by divine mercy of the Holy Roman and the New Holy Mary Church Priest-Cardinal of Gurk, of the Apostolic See Legatus a Latere to all German
The Holy Roman Empire, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Friesland, Prussia, and to all and every province, city, country, and region thereof, even those in Germany itself under the Holy Roman Empire, and bordering on the same, wishes to all and every believer in Christ, to whom the present letter will come to view, constant salvation in the Lord! The miraculous sign of the holy cross, which will be in heaven when the Lord comes to judgment, and by which he who died on the wood will himself save the
1) "Raymund" put by us instead of "Johann" in the old edition, because the titles prove that it is the same person as in the previous documents. The name "Johann" will probably have come here from the following confirmation letter of the bishop "Johann von Meißen".
The story of the cross that redeems the world, as well as the story of the disciples, remind us that on the sea of this world, when the storm arises, we must take refuge in the sign of the cross. Because the salvation of the world depends on it, we consider this sign worthy of devout contemplation and deepest attention; indeed, we consider ourselves bound to venerate with praiseworthy pardons of sins and to bestow indulgences on those who are adorned with the name of this holy and wondrous cross. We therefore wish that the Holy Cross Church of the city of Dresden, in the Meissen region, be given due honor, be honored by the faithful of Christ at all times, be properly rebuilt together with its buildings, be preserved and protected, as well as be properly provided with books, chalices, candlesticks, and other ornaments necessary for the service, and also that the service be increased in it. And so that the faithful of Christ may the more readily assemble there for the sake of worship, and the more willingly lend a helping hand for its erection, preservation and protection, support and other aforementioned things, so that they may thereby more abundantly enjoy the gift of heavenly grace there: We have been moved in this matter by the request of our fathers (vitricorum) of the said Church, beloved in Christ, trusting in the mercy of Almighty God and in the will of His blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, to give to all truly penitent and confessing believers in Christ of both sexes, who are in the said Church all and every day, namely, the exaltation and invention of the Holy Cross, the conception and proclamation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the dedication feast of the same church, have met annually in congregation from the first evening until the next inclusive, and have made a helpful contribution to the aforementioned, for all and each of the aforementioned feast days for one hundred days; Who will devoutly and reverently attend the procession on the sixth holy feast day, when the venerable is carried, for all and each of the aforesaid days, having done so, for 600 days, remit to the Lord the penalties imposed upon them, both now and in all times hereafter continuing. To assure this, we have issued the present letter and affirmed it with the affixing of our seal. Given at Magdeburg in the year of the Incarnation of the Lord 1502, the 8th of February, in the 11th year of the most holy Pope, in Christ the Father, and of our Lord Alexander, by the grace of God the VI.
As an aside.
And we John, by the grace of God and the Apostolic See, Bishop of Meissen, have deemed it good to accept this letter with its entire contents, because it does not seem to be suspect or altered in any way, and to consider it valid; we also accept it, approve it, consider it acceptable, and introduce it into our territory and into the place indicated in it. And we nevertheless give to all our truly penitent, confessing and contrite believers, who have shown themselves in accordance with the foregoing, as often as they have done so, out of mercy 40 days' indulgence on account of the penalties imposed upon them, both now and in the time to come. Given and done at Stolpen, in the year 1503, the 11th of April, with the seal of our court attached for multiple authentication.
37. two other letters of indulgence from Raymundus, detached from him by Daniel von Buren and Heinrich Grashof. 1502.
From the "innocent news" 1713, p. 1045 and 1716, p. 187.
So the first one is German:
Raymundus, out of divine mercy tituli sanctae Mariae novas of the Holy Roman Church Cardinal Presbyter of Gurk, of the Apostolic See Legatus a latere in all Germany, in Denmark, 1) Sweden, Norway, Friesland, Prussia, also all and every province, city, country, and other countries also subject to the Holy Roman Empire in Germany itself and bordering the same: To all and every one to whom the present letter comes to view, salvation in the Lord! To know and to know that the Most Holy Father in Christ, and our Lord, Mr. Alexander VI, by the Grace of God Pope, has permitted all and every believer in Christ of both sexes, who for the protection of the Orthodox faith against the Turks, as enemies of this faith, lend a helping hand according to our decree, that they may apply for public indulgences, also this and that indulgence, as well as graces and benefits, which the faithful of Christ themselves may receive by attending the churches,
1) In the old edition: "in der Wallachey". Here again, vauiu will probably be read instead of vaeia, compare Col. 162.
by us or our deputized commissioners, just as if they had visited the main churches of the city at the time of the jubilee year, as the apostolic letters issued about it moreover state, can choose a skilled confessor, be he a secular priest or a religious priest, who, once in their lives, may grant them complete pardon for any and all sins, transgressions, crimes and misdeeds, including those which the apostolic see reserves for itself in general or in particular, with the exception of those contained in the letters which are customarily read on the day of Cena Domini; But of other sins, which this same See has not reserved to itself, it may absolve them during their life, as often as they wish, and at the hour of death, as often as one is in doubt about their death, even if they should then arise again, it may grant complete forgiveness of all their sins. Our most holy Father has also, of his own accord, granted indulgence, so that all and every such believer in Christ, together with their deceased parents and benefactors, who have departed from the world with love, may eternally partake of all petitions, intercessions of the saints, mass, alms, prayers, disciplines and other spiritual goods, which are and may be done in the whole holy contending Church of Christ and all the members thereof. And so that no one may be in doubt about the above, our most holy Lord has willed that the present letter be accorded the same faith that would be accorded to it if it were issued under a leaden bull. Not less, that the same should not be included among all and any general and special revocations and annulments which might go out because of such pardons and approvals. 2) And because the devout in Christ would have the same faith as it would have if it had been issued under a bull of lead. And because the devout in Christ, Daniel von Büren, with his wife Beeke, contributed to the same faith good help and defense, according to the will of the pope and our decree, as we prove by the present letter, which we handed to him to testify this, from their fortune; therefore we, from the apostolic power granted to us, allow and grant him by the present that he may and can use and enjoy reported pardons and indulgences. Given under our seal prescribed for this purpose, on the Saturday of the month of June, the 25th, in the year of our Lord 1502.
2) "Not" inserted by us. Compare Col. 161.
172 Vom Ursprung u. Fortgang d. päbstl. Indulgences. Section 1, no. 37 ff. W. xv, 209-212. 173
Formula of absolution to be used in life as often as necessary.
He has mercy on you etc. May our Lord Jesus Christ absolve you through the merit of his suffering. By virtue thereof, and of my apostolic authority committed unto me, and well communicated unto thee, I absolve thee from all thy sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Form of absolution and total remission, once in life and at the hour of death.
He has mercy on you etc. Our Lord Jesus Christ absolve you through the merit of his suffering; and I, by virtue of this, and the apostolic authority given to me in this piece and communicated to you, absolve you, first, from all banishment, great or small, if you are under it. Then from all your sins, which you repent of, confess, and of which you no longer remember, granting you complete forgiveness of all your sins, remitting to you the penalties of purgatory, as far as the keys of the Holy Mother, the Church, extend. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The other one to Heinrich Grashof and his wife Margaretha, dated 8 Mart, 1502, agrees in everything with the previous one.
38 A letter of freedom for Duke George's court chaplain, from the same. 1502.
From the "innocent news" 1713, p. 368.
Translated into German.
Raymundus, by the mercy of God of the Holy Roman Church, title of Sanctae Mariae novae Cardinalpresbpter of Gurk, Legatus a latere of the Apostolic See in the whole of Germany, through Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Friesland, Prussia, also all and each of the same provinces, cities, countries and lands, also those which are subject to and border the Holy Roman Empire in Germany itself: To Balthasari Thomel, beloved of us in Christ, presbytero Capellano of the Highborn Prince George, Duke of Saxony, Capellan of the Meissen Diocese, salvation in the Lord! The sincere devotion which we owe to the Roman Church
If you consider us good witnesses, we are not unworthy to be at your beck and call. Therefore, because we are inclined to your most humble request, it may happen that you may choose a skilled priest, be he a secular priest or a religious priest, as your confessor, who, during your life, in the cases which the papal see reserves for itself, with the exception of those contained in the bull coenae domini, will give you complete confession only once in your life and at the hour of death, but in other cases, which this same See does not reserve to itself, as often as it may be necessary, after diligently hearing confession, to grant you due absolution for what you have committed and for your crimes, and to impose upon you a salutary penitence, and all your vows, the vow across the sea, likewise to the churches of the blessed apostles Peter and Paul in Rome, and to St. James in Compostell. Jacob to Compostell, as well as to transform the vow of chastity and the monastic vow into other good works. And that you are allowed to keep a altar with due reverence and honor, on which you can say mass and other divine services in your and your trusted companions' presence, or have them said, in places that are suitable for this action and where it is honorable, but without prejudice to a foreign right, and if the nature of the business requires it according to the occasion. In addition, by virtue of the legation which we have brought upon us in this matter, we grant you, by virtue of this letter, a special dispensation that during Lent and other times in which dairy foods are forbidden, you may help yourself to butter, cheese, and other dairy foods, and eat the same, without causing yourself any scruple of conscience, together with your trusted household members and those who are present at your table to dine. To certify this, we have ordered the present letter to be executed and affirmed with our seal. Given at Magdeburg, in the year of the Incarnation of the Lord 1502, February 8, in the eleventh year of the Pontificate of the Most Holy Father and Lord in Christ, our Lord Alexandri, by the Grace of God Pope.
39. of the most reverend in God Father and Lord, Lord Raymundi, of the Holy Roman Church of the title of S. Mariae novae Priest, Cardinal of Gurk and Legate etc. Orders and Pa-
The first part of the book is a series of documents that have been distributed and made known to the poor and other believers in Christ who want to earn the Most Holy Jubilee. 1502.
From Kapp's "Nachlese nützlicher Reformationurkunden," Theil IV, p. 372. This writing is printed at Erfurt in 1502 under the title: Reverend, in Oüristo putris et dolnini, domini Ruvmuridi etc., nmndutu et deelurutiones, in tuvorein xuuperuni uliorum^ue Oüristi üdeliurn, saeratissilnuln jubileurn xrornereri volentium, novissirne editue et deelurutue.
Translated into German.
Raymundus, by the grace of God of the Holy Roman Church, of the title of S. Mariae novae Cardinal of Gurk, to all Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Friesland, Prussia, and all the countries, cities and towns subject to the Holy Roman Empire in Germany itself and bordering thereon, delegate legate a latere of the Apostolic See, to all and everyone who will read the present letter, everlasting salvation in the Lord! We hereby announce that the Most Holy in God the Father and our Lord, Mr. Alexander, by Divine Providence Pope, the VI, before Anno 1500, in the beginning of the month of September, as soon as their holiness and the holy college heard, not without tears and heartfelt pain, that Modon, 1) Coronna and many large and small cities of the Christians were conquered by the arch-enemies of the Christian religion, and miserably executed and destroyed, many thousands of men murdered, the women tempted with fornication or killed, or with nursing children, maids and virgins, unfortunately genothzüchtigt, captive led away, and that therefore, if not soon help would happen, to fear that not the perjured and shameful mad dogs, the Turks, sworn and cruel enemies of the Christian name and of our holy right faith (if they saw that the Catholic kings, princes and potentates were divided among themselves, seeking only their own self-interest, but the common good of our faith and of all Christendom), their own honor and duty to God and said our faith, out of forgetfulness of their high dignity, for nothing), finally inflicted more and incurable harm on Christians, as they have already done in previous years to various countries and places in Germany, Hungary, Poland, Croatia and other neighboring places.
1) In the old edition: Modra. - "Coronna" is Koron.
The people of the Holy Roman Empire have not refrained from inflicting, have not refrained from inflicting in the present year, and unfortunately! still do not fail to inflict daily, to the greatest insult of the Divine Majesty and Her Holiness, and of the Holy Apostolic See, of the Emperor, of the entire Empire, and of all Catholic kings and princes and other believers in Christ, disgrace, dishonor, and harm.
And their holiness further considered, since they delegated us as their legate to this highly famous German nation, and various other cardinals to other kingdoms and countries, in the month of October, now two years ago:
That at that time the end of the Jubilee proclaimed in the city would be at the door, and that the Christian believers of different nations during the said Jubilee year, both because of the dangerous roads, as well as because of poverty, old age and war unrest, and also for other various reasons, could not easily come to the city of Rome to acquire this holy Jubilee (indulgence), and could not visit the designated churches in person. And their holinesses have nevertheless agreed with God to launch a great campaign against those perjured and shameful Turks (by uniting the princes of Christendom with their holinesses), and not to expect their invasion, but rather to hinder and advance such invasion with all their might, without sparing temporal goods or the Church, yes, not even their person, and to risk their blood with the above-mentioned princes, if necessity requires it, as their Holiness has solemnly pledged to God in the Consistorio, in our presence; and thereby also to win over the souls of the believers in Christ, who for the above-mentioned reasons do not deserve the announced Jubilee or cannot come to the city, to God, which is the most noble cause of the granting and announcement of the announced Jubilee.
Therefore, with the advice and consent of the most reverend of our lords, the Holy Roman Church Cardinals, you have decreed us a legate a latere to the whole of Germany, Denmark, Norway, and other aforementioned countries, first of all to make peace, if possible, among all princes as well as all other persons belonging to our legation who disagree among themselves; then also to proclaim or cause to be proclaimed the aforesaid most holy indulgence, together with other pardons and liberties of the Jubilee and the Jubilee itself. Likewise, the Roman and Danish kings, the highborn lords, princes and other sovereigns, and all the people of the empire.
and other countries in our charge to take up arms against these same perjured and shameful Turks, enemies of the name of Christ, and to bring the said people to direct and invest some of the fortune given to them by God for the above-mentioned campaign against the reported Turks and for the salvation of their souls, as well as for the defense of the true faith.
Although we have had the most holy jubilee and other pardons and liberties announced in various cities, countries and places of Germany and Denmark, according to the letter and content of the letters given to us about them: Nevertheless, considering that many believers in Christ of both sexes, some because of the harvest of grain, grape harvest and other fruits, have had to do with it; some also because of the remoteness of the cities and places where the indulgences have been posted or proclaimed; partly also because of the plague, which prevails almost everywhere in large cities, where the Jubilee was scheduled (especially on the Rhine and in many other cities of Germany), the Jubilee could not well have acquired and enjoyed; others, however, due to the instigation of the enemy of the human race, may not have asked much to acquire such a Jubilee:
And that also, since the winter is at the door, since because of rough weather, danger and inconvenience of the way, frequent rain and snow, so everything is by the winter, reported Christian believers, who have not been part of the jubilee festival itself, also for the acquisition of the same without great harm to their persons, goods and households, can not well have gone away from their houses and villages in which they live.
And therefore, for the salvation of the souls of the faithful in Christ, and to save them from much trouble, expense and danger, it has seemed much more salutary and better to us that the little that the poor of means might want to spend, if they were to travel for the acquisition of the said jubilee from such villages and towns that are far away from the cities in which the jubilee is or will be, The poor, who have nothing, should not be able to pay for the jubilee, and that the poor, who have nothing, should not be able to pay for the jubilee, and that the poor, who have nothing, should not be able to pay for the jubilee, should not be able to pay for the jubilee, and that the poor, who have nothing, should not be able to pay for the jubilee, and that the poor, who have nothing, should not be able to pay for the jubilee. And that the poor, who have nothing, are also the more likely to participate in the reported jubilee, with whom one has to bear more pity than with the rich:
We hereby declare and wish that henceforth, due to the suspicion of the plague and obange
We have been moved and urged, in addition to the above-mentioned causes, to have the jubilee festival established in the above manner in small towns and large villages (hamlets), so that all subjects of our Legation may acquire such grace as they would otherwise acquire, if they, after having heard of our will and decree, do not commit any evil against it and prevent themselves. But we have been especially moved and urged, apart from the above-mentioned causes, to establish and have established the Feast of Jubilee in the above manner in small towns and large villages, because we read that Christ (whose deeds are our doctrine), when he was in this world and preached his law, did not so much preach his law in Jerusalem and large towns in Judea, as also in small towns and castles (villages), as Luc. 8, as he went about cities and towns; in which places it is thought that Christ won more of the people than in Jerusalem and large cities, in his measure, and that because of the envy and blasphemy of the chief priests and Pharisees and other rulers of the Jews in Jerusalem and other large cities, who feared that Christ's preaching and deeds and miracles that he did would weaken their prestige; Therefore they misinterpreted all the speeches and deeds of Christ, saying that he cast out devils in Beelzebub, the chief of the devils, according to Jn. 8, and in another place: Do we not say rightly that thou art a Samaritan, and hast the devil? (ib.) As we know that in the same way many things have been said against the pope, us and our commissaries, at the proclamation of the jubilee, to the destruction of the souls of those who spoke such things, and especially in some large cities, by instigating the devil, because they were afraid, because they feared that the proclamation of the Jubilee would cause them harm and damage to their authority and reputation, looking more to their own benefit and purse than to the salvation of souls, and were not afraid to fall under the ban contained in the apostolic bulls by such unjust interpretations, which prevented many from obtaining the Jubilee grace. Yes, which is even worse, some even wanted the Jubilee to end before the proper time, perhaps out of fear that the people (for what cause is not known, except an evil one; since said Jubilee can bring nothing but salvation, and consequently also to those who look more to divine than temporal benefits) might want to do something for the protection of faith and salvation.
give more of its temporal goods than it would have given if it had granted longer.
And because of the lack of proper announcement, and negligence of otherwise good commissioners, who are not experienced enough in this matter (although we think we have appointed only the most worthy prelates, doctors and other honest men), and also because of the fear of the plague and the need of the people, who then do not have much before the harvest of grain, wine and other fruits, many have not been able to obtain the said jubilee in the places where it was laid and ended before the time: We consider the salvation of souls to be of benefit, especially of those who at that time had not yet harvested grain, wine or other fruits, and because they do not want to be counted among the poor out of shame, have now refrained from acquiring the jubilee, hoping that after such a harvest they would be more able to acquire the said jubilee, as they are now without two. So that such would not be deprived of the so great spiritual treasure, which we have worked out for free for the highly famous German nation, which helped us unworthily to the Cardinais dignity, and for all other subjects of our legation, in such a way that no money, which is given or may be obtained for such a jubilee, outside Germany (unless a crusade and real war against these perjured Turks takes place, which we have desired and urged from our youth, and always strive for and still strive for, as God, the highly praised Lord, who knows that we do not lie, is witness to us; in which case the said money will be given and distributed to the brave and sturdy soldiers and other fighters who want to fight for the faith against the most perjurious and shameful Turks, and also, without doubt, more will be given by many godly persons of both spiritual and secular standing of this godly and powerful German nation): Which so high grace of the most holy jubilee, which we, as said, have obtained in vain, and which her holiness, our Lord, has bestowed, as far as is known, has not yet happened to any other people than the Hungarian nation, in view of its constant wars against the faithless Turks and the whole clergy of the highly famous German nation, through us in particular: Since we also had a sacred commission from the pope to distribute tithes throughout Germany, as has been done in all the kingdoms and countries of all Christendom, and since they have been levied and freely enjoyed without any objection; nevertheless, by God's grace, we have been able to
We have succeeded, by letters and messengers, in persuading our most holy Lord that His Holiness would have been satisfied not to write out the tithes in Germany, in view of our representation, by letters and messengers, that the money received from the Jubilee would be quite enough to raise a mighty army against the said cruel Turks; As they would have been, if we had been able to visit all the places of our legation, as we hoped, and would have visited them, if we had not been prevented from doing so by important tragedies, and if those who belong to the clergy as well as to the world had not wanted to support us in the proclamation of the holy jubilee.
So it seems necessary to us (I say) that the jubilee should again be instituted and proclaimed without much ado and ceremonies (except on feast days), even with or without the erection of the cross, at least in large cities, where the said jubilee has been suspended and ended before the end of the harvests and grape harvests against our council, which we mean by this nothing but the glory of God and the Holy See, and the salvation of souls, and the campaign against the bloodhounds, the Turks. For to such and no other end we have been sent by our most holy Lord and the holy college to the famous German nation as a legate, and have accepted such a legation for this purpose, and not for the sake of gain, as will become more and more apparent in the near future.
And since the end of the said jubilee, which we are charged with in the said Germany and other countries of our legation, is approaching, as is known, and we nevertheless wish that the believers in Christ of both sexes under our legation, who have not yet acquired it, or if they have acquired it, have fallen again through human infirmity or incitement of the enemy of the human race and its servants, may acquire and obtain it, and not be deprived of such spiritual treasure of salvation: We hereby declare and command, by virtue of the apostolic authority which we administer in these regions, that henceforth the Jubilee shall be established and proclaimed at the future Advent, or even earlier, without ceremonies (except on feast days), also with or without the erection of the cross, at the discretion of our commissaries, at least in the large cities in which the said Jubilee has been suspended before the harvest and grape harvest, as aforesaid. And that this jubilee, to save trouble and expense and for the greater convenience of the Christian people, is to be celebrated in the cities where the harvest and grape harvest have been abolished.
The faithful, by our in Christ beloved commissioners, the archpriests and deans in the countryside, in which district of our legation they are staying, where the indulgences proclaimed before did not take place, are to be established and proclaimed, namely in the large and small towns, also in large villages and parish churches, where, as said above, there is a number of about 500 communicants, as such commissaries find it good to do, and to proclaim such grace and liberty there, and to appoint other blameless and conscientious people in their stead in their districts and borders, and to execute all that the apostolic letters entail, hereby giving power until the future feast of the Nativity of our Lord JEsu Christ, excluded.
And lest, at the instigation of the devil and his instruments, who with grumbling and blasphemy seek only gladly to hinder the salvation of souls and the work of proclaiming this most holy jubilee, thereby probably hundreds and hundreds of thousands of souls in Germany, who before were on the way and in danger of eternal damnation, should have been brought back on the way to blessedness, as the commissars, preachers and confessors know, who had to work at this Jubilee, know, so that if the prelates and princes, as zealots for the faith and salvation of the souls of the people entrusted to them, knew and understood what spiritual fruit the indulgence of the Jubilee created, they would drive much more to it, and help so that there would be no one in their districts and dominions who would not acquire the Jubilee grace, where there was some possibility; which may well be, if these patents of ours are duly announced and posted.
Lest it be said that we have omitted these commands and patents, which are more apostolic than ours, not for the salvation of souls, but for gain (which is remote); because the Supreme Pontiff, as a most godly and benevolent Lord, to whom the care of all the souls of the whole world is incumbent as a general shepherd, and we seek nothing but primarily the salvation of souls, but not remote profit in our legation; to the extent that such blasphemers are not afraid to stone us over the good work and to interpret the good evil, thus falling into the wrath and curse of Almighty God:
Thus we order and will, and make known by these letters, besides the curses and high penalties contained in the apostolic bulls of this Jubilee, that of the whole third part assigned to us for many causes, after deducting
of the proclamation costs in said places, half to the construction of the churches of each place in which the jubilee is proclaimed and the money paid in cash, and the same [jubilee] is over, and the third part has also been delivered or will be delivered into our commissaries' hands before the jubilee is proclaimed again in said places. Since then, we have not been able to hand over anything from the funds received in the said places for the said construction of the churches for various reasons, especially because for 24 months we have had great expenses, partly in legation matters, partly in the proclamation of the jubilee, with our commissioners, messengers and printers; of which funds it is the will of the pope, emperor and said most considerable council that account be taken of them as well as of the two other thirds. Therefore, those who seek or complain about the funds of the Jubilee in any other way than stated in the Bull, may note that no one can demand or take anything from said funds, under penalty of banishment, as contained in the Bull of said Jubilee. However, we are not prevented from giving it away, and from honestly rewarding the effort and assistance we have received in or because of the proclamation of this jubilee. The other two thirds, however, which will be left in the places where the jubilee has been proclaimed or will be proclaimed, after the end of the said jubilee, which shall last until Christmas, excluded, may be combined with the other two thirds of the jubilee money, which has already been received and paid, in the said places where the jubilee has ended. In other small places, however, where there are not more than 1000 communicants, and the said jubilee has not yet been instituted and proclaimed, we are satisfied that, after deduction of the costs incurred and still to be incurred in the said places on proclamation of the jubilee from the total sum of the jubilee and confession money, half of the third part of all the said both jubilee and confession money shall be applied to the building of the churches of the reported places; But the other half of the said third part shall be delivered into the hands of our commissaries, to defray other great and various expenses of our legation. For it is written that Christ and the apostles, when they preached the law, took the necessities of life and had bags. Although the most praised God is our witness, that if we could get what we need for the proclamation of the Jubilee from somewhere else, we would not spend a penny for it.
The costs incurred for this purpose, so that it will not be said to us even at the last judgment: Truly, I say to you, you have your reward! as is to be feared that it will be said to those who, in proclaiming this most holy Jubilee, serve primarily for the sake of profit, but not out of zeal for the blessedness of souls and the protection of our pure faith. However, in those places where the Jubilee has not yet been arranged, where there are more than 1000 communicants, the third part, both of the Jubilee and of the confessional fees, shall be taken for the expenses incurred here and there, as it has been taken in other places, according to the settlement made between the kingdom and us. In the larger places, however, we want the third part to be levied as well, after deduction of the costs, in the same way as above in the places where the Jubilee is now being proclaimed. As it is now proclaimed in the cities of Cologne, Liège, Mastricht (Trajectum), Münster and Speyer, also in this great city of Erfurt and many other places where it is to last until Christmas. As we then wish and command that it last until this time, for the salvation of souls, so that everyone may better prepare himself for the acceptance of God's grace and celebrate the aforementioned Christmas as befits, and St. Ambrose exhorts in a sermon on Advent, where he says;
We exhort you to do more almsgiving these days, to come to church more diligently, and to make confession of your sins in the purest manner, so that when the day of Christmas comes, you may celebrate it wholesomely. And the same thing Ambrose says in one of his sermons on Advent: "So then we must be pure in holiness, clean in discipline, and right in respectability, so that when we see the approach of the feast day, we may walk all the more properly. For if the women, when they celebrate any feast, are wont to wash out their garments, why should we not rather, when we want to celebrate the birthday of the Lord, wash out the stains of our souls with tears? Therefore, dear brethren, since Christmas is at hand, let us cleanse our consciences of all uncleanness, and cleanse ourselves not with costly garments, but with works. For fine garments may cover the limbs, but they do not adorn the conscience; though it is a greater shame to walk clean in the limbs, yet to walk stained in the senses. Therefore let us first remember the adornment of the inner man, that the outward garment may then also be in order; wash away the spiritual stains, that then the
earthly clothes look beautiful. But it is of no use to be resplendent with clothes if one stinks of vices; for where the conscience is dark, the whole body is dark. And especially because it is to be feared that such a spiritual treasure, which is given to all believers in Christ throughout, will not be found in people's lives, especially in those who still exist, when the year of jubilee is over in the city, as it is wont to be, and not elsewhere: It is believed that there will be little or no one, at least of those who come to their years, since human nature is capable of reason and wrong, who will not need this so great treasure or most holy Jubilee, and the liberties contained in its bull, namely 1. either of the quite complete forgiveness of the sins which they have committed, and about which the Christian faithful have been absolved by their prelates and pastors, who have indeed power to absolve from such cases as are due to them by right, but not from those which are reserved to the Holy See, nor have a quite complete thorough (plenariam) power to forgive sin, which God alone has conferred and reserved to the pope, or to the cardinals deputized by their holiness, who are legati a latere; or there have 2. also reported believers in Christ on the said jubilee, at least some of them, need dispensations from all kinds of irregularities, disgraces, stains or crimes, which are reserved to the apostolic see, and change of all kinds of vows, although great ones, over which dispensations and other reported things the pope alone, or those delegated by their holiness, has power; As the same power to dispense and change, and to do all things aforesaid, is given to us first, and afterwards also to the commissaries lawfully appointed or to be appointed by us or ours, and to all confessors, by virtue of the Jubilee.
It is also to be noted that, in order to acquire the same freedoms and plenary indulgences, there are few among our legation who would have gone to the city of Rome; either the danger of the way, or poverty, or old age, and many other obstacles kept them away. Therefore, blessed are those who, with heartfelt repentance, have sent or will send themselves in the future to acquire such indulgences, liberties and pardons. And blessed are those who, being hardened and having forgotten their salvation, do not want to acquire said indulgences and liberties, and who wish that after their death they may not be told that they are not to be pardoned.
I will tell you what was said to the rich man as he lay in torment.
In view of this, and in order to show that these patents of ours, or rather of the apostles, are primarily for nothing other than the salvation of the rich and poor, and not for profit: We declare by the present that those who have hitherto obtained indulgences and jubilee pardons, and have brought in the taxation ordered by us and by the Holy Roman Empire, to the box of oters where the jubilee feast is situated, or will still bring in during the said jubilee feast, if they have fallen again from human weakness or otherwise, or should fall in the future; That (I say) such may and shall receive anew full pardon and other liberties contained in the bull of said jubilee (that also the confessional shall be omitted, if they have not had it), without giving a new appraisement thereof; if only, in virtue of the jubilee, they shall confess anew in the places where said jubilee shall be appointed, and visit the churches or altars ordained or to be ordained for that purpose, and perform the penances imposed by their confessors. And this is primarily for the benefit of the poor; for the rich, and those who have an abundance of money, we do not want to close our hands when they want to pay new money for the purchase of new debts and sins, but rather we praise their good conscience and their prudent spending in the goods given to them by God; whether, when these fall again and want to purchase the jubilee anew, we could cheaply impose new taxes on them. However, it is not our opinion that they should give anything but what they voluntarily want to pay and give to the treasury, since all other freedoms for the poor, which we have already announced long ago, remain in their force and validity.
And because, as we have heard, there are some among our legation who have unknowingly married in the fourth degree equally, or in the third and fourth degrees unequally, and yet, according to the bull and our patents, have acquired the jubilee for the benefit of those poor, and others will still acquire it; and because of the guilt charged upon them by marriage in such forbidden degrees, have now obtained, and others will still obtain, by virtue of such jubilee grace, that they may be absolved in the divine court, but on account of poverty have not yet been able to obtain the letters of freedom in the temporal court, nor can they now do so: We, therefore, for the sake of the poverty and salvation of those who have so ignorantly married and obtained such a jubilee, do hereby
or in the future would like to acquire others, to advise and help; As their Holiness also desires such things more than we, hereby have commanded and commanded all our Commissaries and Sub-Commissaries, whom we have ordered and placed throughout all Germany, by virtue of this, that they shall give all and every name and surname of such poor persons, who before the date of the present of our letters, have married in the fourth equal, or in the third and fourth unequal degrees of blood friendship or affinity, unknowingly, or in the third and fourth unequal degrees of blood friendship or affinity unknowingly married, and yet have acquired the jubilee as stated above, and thus have allowed themselves to be absolved in the divine court (or their consciences), although an obviously recognizable obstacle would be if they are only real poor; that they send them (I say) at our expense from those of whom they can have knowledge; to whom we then promise to make out their dispensations for God's sake free of charge, and to send them back again at our expense, so that we may also enjoy the messenger to us out of our purse. As we then forbid our commissaries and sub-commissaries, under penalty of excommunication and deprivation of their benefits and salaries, to which those who act contrary thereto shall by deed be liable, without being able to be released therefrom other than by us or the Roman Pontiff, in the strongest possible terms, that in the above-mentioned case they shall be deprived of the said poor, who have married in this way, neither to solicit, demand, extort, or take the slightest thing, either outright or covertly, under any pretense whatsoever, from the said poor, who have married in this way, for the message (or report) to be sent to us, or otherwise, or that anyone should dare to do anything contrary to this, whatever he may pretend to do against it. But that also said poor, who have need of such dispensations in the temporal or external court because of marriage in the third and fourth forbidden degrees, shall pay something of an ecclesiastical tax for the preservation of such dispensations in the external court: We will and order that for every dispensation to be obtained as aforesaid, every subject of the realm and pauper who has need of the same shall be required to pray a prayer to God to be expressly ordered by our commissaries and sub-commissaries, or even the pauper confessors, for the happy prosperity of the Supreme Pontiff and the Holy Roman Church, the Emperor, all princes and prelates, all nobles, and for good harmony of the whole people of the Empire, that God may incline the heart of said Pope, Emperor, said princes, prelates, nobles and the whole people of the Empire to this His move against said perjured Turks. Hereafter
The said poor shall pray, according to the above, that God will grant us the grace to contribute much to the preservation of the harmony of the Emperor, the above-mentioned princes, nobles and the people of the Roman Empire, in order to bravely undertake the aforementioned campaign against the faithless Turks.
And that the said poor may be the more willing to make such prayers to God for the said pope, emperor and other princes and prelates, and the whole German people: so we give them, as often as they do it during our legation, and all other believers in Christ of our legation, 100 days of indulgence for each day.
But because some might doubt whether even our commissioners appointed by us, or further appointed by them, or those yet to be appointed, can or may proclaim such our letters, and all that is and is contained therein, without new commission: We, who wish to dispel such doubts, order and decree, and by virtue of this make known, that all and every commissioner, lower commissioner, and archpriest, dean and governor of the parish churches, or their administrators, who have been appointed by us for the proclamation of the holy Jubilee Indulgence up to now, and who are still to be appointed, are to be sent through the whole of Germany, Denmark and other countries which have been ordered to us, Denmark and other countries commanded by us, can and may make known the above-mentioned our letters and patents, and all that is contained and named therein, and have them proclaimed by others, without any further commission to be granted by us for this purpose, in all and in all parts, as if everything were mentioned word for word in their powers of attorney concerning the said patents. And because it would be difficult to get our present letters to all places, we want and command by aforesaid power that the copies, or also printed copies, with the signature of a public notary, be given complete credence everywhere in all and through all things as if present principal letters had been produced and shown. We also want and command our commissioners and the deputies or those to be deputized by them, and the preachers, to make known and have made known from the pulpit everything contained in the present order.
We also desire that the archpriests and deans in the countryside, and the pastors, vice-pastors, and other preachers of the divine word have a confessional from our commissaries for the proclamation of the said command: which, if they have had such because of the trouble taken for the proclamation of the holy feast of jubilee
we want them to have one in turn for one of their friends, whom they may appoint.
Likewise, so that all the faithful of Christ may take the more diligent heed of the promulgation of this mandate of ours, we give 100 days' indulgence to all the aforesaid faithful of Christ of both sexes who shall present themselves at such promulgation of the said mandate, as we also give to those who shall promulgate it. In witness whereof, and for the authentication of the foregoing, we have executed our present letters thereto, and have caused the same to be signed by our public notary public and by the said scribe, and have caused the same to be kept and affirmed with our appended seal. Given and done in the city of Erfurt, Mainzian district, the year after our Savior's birth 1502, in the 5th indiction, Nov. 8, of the papal government of our most holy Father and Lord in Christ, Lord Alexander, by the divine providence of Pabst VI, in the 11th year. In the presence of the venerable men, Messrs. Dionysii Jacobi and Conradi Udenbecks, clergymen of the districts of Besanyon and Cologne, our chamberlains, who have been specially called and required as witnesses thereto.
40 The instructions issued by Pope Alexander VI to Raymund Peraldus, together with the new instructions issued by the legate to Count Hermann von Kirchberg and others, as well as a letter from this legate dated Strasbourg, Aug. 30, 1502, concerning the popular uproar over the jubilee money demanded by Emperor Maximilian.
This document is located at the writing described in the previous number.
Translated into German.
To our beloved son Raymundo, of the title of St. Mary the Novice Priest-Cardinal of Gurk, our legate delegated to all Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Friesland, Prussia, and all of their countries, cities, towns, and villages, including those subject to and bordering on the Holy Roman Empire. Since the godless Turks, as is known and obvious to all, are becoming more and more powerful with great and obvious danger to the whole of Christendom, we consider that, as we have done so far, it is necessary to take measures against them in times to come and to persuade the Catholic princes to do so,
that they provide help, so that repentance does not come too late, and what was first neglected can no longer be recovered. And because we know that your prudence is very capable in prudence and experience, and is devoted to the preservation of the Catholic faith, and testifies to great zeal for this campaign; to this end it is also very well known to our son Maximilian, beloved in Christ, the most illustrious Roman king, and the princes of the empire, as well as the king in Denmark and the entire German nation: We have chosen your person, as being very suitable and useful for this trade, whom we would like to send as a legate and angel of peace to his royal majesty, the princes of the Holy Roman Empire, and to our King in Denmark, beloved in Christ, and other princes of the same nation and neighboring countries; in the hope that your prudent trade will bring peace and tranquility to all Christians, promote the faith, and bring great benefit to your own praise. Will you therefore, with the help of God, go to her Imperial Serene Highness herself, and bring her greetings and apostolic blessings on our behalf.
Secondly, you will diligently recite how, right from the beginning of our election to the apostolic dignity, our thoughts were always primarily directed toward protecting Christendom, as much as we could, from the terrible rage of the Turks, which is why, before two more years had passed, we often sent letters and messengers, and finally, for this reason, exhorted Her Majesty and other Christian princes to send their envoys to us with proper instructions. However, we have not yet succeeded in doing so, because of the divided Christian minds and cold-hearted laziness, which also caused our sins. Therefore, the cruel Turkish tyrant, thirsting for the blood of Christians, has become more courageous due to the Christians' negligence and quarrels, and since he, unfortunately! and recently on the shore in Morea he has conquered and razed two other Venetian cities, Modon and Coronna, which are very convenient for warfare, and has inflicted terrible defeats; he continues to set himself up against the Christians and rages and rages everywhere on the same shores, sparing neither sex, age nor rank, desecrating and defiling holy places, and through the victory becomes more and more defiant and threatens to penetrate deeper into Italy. If now his fury is not controlled, we will soon see that he besieges Italy, yes, invades it, with the utmost
Devastation and damage, God forbid! of the whole Christendom. And since in these matters you will not fail to do the least, you will admonish Her Majesty that she, as the supreme patron of the Catholic faith, and on whom everyone looks, and after whose example others seem to be guided, should take up this common cause for the benefit of Her Imperial Majesty, and show what zeal for God and the Christian religion and the pure faith resides in their Catholic and godly minds; Just as we have often seen from the same letters, in which he [the Emperor] has always declared himself willing, that it is easy for him to induce others to help him in time, if he himself first does so with his help. And in truth, her Majesty can acquire greater glory with nothing than in this now highly pressed matter of faith/ and with such great and near danger, which her Majesty, if she thinks about it rightly, can herself encounter, especially because of some sovereigns who are very close to these insolent and powerful enemies. Her Serene Highness should also know that we are anxious with all our might for this salutary and necessary move, and will not omit anything that is possible; for this reason we have also sent other legals to other Christian princes, whom we hope will be willing to do anything. And we shall never fail to join with our most venerable brethren, the Holy Roman Church Cardinals, with all the spiritual and temporal aid of the Apostolic See, but shall even go along with the same Cardinals in person, as we shall say below, if their Majesty but freshly attacks the cause. From this she will certainly bear an immortal praise among men, and an everlasting merit with God, but from us and this See a glorious prize. In order that her highness, together with other princes of Christendom, may the better and more quietly attend to the aforementioned matters, you will report to her that we have especially instructed your prudence, with earnestness, to all, both princes of the Holy Roman Empire and prelates and other princes, barons and lords of the German nation, and all others, especially the most Christian king in France (to whom, as you know, we are willing to send another legate in this and the common matter), that all strife and discord, which may have arisen and may arise among them against each other, be put away and reconciled. Which discord you will most diligently exhort Her Imperial Majesty to settle, that she direct her mind, as much as possible, so that the necessary cause is not thereby hindered.
and for the sake of their own discord, the common cause is left behind. Therefore, we want you to take care of the said Electors and all those to whom your delegation goes in our stead in time, so that, as we have now said, all strife and quarrels, where possible, are completely resolved, or at least put aside and calmed down for a long time. For Her Majesty and the princes themselves know very well how much love and peace among the Christian kings and princes among themselves serve this work of the Christian faith, and how necessary they are, and what harm disunity does, since, as has been said and is known, it has largely increased the power of the Turks and given them courage and encouragement, to the greatest and irreparable harm of Christendom.
As far as the aid in this matter is concerned, then, in addition to what the Christian princes themselves are to contribute and invest, their Majesty and Electors are to hear that we have decreed that tithes, a crusade and a jubilee (year) be established in her Majesty's estates and dominions and throughout Germany, as we have also done throughout the world. They shall also know that all the money received from this, even that which belongs to us and the church, will be used for the said work of faith, and for no other use, completely and undiminished, and will be used by Her Majesty, you and the Electors and Ordinaries (that is, ecclesiastics, (that is, clergymen who reside and always remain in the places) of the Oerter, competent and honest persons shall be chosen, who may keep the same in custody until, according to our and the royal and the electors' own command and will, such shall be used for the said use and the best of the faith. You will certainly assure Her Majesty of this.
But since it is well known to your prudence how eagerly and earnestly we care for such a necessary and salutary campaign against the Turks, so that we think of it day and night, and our thoughts and endeavors are concerned with it, and yet we have so far promoted little with letters and nuncios, even legates, which we have always sent to Christian kings and princes, because of our sins: so we want, in order to at least provoke them with our example to initiate and continue such a campaign, and hereby instruct you to report to the said Emperor and all the Holy Roman Empire's princes, prelates and barons in all of Germany and to assure them that we are of the firm conclusion that with our holy college, not only ours and the
We not only want to use the entire assets of the Church with counsel and action, but also to offer our own person as a sacrifice pleasing to God, and to dare to serve God and His Church with what is left of our lives. In which resolution and conclusion also, as you know, stand our most venerable brothers, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, who are around us; who in our secret consistory, after deliberate, mature council, unanimously decided and promised that they want to go with us in person on a fleet to be equipped for this purpose. Therefore, their Royal Majesty and reported princes, prelates and lords are to be assured by you in my name that we and our brothers, the Cardinals, ourselves will actually accomplish the conclusion, with God, in the way I will now say.
Since we have said that we want to go in person with the Cardinals, even though we are poorly experienced in warfare, since we have followed the sanctuary rather than the camp, we still want you to consult with their Majesty and the Electors about everything we have meant, which will serve the good direction of this business, and which will be very useful and beneficial to us. For since we have considered the enemy's power and great dominion, we consider that this campaign should include three special and strong armies, two on land and one at sea, which should all break into the enemy's lands in one month and, if possible, in one day at the same time. But since the Emperor Maximilian and the German nation do not have as good an opportunity and convenience to equip a fleet as a land power; and since, on the other hand, the most illustrious kings of France and Spain, and the Venetian territory, together with the other Italians, are more able to do so because of the seaports, harbors, and quantity of ships and galleys, as well as the men necessary for this purpose: It seems to us that one army on land should be raised by the King of the Romans and all Germany, which Her Majesty herself would like to lead; but the other army by the kings of Hungary, Bohemia, and Poland, with the Danes 1) and other believers in the same adjacent regions; but the third by sea by us and the kings of France, Spain, and the Venetian dominion, and other Italian lords, who, in that case and for the causes mentioned, would sooner raise a fleet necessary for this purpose.
1) Instead of "Wallachians," we have used "Danes. Cf. col. 162.
and arm them. To this end, we shall ask the kings of England and Scotland for financial aid, and we shall embark a good army of people on foot and on horseback in our fleet, and attempt to land and attack and damage the Turks. And since we cannot follow the army on land with the said Cardinals, due to age and other difficulties, we will go with the fleet, if only the said Kings of France and Spain, or one of them, as we hope, will come in person.
You will further inform Her Imperial Majesty and the Electors that we have come to this decision by inspiration of the Lord, because of the urgent and supreme need and distress of the Christian religion, which, where it is not encountered in time, seems to be the case for Christendom. Therefore, if we, with the most venerable of our brethren, the Cardinals, venture all our goods and persons ourselves, without regard to any cost, danger of life, or hardship, to attend this holy and necessary procession, we also hope that the Catholic kings and princes will follow our example with God the sooner, and prefer God's cause and their own honor to their other grudges and enmity. Therefore, we are all the more of the opinion that our presence in person is necessary, and hope with God that we will succeed in it, because we see that not only Their Imperial Majesty, but also the kings of France, Spain, Hungary, Bohemia and Poland, as well as other Christian kings, are quite willing, inclined and inflamed by themselves. The Spanish kings have already sent their strong and well-equipped fleet to the aid of the Venetians against the Turks, and it has already united with the Venetian fleet.
Afterwards, your prudence will also seek to find out how many people and men her imperial majesty will have in her German army, which must be strong and brave in view of the enemy power. And it will soon be necessary to inquire what her Majesty will give of hers to the German nation, apart from the money that the tithe, crusade and jubilee will yield, which is otherwise ours and the church's and belongs to us, but if we also want to add to it. For it is certainly due to their imperial office, since they are the highest among all Christian princes, as well as to the princes and nobility of the German people, that they, in addition to the above money, also give from their property
In such urgent need, they must provide abundantly what is necessary for the above-mentioned army, especially since, in addition to the common cause, which all must join, there is also the security of their state and their sovereigns, which, because of their proximity, can be constantly devastated, plagued and endangered by the Turks.
If Her Majesty were to ask: what would we then be willing to do if neither the King of France nor the King of Spain should come in person, as we wish? you will answer that, if none of the said kings should come in person, we would not leave Italy either, but would send with the said fleet a Cardinal Legate who would have the jurisdiction over it. We insist, however, that the said naval power and fleet be equipped by us and the most Christian king and the Venetian dominion and other Italian princes and lords. For if, for the sake of our sins, no general march could be made by all Christian princes, we and Her Majesty, if it pleases her as we wish, and the most Christian, as well as the Hungarian and Bohemian kings and the Venetian dominions, will make the said march against the Turks with a united force.
If her Majesty should further say that it was necessary for the sake of an assembly or imperial diet to be held with us in one place, that everything should be done with common counsel, your prudence can answer: that last year we admonished and requested all Christian princes and potentates to send their envoys to us with full power and instruction, and yet, as her Highness would know, expected them in vain and were unable to accomplish anything with them. Now, however, since the matter has become so urgent that the procession must be hurried, it would be highly dangerous to send it out and wait for the princes to meet at some place and to spend the time in consultation. For before we could agree on the place and the meeting could take place, the Turk could have invaded the Christian lands and interrupt our consultations, especially since her fleet would not go to Constantinople, as was thought, but to the port of Negroponte, in order to attack the coasts of the Adriatic Sea from nearby, if she so desired; In addition, it is preparing another new fleet and armies on land, in order to break into the Christians even more strongly with the approaching spring. Therefore, it is imperative that we do not allow ourselves to be invaded, and that we avoid all delays from the
clear the way. Such an imperial assembly, however, would not only be a most urgent matter, but would also require great expense and dispersion of money. The Mantuan meeting, which our ancestor Pius II, of blessed memory, had previously called because of such a move, is funny to us. We have seen that both the apostolic see and other princes have wasted untold money and expense in traveling back and forth without any benefit, and that we have finally parted without having achieved anything. Therefore we say: we must now dispense with all pomp and unnecessary expense, and whatever else would have to be spent on such an Imperial Day, as it could be used much better and more conveniently in this emergency for the aforementioned procession.
But if Her Majesty should ask about the war and the time of the war, you can answer: we are concerned that at least three years, beginning with the whole of the future April, namely the 1501st year, are to be spent on it, and meanwhile the people and all necessities for equipping said three armies, according to the above measure, are to be procured with all seriousness and zeal.
We also want you to act with the same diligence in these matters with all princes in particular, namely with the Electors and other prelates and princes of Germany, and to present to them not only the above-mentioned great need, and our desire and announced resolution to go in person with our brothers, the Cardinals, to this war, as mentioned above, but also to show them our letters written to them, and to try to persuade them seriously, that they do not break away in such distress of the church and Christianity, but apply their reputation and their efforts to the king himself, and where it is otherwise necessary, so that, with restraint of all other intentions, all discord is quenched and peace is established, so that this so necessary campaign is undertaken by the king and the electors and the German nation, in the above manner, unanimously with all their might and without delay, according to our wish. You will also remind them hereafter, and each of them in particular, that because they have been given the excellent privilege of electing the imperial majesty, they are all the more bound before others, and thus, according to the fortune bestowed upon them by the Lord, they will not only steer quickly and abundantly, but also, according to our example, appear in person, and follow the emperor's camp, and always want to assist their majesty, who is fighting for God, with counsel and action. Soon your prudence will affect each of them.
ask what he will contribute from his own income to the costs of the said German land power under the Emperor's leadership? Not only the reported Electors, but also the other prelates and lords must be requested and admonished to pay this tax, each according to his income and dominions. However, you will assure these same Electors, and especially the prelates, of our paternal love and special affection, and you will endeavor to maintain them in constant obedience and reverence for the papal chair.
As far as the foundation of the peace and the undertaking of the campaign are concerned, and our decision to go along in person, and other aforementioned things, you are to act and speak with our son Johanne, King of Denmark 1), beloved in Christ, of whom we have heard that he is now at war against the city of Lübeck: then you will exhort her majesty and ask her to accept peace with this city and all her enemies, according to the breve written to her, and to grant our salutary remembrance, and in this urgent need, putting everything else aside, to think earnestly of this holy procession. You will also do the same with our beloved son, the noble man Alberto, Duke of Saxony, who, as they say, is now waging war in Friesland, to whom we will also write our breve, which you will hand over to him. We hope that their Imperial Majesty and the Electors, and other prelates, princes of Germany, and the King of Denmark, will listen to your exhortations and, if they have considered the matter properly, will persevere in their Catholic mind and innate goodness of virtue; to whom you will promise all the best from us and from this Holy See.
The rest of what is necessary will be added by your prudence, according to the grace bestowed upon it by the Lord.
L. Cardinalis Caputaquensis.
[Instruction of Raymundus for the deputies sent by him to the Imperial Diet.]
The following are the instructions for the things that will be presented to the legate and, where necessary, will be presented in writing: the benevolent Lord Hermann, Count of Kirchberg, canon in Mainz; and Lord Johann Vuaker
1) Here, too, instead of "Denmark" in the old edition, it says: "Dacien". This passage seems to give us full proof that we were right to put "Denmark" instead of "Dacia" or "Wallachia" every time in the previous documents.
juris utriushus 1) clootor, UsMiw at the University of Heidelberg; and canon of the collegiate church at Heidelberg, also juris utriukHue Doctor, Mr. Wolfgang Bocklin, before the highborn princes, churprince and other princes, also princely envoys, and the venerable in Christ fathers, bishops, and other prelates and nobles, who are at the same respectable Reichstag assembly at Würzburg [Nuremberg?] 2).
First of all, the above-mentioned envoys will present and justify the aforementioned legate as newly authorized before the aforementioned highborn princes and other gentlemen envoys who are from the aforementioned Imperial Diet;
They will also say that said legate has hurried with his journey to come to the announced Diet, against the advice of all physicians and surgeons in Erfurt. They will also say what prevented such a journey to the Imperial Diet, namely his illness in the foot and an ulcer that afflicted him on the left leg, and other many pains that have afflicted said legate since two months, in that he has had many pains internally and externally since he has been legate to Germany. Which hindrances hurt him more than anything he has suffered for two months.
They will also state the most noble reasons why the said legate wished and still wishes to be with the said lords and princes; namely, that he could do something with them for the good of the peace and unity of the whole empire, where possible, as it is necessary and extremely useful, not only for the welfare of the empire, but also for the salvation of all Christendom.
They will also say that the said legate has requested to come to the Diet, that he and the said princes should decide how the money received so far from the Jubilee and confessionals should be paid and kept according to the order and agreement reached at Nuremberg between the noble Imperial Assembly and him, the legate, or in other best ways as may be deemed good: That the legate is by no means meant, for the sake of someone's favor, love or fear of a living person, to deviate from the word given to the above-mentioned most noble imperial council; that the realm see that the legate desires nothing else from the same funds than what apostles are to have in the preaching of the law, namely the necessary subsistence.
1) Thus, we have resolved "I. V." here and immediately following.
2) Nuremberg," it says in the "heavenly treasure trove," below, Col. 209.
They will soon also report the reasons why the empire would have to send its envoys and commissioners to pay the money of the jubilee and to reimburse the costs; of which also the printed article is to be looked up, in which the reasons are stated why said envoy did not hurry, as he should have, to have such money paid and to claim his third part. And they will also say what said legate's actual opinion of the reported third part is.
They will also say: what said legatees think, how to keep such funds.
Similarly, why the jubilee will not cost the tenth part of what it should otherwise cost, and what it cost under Innocentio.
The illustrious princes will also appoint some to hear the accounts of the envoy and his commissioners at the place to be appointed by the said lords, who have so far collected the funds of the third part in some districts, namely Cologne and Trier, since the said envoy or his commissioners have otherwise collected nothing or little in other districts.
Likewise, what way is to be observed, so that one obtains a right certainty of all monies received or to be received, namely that the expenditures of the third part are given to the commissioners deputized from the side of the empire, honest people, who do not seek their own; who then, together with the deputies appointed by the legate, and those to be deputized by all the archbishops in Germany, shall appoint all the commissioners appointed by the legate, and also those who have had offices of confession, to the episcopal sees and seats, so that they may come and account for all the monies received or to be received; with two certified instruments or writs, one to be sent to the Supreme Pontiff, as he wills and has commanded; the other to be presented to the Empire at any Imperial Assembly before the Legate departs again from Germany.
It is also to be ordered to all dioceses by apostolic and imperial power that they inquire in their districts, through their deans in the country and archpriests, in which and how many places of their districts the jubilee has been proclaimed, and how many confession slips have been distributed; for otherwise the accounts of the legate's commissaries will not be accepted. And the legate himself wants it this way, in his honor with the supreme pope and holy college, and for the discharge of said commissaries, and that the people, who have given their money
The people, who have controlled the money only for their happiness and for the protection of the faith, see that the Supreme Pontiff, the Emperor, the Legate and the Empire do not seek anything else than that such money be kept and used for the purpose for which the said people have controlled it.
Also, in the name of the pope and ours, said our envoys will ask the aforementioned high-born princes that the pope and us be given an answer about the affairs of the holy crusade, with petition and objection before notary and witnesses, that if by delaying an emphatic conclusion to be taken by the empire for the protection of the faith and for the march against the faithless Turks (for which we have come to Germany, especially regardless of our age, If, God forbid, some harm should befall Christendom from the faithless Turks, such harm should not be attributed to the Supreme Pontiff, the Holy College and us, but to those who are entitled to take up arms against said faithless Turks.
Copia of the Sand letter,
so the Highest in God Father and Lord Lord niunckns, Roman Legate etc. some steles written, to excuse the Roman Royal. Majesty, that the Jubilee money, which fell in his Majesty's country, was not begged for by the said legate, then in order to help the King of Hungary against the Turks, from what men may have stowed away, his Royal Majesty may not have begged or understood anything of a natural nature.
Our greetings and all good wishes for the careful and wise practice of long and daily summons and requirements. As the King's Majesty has sent us for six months, to all and sundry where we have been called, and beforehand that such a call has been made, of all the afflictions that affect our holy Christian faith, and of a common sin, we have been moved to seek his King's Majesty's help. Majesty, and thus, as well as with much pain, we are suffering from the podagra, coming from Cologne up to His Royal Majesty in Vienna, Aldo His Royal Majesty. Majesty. has spoken and acted with us in all manner of matters concerning the deficiencies and shortcomings of the Christian faith and the common faith, and has held us accountable to others for our grave concerns and needs, the whole of Christendom is in, and before that the German nation, because of the remarkable and careful armament, which the Turkish tyrant and the rabble are daily preparing for the destruction of the common German nation, to which he is leading through Craben [Carniola?]
The king's majesty's will may even have a wrestling entrance in other countries, so that in the same places they will have to wait hourly and be concerned about what his king's majesty may do to stop such sudden and incursive damage, so that his king's majesty may be able to take action when he thinks he has the right to do so. will consider it necessary to appoint and arm a campaign against the first-dreaded enemy of Christendom, and to protect his paternal and inherited lands, through which, when they have been conquered by the Turks, the other part of the Turkish nation will have to face the same trouble and loss of their lands, and to pay His Royal Majesty a sum of money. Majesty with a sum of money brought together from the Jubilee relief, but at least from that which had fallen in His Royal Majesty's lands. Majesty's lands, with the promise that such money shall be given and invested from that time on, not only for the purpose of collecting such reasonable and necessary tribute, but also that His Royal Majesty may use it for the benefit of the land. The king's majesty may now require and request help for the land of Hungern, because the tower now occupies the noble city of Gaize, which is then a port of the land of Hungern, with such a painting, which we have answered to his royal majesty that we will gladly help in this matter and in the destruction of this noble and proud city of Hungern. The instruction and mandate which our most holy father the bishop, when we were sent to him by his holiness, has entrusted to us and seriously bound us, to which end his holiness has granted us a bishop's breve under the ring of the bishop, in which we are highly encouraged to comply with his holiness' command and will. In this way we were mistaken about the order and decision of the Holy Roman Empire, to which his Royal Majesty had personally been, which we did not need to resist in any way, nor did we need to break that same order, and even less did his Royal Majesty deserve it. His Royal Majesty was initially somewhat displeased by our answer and partly moved us with anger. His Royal Majesty has also, on many valid grounds, taken such an answer in the best possible way, adhered to our opinion, and has graciously and kindly remitted such a demand to us, and has also promised us that His Royal Majesty will never again accept this reward.
200 Vom Ursprung u. Fortgang d. päbstl. Indulgences. Section 1, no. 40 ff. W. xv, 244-246. 201
The Holy Father of the Holy Babylon and the Holy Roman Empire will do everything in his power to ensure that such a reward will be kept secure and unchanged. Until such time as, by unanimous and common consent, all the princes and rulers of the German nation have seriously and manifestly understood the deprivation of the throne, we have received such a pleasing answer from His Royal Majesty that we are now in good hope of ridding Christendom and the German nation of all concern and repugnance. As has been the case up to now, and thus with good will and courage, we have received the favor and grace of His Royal Majesty. We have left it to his Majesty, so that we may do enough for our first legation to bring about the holy jubilee for the salvation and salvation of many, in which neither the painful podagra nor other illnesses of our lives shall hinder us, if the love and brotherhood which we have for the protection of the glory and the whole German nation salvation and peace, would as we hope give our sick body for and for relief and time to do so, although some of the King's Majesty, the King's Majesty, and the King's Majesty, the King's Majesty, the King's Majesty, the King's Majesty, the King's Majesty, the King's Majesty, the King's Majesty. Majesty, and our own evil-mongers and cutters, out of devilish pretensions, intending to deceive the common people out of their devotion and good Christian faith, have openly lied and falsely stated that we have, in spite of ourselves and the Royal Majesty, as secretly escaped. We know that the King's Majesty has not been abandoned by anyone, and we do not want to be held responsible for any such misconduct or misrepresentation at the time of our discovery, and we do not want you to be held responsible for it in the best interests of the King's Majesty, since we are completely willing to do anything that may bring you peace and good fortune. Given at Strasbourg on the VII day of September.
41 Report on what happened to Raymundus at the Consistorio in Rome on his return to Italy.
From Tentzel's "Historical Report," Part I, p. 104.
Raymundum, when he arrived back in Rome from his last legation with a lot of money from Germany, the Cardinals asked in the Consistorio: what the barbarians thought of Rome, if they were given such a rich indulgence? He answered: "The whole world complains
over the pomp and indulgence of the Cardinals, and if they do not see you improved, our Republic will be in danger. When he explained this with more, they all raised their brows and shoulders in the Italian manner, and in order to discourage him from speaking further about the Reformation, as a thing much hated by Rome, they had him mocked by the most audacious among them: You yourself are the cause that our order is badly rumored among the barbarians, since you have used so many servants, such precious clothes and food, such splendid household goods, that you and we have incurred nothing but disfavor as a result. Good Raymundus soon understood how much the bell had struck, and was silent from then on.
42. excerpt from the Joh. Paltz, Augustinian Order, Doctoris decretorum, of the monastery of the new work at Halle Praepositi, and Archidiaconi at Halle, a famous indulgence preacher under Raymund of Gurk, heavenly treasure trove of 1490, the Coelifodina of 1502, and its Supplemento of 1504.
The writing from which Kapp has made this excerpt in the "Nachlese nützlicher Reformationurkunden", Theil IV, p, 424, was first published in German in 1490 in Quart under the title: Himmlische Fundgrube, thereafter in 1502 in Latin as OosUtoclinu, and in 1504 a supplement to it.
Translated into German.
Sky Pit.
To the reader.
If you want to travel to Himmelsthür, dear reader, buy us and we will show you the way.
Below these verses is a large woodcut depicting a crucifix etc. After the title, the following message is given of the difference between the Latin and German Himmelsgrube.
The Heavenly Pit is twofold: 1. a Latin one, which is more extensively compiled than the common one, and which is attributed to the most reverend in God Father and Lord, Lord Hermann, most worthy Archbishop of the Holy Cologne Church, Archchancellor and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire through Italy, Duke of Westphalia and of the Englands, and most worthy Administrator of the Church of Paderborn, for the important reason reported in the preface.
2. the common or German, formerly more briefly understood, under the names of the illustrious princes
and lords, Frederick, Archmarshall and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, and his beloved brother, Lord John, Duke of Saxony, Landgrave of Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen; namely, at the time of the Jubilee and Indulgence through Germany; by the most reverend Lord, understand Raymund, the then Legate of the Apostolic See through Germany D. 1490, but who is now, by the grace of God, most worthily exalted to the Cardinal dignity, of the title of St. Mary Novae Churches, and by the Most Holy Lord, Lord Alexander, Pope the Sixth, again deputized to Germany and Denmark anew, and abundantly provided with the greatest liberties and indulgences, for resistance against the shameful Turks.
After this difference the contents, which are only at the end in the other display, follow with the following words:
Contents in the pit of heaven.
The first part contains two things: a. First, a passion text that can be preached every year, and at the same time touches five errors of some who preach about it. First, an unreasonable entrance. Secondly, unseemly interference. Third, if they make too many parts, and at each again new parts. Fourth, when they make too high spiritual interpretations. Fifth, when they spare the crucifixion too long. There are also five errors of the listeners "touched on, b. Furthermore, it contains the fruits and various ways of thinking about the Passion or the Passion, or having thoughts about it. There are beautiful things about the holy cross, about the one who hangs on the cross, and about the one who stands next to the cross, besides what is already in the passion (or suffering) text.
Part II contains four kinds of thoughts: 1. whether one can sin with thoughts; 2. that one should beware of fivefold consent; 3. that one should not respect blasphemous thoughts; 4. when thoughts become worse and worse.
Part III contains four things about death: 1. why death was imposed on man; 2. why few achieve their natural goal in life; 3. how useful it is to remember death; 4. how death is willing to accept that guilt and punishment be remitted in Christian faith.
The IV. The fourth part contains seven consolations of the sinner, so that he does not perish at his end; and especially very consoling things of the last chastisement, as there are: 1. the infinite goodness of God; 2. the ineffable love of Christ; 3. the motherly love of the holy virgin; 4. the
The fraternal friendship and love of all the saints, giving seven reasons why the saints are favorable to us; 5. The benefits of the sacraments of Christ, dealing with three in particular, which are sacraments for the dying.
a. Of the Sacrament of Penance. There are beautiful things about the small repentance and its three stages, likewise about the great and right repentance; and how the priest of the new law can make a mere penitent (attritum) into a right penitent by his office, and free the sinner from the hellish gallows, and make one capable of receiving indulgences. And afterwards beautiful things of the priestly dignity of the new law in the sixth question of indulgences, b. Is dealt with the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. In addition to other beautiful things, the question is asked whether communicating under both forms is necessary for salvation, and is answered against the errors of the Bohemians; likewise, the use of the mass. c. The sacrament of the last rites is discussed, which is spoken of in particular because of many who err in the doctrine of this sacrament, to the detriment of souls and bodies.
6. the truthfulness of the indulgences of the church; of which seven questions are dealt with: a. whether indulgences are; b. what they are; c. by whom they are granted; d. in what way they are granted; e. whence they flow or come; f. to whom they are useful;
g. How it should be used. The use of confession slips and letters is discussed, and it is pointed out what the community of intercessions has in itself, which the pope communicates, and how such brotherhood is better and more useful than the mere indulgence.
7. the rich grace of the Jubilee. Ten questions are raised: a. Where the Jubilee originated; b. Why it was instituted; c. What happens in the Jubilee; d. Why it is kept in the 50th year; e. Why under the new law it is not always kept every 50th year; f. Whether it is good nowadays that the Jubilee be instituted by the whole church; g. What should be done to obtain the grace of the Jubilee; h. What should move priests, preachers, and confessors to promote the Jubilee. What priests, preachers, and confessors should do to promote the Jubilee; i. Whether one should believe that through the Jubilee and indulgences the souls in purgatory are properly helped, in which question many secondary questions can be raised and answered by the souls who find themselves in purgatory; k. Whether he who has obtained the Jubilee and plenary indulgence goes straight to heaven when he dies, without some punishment of purgatory.
204 Vom'Urfprung u. Fortgang d. päbstl. Indulgences. 1. section, no. 42. w. xv, 249-252. 205
The contents are followed by the letter to Hermann, Archbishop of Cologne, which reads as follows:
To the most reverend in Christ Father and Lord, Mr. Hermann, most worthy Archbishop of the Holy Church of Cologne, Archchancellor and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire through Italy, Duke of Engern and Westphalia, and faithful administrator of the Church of Paderborn, Brother Johann von Paltz, humble professor of the Holy Scriptures, of the Order of the Hermite Brothers of St. Augustine, offers due reverence, constant love and untiring prayer.
When the other day your most noble lordship required of me that I preach some sermons (which I formerly preached at the time of the proclamation of the jubilee year, under the most venerable Lord Raymundo, namely the then legate of the apostolic see through Germany, a. d. 1490 etc. to the most illustrious Princes and Lords, Lords Frederick, Archmarshall and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, and his beloved brother John, Duke of Saxony, Landgrave of Thuringia and Margrave of Meissen, as well as their noble Counts, and their excellent and manly knights and noblemen, also venerable prelates, and other people of both sexes who are devout, and at their request, reported sermons, I would like to translate into the noble Latin language sermons that have been compiled in a common or German tract, or rather to summarize the occasionally scattered Latin, from which I first took the German, so that it would be more pleasant for the scholars, and thus also more useful for others, which most clergymen of various countries, especially in Thuringia, Meissen and Hesse, who knew more about German, have already eagerly desired; but, because obstacles always intervened, did not obtain it: But now that such a great prince, who undoubtedly loves the Holy Scriptures very much, and is a great patron and mild benefactor of all, especially godly, clergymen, it is no longer appropriate to stand by it.
Accordingly, with divine help, I have been able to joyfully take on the burden that has been placed on my shoulders for the second time. I have kept the first name and order (of the work) in the translation. And because, according to the prince of the worldly wise topic. I. 6, all those who translate something translate it according to some equation: so I have titled this little work Heavenly Pit. For as gold is dug out of a gold pit, and silver out of a silver pit, which is dug out of Schneeberg (Monte nivis), of which I
The grace that was once the cause of equality can be found in great quantity, so a far more delicious grace can be dug out of the pit of heaven for all people.
Since the German work was divided into four parts according to the fourfold matter, the Latin summary is also divided into four parts in the same way. The first deals with the suffering of Christ and the different ways of thinking about the suffering of the Lord. The other is about thoughts and especially about blasphemous thoughts, how one should not respect them, but should do them from oneself. The third part is about the way to die well, namely, how even the greatest sinner can obtain forgiveness of guilt and punishment through the good use of death in Christian faith. The fourth part is about the most salutary effects of the last rites, against many dangerous errors that harm souls and bodies, and about other spiritual consolations, so that man does not despair in the end.
But why I prefer to collect these things for said most noble princes and lords than others, I say this: because these newly preached matters were more pleasing to their devotion. They also desired other things in other tracts; for example, the work of the seven flowers or feasts of the holy virgin. Virgin, which begins: Blessed is he who waits at my door daily etc. And another under the title: Würzgärtlein ebenderselben hochberühmten Jungfrau etc., therein in short speeches or little prayers almost the whole life of the holy virgin contain. Which little work the most illustrious princes have had brought to the people far and wide by their own at great expense, not only in writing, but also in print, and have hoped for the reward for it from the giver of all good.
If I then follow the above-mentioned matters, and in the work assigned to me follow your most noble glory, most excellent archbishop, I have not wanted to walk alone, because it is written Eccles. 4: Woe to him who walks alone, because if he falls, he has no one to help him up; but have relied on my superiors (or ancestors), especially my teacher and venerable father, Magister Johannis von Dorsten, of glorious memory, our holy Hermit Brothers Order of St. Augustine, the holy divine order of St. Augustine. Augustini, the holy God-honor in the praiseworthy university and Erfortischen Convent of the order of that order, now and then scattered writings looked around, whose footsteps I
I will follow him, walk with him according to the grace that has been given to me, and act more in Latin than I have done in German, in order to complete the work as I wish; so that, as the Lord Christ walks with us in the midst of us, all the words will exist in the mouth of two or three witnesses. Glory and praise be to Him for all eternity! Amen.
In arch O he explains what quadragena, septena, carena are; and because these words occur frequently in Ablaßdiplomatibus, but are not intelligible enough to us, we will indent the passage.
What is quadragena, septena, carena of indulgence:
Of the first type of the said teacher (scil, of Dorsten), who makes a certain number of days or years, it is to be noted that such indulgence, so expressed by days and years, is also given sometimes by quadragenam, sometimes by septenam, sometimes by carenam.
To know further (which one stated in the Basilean Concilio that it was taken and concluded from the supreme papal histories) that there would be a distinction among Quadragena, Septena or Septinaria, and Carena.
For Clement I ordered such a penance for a mortal sin that the penitent should fast 40 days with water and bread; and the same 40 days he was excluded from the church, and went on it with bare head and ashes. Thereafter, a seven-year penance was imposed on him in such a way that on the other vacations (Mondays), he would eat 1) milk food once, on Thursdays a dish of fasting food, and on Saturdays three pieces of bread dipped in ashes. Within which seven years he needed neither meat nor wine, but water; also slept on no bed, but on boards, on the ground and stones; after which years he was able to enjoy the body of the Lord in the Lord's Supper. And this penance was called quadragenam by Clement.
Innocentius, however, first ordered a septenam for a manifest mortal sin, in such a way that a penitent may need two dairy dishes and eggs on Sunday; on Monday a Lenten dish [Feria secunda u. s. f. quarta, sexta], on Wednesday again two dairy dishes and eggs; on Thursday bread and wine of the day once; on Friday likewise two dairy dishes and eggs,
1) In the old edition: "seems to be Tuesday". This is an error that is often repeated by Walch, also in the dating of letters, that he takes tsriu sseuMu for Tuesday etc., instead of: Monday.
as on the Wednesday; Saturdays alone bread and water once of the day.
On the Sabbath he went on pilgrimages through the churches and ate milk only once a day. After that he was allowed to communicate. And that was called Septena, or the week Innocentii.
Carena, however, was a temporal penance, which included the Quadragena and Septena penances, so that the penitents abstained from common food and contact with people, and fasted with water and bread for 40 days. Then the seven-year penance was imposed on them, not only in bread and water, but at the priest's discretion, that they fast one day every week and recite certain prayers or do some good works. Which penance had to be ordinarily imposed for every mortal sin, as was done in the first church, to the sinner's terror. And this is called Carena, from the Cariren (or idleness) of the people, because they stayed the first 40 days in a secret place. But the gloss on the chapter: Accusasti de accusato, and in the chapter: Accepisti de sponsa duorum, says that Carena is common Italian, and means fasting with water and bread for 40 days. And the gloss seems to be of the opinion that Carena means only a penance of 40 days, therefore, because it says: it would be dealt with äist. 50. o. in the beginning; where only the penance of 40 days is reported, with concealment of the seven years. And the same can be seen in the confessional form of the pope, who makes the carenia into years, as the lesser into the greater. But what Peter Parisiensis, in the book called verbum abbreviatum, says, that this punishment is to be interpreted to those who have sinned gravely, as death-slayers and committed incest, indicates so much that it also includes the seven following years. But the pope speaks so doubtfully in the above chapters that one cannot really know whether Carene means 40 days with the seven years in addition, or only 40 days alone. For he says thus: 40 days, so one calls Carenam, with seven following years, you shall atone. For if this little word, namely "with seven following years", belongs to the first word, namely "calls", then one sees clearly that Carena means so much as 40 days with the seven following years; but if it belongs to the following word, namely "thou shalt atone", then it means only 40. But what the apostolic (man or pope) meant in this, I cannot say; only this I say, if Carene meant only 40 days of penance, then the bishops and cardinals could give Carene. But the bishops can only give 40 days of indulgence.
208 Vom Ursprung u. Fortgang d. päbstl. Indulgences. I. Sect., No. 42. W. xv, 254-257. 209
and do not go over it, except for the consecration of the church, since they can give a year for the same day and act. And the Cardinals, according to proper usage, give 100. And a reverend man has told me that the Apostolic (Successor), in affirming the Cardinal rights (or liberties), designates and affirms this in particular, so that the people of the faithful are not deceived.
He is also of the opinion that faith is especially necessary in the matter of indulgences, namely because of the many infernal armies that assail them; in Arch R.
How to use the indulgence usefully.
Consequently, it is also to be said of the other piece, how one may use the indulgence usefully. For faith is very useful; as in all articles, so especially in the matter of indulgences, because of many infernal armies that assail it.
The following salutation to the archbishop is found in sheet S:
Most Reverend Father, Most Excellent Archbishop, Most Serene Prince! These two mites, which a poor widow threw into the treasure of Christ, and were cast from the silver of the double heavenly pit, namely the Latin and German, and were coined on the arrest of the two most illustrious electors, one of which was written in an ecclesiastical (Latin) language, and is now attributed to an ecclesiastical prince; the other, however, in the German language, was formerly suitable for a secular prince, are now at the same time placed before the eyes of your most reverend glory to examine them. And if, by the judgment of the wise, they are found worthy to be considered as bread to feed the hungry, I leave them to the love and understanding of your most reverend fatherhood (or fatherly love) to be devoutly chewed (enjoyed). However, with the addition that if anything praiseworthy is found in it, it will be attributed to the Most High, as the giver of all good, and to my ancestors; but what is ugly, disdainful and frail, will be overlooked by the godly reader with Christian patience. But because of simple writing [the authors of the documents add: in this he spoke very true] the matter is not to be despised, because under a hard shell often lies a good kernel, under coarse chaff a good grain, and under a despised bag the best gold. We have brought this about in our new monastery in the valley of Mühlheim near Coblenz, in the year 1500, around the feast of All Saints.
On this he makes some additions for the following reasons:
Now that I have returned from the new convention of the valley of Mühlheim to the actual convention [or of the fatherland, nativum] at Erfurt, I have learned that the most reverend Lord Raymund, Cardinal, the apostolic see's legate to Germany and Denmark, will return with a rich jubilee year and indulgence to equip a mighty army against the Turks' terrible invasion. In order that the preachers of the Jubilee may come to it the sooner, I have decided to add something about indulgences to what has been said above, and to add ten questions about indulgences.
There are ten questions, to which he also answers according to the order. In it, he remembers Raymundi Gurcensis several times, e.g. in the D. arc.
From which and other godly causes Sixtus IV. moved to grant the jubilee year with many orderly liberties to the church of Saintonge 1) in the Holy Roman Empire; which afterwards Innocentius VIII. with many other liberties, through the most reverend Lord Raymundum, then his legate, most orderly, salutary and timely travels almost through all of Germany and Denmark, has instituted and directed to work. In his jubilee year proclamation is quite credible, and there has been the experience that many more great sinners have been converted than in many years before. Now, however, after the Jubilee Year celebrated in 1500, the same Most Reverend Raymund, Cardinal etc., was sent by the Most Holy Lord Alexander, Pope VI, to the whole of Germany and the Kingdom of Denmark in the following year, A.D. 1501, to all Germany and the Kingdom of Denmark with the Jubilee and great indulgence, because of the extreme distress of the Turk, about which he laments miserably in his letters; one of which he sent to the Lords Electors and Estates of the Roman Empire at their recent assembly in Nuremberg, inviting them to resist this terrible tyrant; The other, however, to the Swiss, in which he strongly exhorts them to take up arms against the perjured Turks, the contents of which letters I have decided to append to the end of this work with the Bull of the Most Holy Alexandri, because of their great usefulness and importance.
From what I have now said, many salutary lessons follow: 1. the jubilee year of the new law does not necessarily follow the jubilee year of the old law in the same number of years, but it does in the
1) In the old edition: "Saintonger".
The right and proper meaning. (2) That the indulgence was not newly invented by the new apostolic (successors), as some blaspheme, but was used ages ago. (3) Will it not be contrary to divine order, nor to the nature of things, if in the future the supreme popes set a lesser number of years for the establishment of the Jubilee, namely, from 20 to 20 or from 10 to 10 years, or at what time they find it necessary, for good reasons, to have the Jubilee preached, wherever it may be, because of many motives which are to be dealt with in the following question.
In this very arch is contained a strong punitive sermon against those who do not want to make use of indulgences. And since we have included in our scene of the Tetzelian Indulgence Convict, and the Lutheran contending against it, some such as Joh. Tetzel held about fifteen years after Paltzen, we want to add here a piece of this Augustinian sermon, and it will be seen from the correlation which of the two has surpassed the other:
From this it is seen (says Paltz) how much they err who, out of avarice and self-interest, oppose and speak against such indulgences. O foolish, ungrateful, wretched, and true disciples, yes, children of Antichrist! who prefer earth to heaven, temporal to spiritual, dung to heavenly pearl. O apostate children, you who despise the grace of God, put your own salvation in the background, and hinder the edification or benefit of others. O children of Babylon, you who resist God's order and will not escape His judgment. Was it not God's order that Jesus would die for the people, not only for the people, but also to gather together the scattered children of God? Joh. 11, 52. Why then do you resist the suffering of Christ, so that it bears no fruit among you? Why do you not let the lost, wounded and afflicted sheep be gathered, healed and refreshed in the world by the chief Shepherd, since no one is able to refresh and heal them in all things but the chief Shepherd?
I pass over what already in the 1730 under my presidio by Mr. Johann Peter Thümmingen held Disputation de Ourine ftoru. Loloeeisiuis politieis euren, Rskorraationsln Initiier! eomiuissis ruerito 8U8p6t>tis p. 41. not. 2. that Father Paltz also considers Pope Clement IV's bull, by virtue of which he commanded the angels of Paradise to immediately take to heaven the souls of those who, wishing to enjoy his indulgences, would die, to be correct; and reports only so much that the two above letters of Raymundi, the Cardinal, to the German churals and princes, likewise that to the Swiss, are printed at the end, but the bull of Alexandri VI has been omitted. At the end it says:
Printed Erfurt by Wolfgang Schencken, A[nno] MDVII. the 3rd after Judica.
The supplemeutuM Ooelikodinas (or Heaven's Pit) is published two years later by this same printer A. 1504 tertia wria p08t invoonvit (that is, Tuesday). 1) Behind the title page is a letter from Cardinal Raymundi to our Paltz, which I do not repeat here because it is already included in my vmputatiou de indulAtzutiarum qua68loril>n8 p. 18. not. (d) is incorporated. What Father Paltz wrote in the book itself about the matter of indulgences, that faith is necessary in this, he repeats here again in the arc B, when he speaks: lutelleetlm 6aptivaudu8 68t in odW^uium üdsi eirau materiam iudulMutiarum: one must take reason captive in the indulgence trade under the obedience of faith. He also has no hesitation in asserting in the following arc C that the pope can give indulgences on future sins.
To the fourth question (Paltz continues), whether the pope can, and it is also useful, to give letters of indulgence or confession for future sins? is answered: Yes, because of many causes: 1. because of the fullness of power; 2. because of human frailty; for though no one need undertake sin, yet every one has such to fear from weakness. And although one can live without mortal sin by the grace of God, no one can live without venial [or weak] sins, and consequently everyone must necessarily suffer the penalty of purgatory, which is to be paid here or there. And would God that no one would fall into mortal sin again! Which might well be the case with many, if the so corrupted flesh did not drive them to it, the devil beguiled them, and the world tempted them. But even if one were so brave and strong, he would hardly prevent himself from building wood, hay, and stubble on this foundation, according to 1 Corinthians 3. St. Augustine explains this in lib. de fid. et oper. Others build on the foundation of faith, that is, Christ, in whom they believe and whom they love above all things; wood, that is, a strong love of temporal things, which is nevertheless necessary; other hay, that is, a moderate love of temporal goods, which is nevertheless also necessary; other stubble, that is, the smallest desire for it etc. But all these must be swept here or there; therefore the apostle adds: "Every work, whatever it may be, will be tested by the fire. But that one may be counted free from this trial by fire, it is good to buy letters of indulgence even for future sins, but without having them in mind deliberately, because we can hardly or not at all live without them. 3. it is good to buy such letters or confession slips because of the danger to souls. Because the souls of present
1) In the old edition "Wednesday".
Time are in great danger, because of abuse of the ban and episcopal power. For many of the present time turn the keys of salutary cure into keys of miserable extortions and miserable exterminations. That is why many keep silent about their sins and fear to fall into such pressures. Therefore it is good that the pope should come from time to time and save such, and leave behind them strong confession slips, by virtue of which they may freely confess to whom they please. (4) It is good to loose these confession slips, because it is so easy. For it is not difficult to solve such things. For who is so poor among the people who would not give as much or more to the body for the consecration or the prohibition of meat? In Rome, they have to give two guilders to buy a confession slip, and by no means in such rich form as the ones that one buys here, one of which is only set at the fourth part of a Rhenish guilder. Indeed, whoever would not have a confession slip should rather beg so much for it or pay so much for it, than miss such a treasure and afterwards have to suffer purgatory, which hardly anyone will avoid without indulgence. (5) It is good to redeem confession slips, because they are irrevocable. For such slips, if all else be right, are irrevocable, both by God's authority, in which they are given, and by papal fidelity (or truth), according to which they are so proclaimed; as it is also written in the confession slips that they are not to be revoked. 6. it is good to dissolve confession slips because of their usefulness, since it is said above in the first sermon of this supplement that the confession slip bears five kinds of fruit. Which are also put above in the first part of the Heavenly Pit pag. IV. in the sixth consolation reason of the sinner in the seventh question.
And because in the following sheet F there is quite an indulgence ceremonial, as such was taken into consideration under Cardinal Raymund, we want to repeat this. It shows first of all how the indulgence was introduced, the cross erected and taken down again.
But because the Holy Indulgence in the Church must be solemnly and properly instituted, reverently and devoutly continued, and gratefully ended at the proper time, before one proceeds to the fifth army of hell, which Lucifer is wont to send forth after the holy Jubilee year has ended, the consecrations (or ceremonies) of such indulgences practiced under the most reverend Lord Legate Raymund, at the two times when he was sent, shall be established in Germany under the following form:
The way to introduce or to apply the sacred indulgence.
On the day when the sacred indulgence is to be instituted in a place, the prelates, canons, priests, monks, with the secular (or common) priests must come to the church where the cross is to be erected, before seven o'clock. Then, after seven o'clock, they go in procession with the venerable Sacrament, if any, to the church where they have to accept the Commissarrum or Plenipotentiary with notified indulgence. Which, when they come to that church, the cantor may begin: Advenisti desiderabilis
[You have come, beloved one]. Under the singing, the confessors can ask the blessing from the Commissario, saying:Jube, Domine, benedicere,,
command, O Lord, to bless. And he will give to each one a staff to absolve by force, according to the bull. After that, they will go to the procession, on their return, and two of them will read the litanies, so that the choir will respond. And when they have finished the litanies under way, they can sing the responsory at will. Which in total, when they come to the church, they can intonate with bent knees: Media vita. After which the Commissary can read the Versicul and the Collecte of Sins; then play and sing: HErr GOtt, dich loben etc., on the organ. And when one comes to the verse: Therefore we beseech thee etc., the commissary shall come with the confessors to touch the cross and sing the said verse three times: first low, then higher, and finally still higher. At each intonation the choir is to respond and rise in tone as well. At the third intonation, they shall raise the cross completely and strike the stick or box; then the choir shall always continue singing until the end. Then the commissary may go up and preach the sermon, and then the high mass may be solemnly celebrated.
The consecration to be held daily with the praise of the cross after Vespers at three o'clock.
According to the decree of the most reverend legate, the praise of the cross is to be sung daily, and a sermon is to be added to it by the indulgence; in such a way that everything that is to be sung or read in the church, where the cross is aligned, is to be finished before three o'clock. And at three o'clock, when all go down from the choir, they shall arrange the procession standing around the cross; the commissary with the confessors shall come last. On the way out of the choir
the cantor begin the antiphons: O Crux, gloria etc.. When the in all end, two scholares, or pupils, with two wax candles standing before the cross with bent knees shall begin the verse: O Crux, ave etc., O Cross, be greeted, thou some hope etc., to two times. The third time: Te summe DEus, trinitas etc., and the choir should first answer: hoc Jubilaei tempore, at this time of jubilation. The second time it shall answer: hoc gratioso tempore, in this gracious [pleasant] time! Thirdly: hoc passionis merito etc., by this of the suffering merit etc. After this the Commissarius, or whom he assigns, shall read the verse and the Collecte, thus: Adoramus te etc.., we adore you, Christe, and bless you. He answers: quia per Crucem etc., because you have been blessed through
the cross redeemed the world. Let us pray: Gregem tuum, quaesumus Domine etc., We beseech thee, O Lord JESUS CHRIST, thou good Shepherd, look down reconciled upon thy flock, and upon the sheep which thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood on the cross, that they be not destroyed nor torn asunder by the devil's invasion; who livest and reignest with Father and Holy Spirit God for ever and ever! Amen.
The way to take down the cross in the Jubilee year.
First, the praise of the cross is to be kept according to custom, namely: O Crux etc., with its collecte. After that: N6äia vita, with the Collecte of Sins (as above in the Introduction). Then the organ or choir may intonate "HErr GOtt, dich loben" etc., and the priests from the choir respond. Then the commissarii and the confessors standing around the cross should sing: Salvum fac populum, Lord, help your people etc., to three times. The choir will answer and continue to the end. And the Commissary will read the Collecte of the Holy Trinity in thanksgiving. After that the Commissarius will begin with the confessors: Haec sunt convivia etc., These are the banquets, so pleasing to the wisdom of the Father. Then the cross shall be taken down and placed on the box. At the end, the choir of scholars sings in a loud voice: Rex regum etc., O King of kings, rich above all etc. To conclude, the preacher goes to the pulpit and begins this theme or lecture: And the door is shut etc., that he may preach according to his understanding: that hitherto, through the keys of the church, the door of heaven has been opened to all penitents and to the souls in purgatory.
but now the door has been closed again by the removal of the cross. Since he will then continue according to his understanding and remind them that the cross should still remain on the box for six days; whoever has not yet put on or spent anything, or has not yet completed his penance, could do so during these days. Likewise, you can also announce a few days beforehand that the cross should be taken down on such and such a day; would they then come etc.
This may be enough from the first edition of this book, from which it is sufficiently evident how much Paltz tried to make himself deserving of the indulgence system.
The other edition has a slightly longer title than the former. It thus reads:
Himmelsgrube, so die verborgnen Schätze der Schrift aufthut; wieder gedruckt, verbessert, und wo erst etwas fehlte, durch Zusatz ergänzet, und dilig nach der ersten Schrift [oder dem Druck] verbessert.
Behind the title is 1. above mentioned letter Raymundi to Paltzen; 2. the difference of the German and Latin Eoslitockinae; the letter to Churfürst Hermann. Then comes the work itself. It is largely the same as the first edition, and the additions made in the first edition are not indented in the work itself, but printed in the same order as in the previous edition. The type is larger than in the first edition, and the following is appended at the end:
43 Summa and excerpt from the bull given by our most holy father, Pope Julius the Other, for the protection of our holy Christian faith. Printed in 1510.
From Hottinger's "impartial guide" reprinted in Löscher's "Reformation Acts," p. 423.
To the high and mighty lord waltherr von Pletenberg, master vnd his knights-
The brothers of the chivalrous Teutonic Order, the highly praised young lady Marie in Lyfland: against the vulgar Russians heretics, and apostates or cut off from the Christian faith, and Tartars. This contains the most complete remission of all sins and atonement with God the Lord, like the remission of such holy devotions the previous holy cousins the bishops, or now our holy father the bishop, have given in times past to those whom the churches within and outside Rome have sought for it in the last Jubilee, even in the hundredth year; or were drawn to the aid and protection of the holy land or grave: Also all and any other graces given to them.
Vrsach diß ablaß nach Weisung der Bäbstlichen Bullen.
Our holy father the Bishop has noted from the various stories of some kings and other Christian princes that the Russians were heretics and cut off from the faith with the help of the unbelieving Tartars in past years, about the dispute and controversy that existed between the aforementioned noble Master and his brothers knights of the Order of the Teutonic Knights in Lyfland and the same Russians for some time, The same Master and his brethren of the Order of the Knights of Tutti in Lyfland, and the same Riga Archbishops and Bishops of Tarbat [Dorpat] and of Reual were attacked with fine weapons, and those with the sword, war weapons, and fowers: Also man and woman persons, also ecclesiastical and many religious in part in herte Dienstberkeit vnd gefencknuß led, and the others with sundering vnd vsserdachten penen vnd torture killed, also church vnd formation of the saints defiled vnd disinherited, The chalice, the church ornaments and the bells were smashed and carried away, the holy sacrament was also handled with the hands of church thieves, churches and other saints were constantly touched, and much damage was done to the Christians: So that not only a large part of the land of the masses has been conquered, and in these places the Christians, with noticeable care and skill, are no longer willing to take it, but also many places which belong to the aforementioned masters and knights, and also to some other churches and ecclesiastical persons, have been conquered, and are still being held by the thieves, as well as the said Russians with their adherence of the unbelievers do not hesitate to arm themselves, so that they raid Lyfland again, because this land is a forgem or a fortress, and serves as a protection and shield for other Christian lands, so that when they have conquered it, they can then conquer other adjoining lands to their own.
evil evil, and thus destroy and ruin the Holy Roman Churches and Christian faith. For this reason, in the comfort and confidence that our holy father the priest confesses to the divine goodness, and thus hopes that such an outrage of the evil ones may be stopped and hindered by God's help, his holy lord Walthern von Plettenberg has now appointed his master and his brothers in God the lord, that in such cases they want to fight against such unglorious ones for the release of Christian glory, as they have done so far with great glory and praise of God and Christian glory: And how much the Holy Roman Pontiffs and the knights of the Order of the Teutonic Knights in Lyflandt have been willing to do in such a way, but for constant and temporary warfare, according to the greed and opportunity of the matter, their fortune, rent and money [Gefall = income from taxes], they and their peoples do not extend to such disputes, but it is necessary that they be given relief and help by the Christians, so such remission has been given.
The following are the essential pieces and points of the official letter of indulgence
or Bull content:
The first gives and grants, by the authority of our holy father the bishop, to all those of both sexes who have repented and repented, who reside in the archbishoprics of Mentz, Sollen and Trier, and Mysnen, and in the same cities and bishoprics: or for the purpose of receiving favors and indulgences in such bishoprics and cities, so that they, within three years from the time of the opening of the same covenants and indulgences, in the course or journey against the said renegades in glory and inglory with the said Masters and Knights of the Order of the Teutonic Knights in Lyfland, or their guardians, or one of the same, which counsel they shall take, at the least six months by themselves, or another, or others, with the creed, at their own expense, if they are able, or who are satisfied only with the goods presented to them by the Master and the brothers of the Knights, or which are in the castle, the palace, or the tents, and the ends, where their armies or armies lie, offer, which they need for such a march or war, or which prouiant vnd others in them needful vnd helpful to fight, or so that they may wait for the war, by themselves, or others to intercede: Or who are not in these things, or can not do them, but who have some of these things.
churches or altars, which are designated by the official commissioners and governors appointed by his Holiness, or his decrees, to be visited within the dry years: And in the churches which shall be appointed for this purpose, to make an offering or payment of money, as they shall be appointed by the commissioners, the most perfect remission and pardon of all their sins, which they shall have repented of in their hearts, and repented of with their mouths, which remission shall be equal to that which is above mentioned.
The official commissary and his abbot have the power to determine the churches and the altars, and to appoint skilled priests, who have been appointed by the officials to absolve and absolve from their sins those who are in fear of them, and to absolve them from their sins, transgressions, laziness, and iniquities, whether they were already such things, for which they should visit the holy shrine in Rome, as well as from spiritual penances and banishments, and to impose on them salutary penances.
They may transform vows and promises, or fert [pilgrimages], or make [them], and change the vows to a hand ransom for this work, except for vows to be evaluated in order 1), or to keep chastity. They also have the power to do everything that the official penitentiaries and chief confessors were allowed to do in the new Jubilee Council in Rome.
One may dispute with the commissioners and their deputies about property that has been legally transferred, if one does not know to whom it belongs, or if it has been taken by means of wipers, if one does not know to whom it belongs, and if a wiper has taken wipers from another wiper, and the latter does not want to return his wipers. Also, if a man has a foreign good behind him, and does not know or doubt to whom he will give it. Also for goods, which were occupied by poor people or needy people in a community, and which were not specifically determined, to whom or to whom one may give something, for this sacred work and use, and for the purpose of giving it back.
The commissioner and his office bearer shall have the power to absolve and discharge from the sin of the spiritual worshipper, called Symony, who has been in receipt of ecclesiastical wardship or benefices in the court of the Conscience. And to absolve and discharge in the court of the Conscientz, also for paschal temporal court elected [consecrated] perphonies, which were fallen into ecclesiastical bonds and punishments, because that they were in battles, which were held against the aforementioned enemy. Also of irregularity, that they were unfit for
1) In the old edition: "orten" instead of "orden". It is the monastic vow.
They may keep and therefore revoke, but this only in the court and judgement of the Conscience or Law: with much further violence and content of the bulls so recently not reported here. Item they have the power to dispense and to convict of the errors and sins, which occur, magistrate's and criminal half they arose from real or unreal lypical works, 2) also of magistrate's or of justice open erberkeit, to latin publicae honestatis iustitia, who or other persons who have violated the law or the law of their own country, and yet have carried out the law of their own country, if such violation did not occur in court, or if no open revenue resulted from it. That they may transgress such persons, also absolve the ban in which they fall, and impose a salutary penalty, which shall extend to the work of this protection of the faith, and may moreover permit the same to remain, according to the provisos, even children who come of it, to be recognized in the court of the conscience.
Item with those who rightfully hold churches, monasteries or benefices, and rightfully may not be forced to recant due to lack of proof.
Item in the indulgence book is allowed, that persons so sickness, age, stupidity, or for other reasons do not want to sin the church or do otherwise, so that as obstet [as said above] the indulgence is to be recovered, where they so much as they delay a week with their fief, give into the ordered boxes, or otherwise according to the order of the Commissar, or his authorities, that if they are prevented from doing so, they may also, as if they were in charge of the churches, pay the penance, and also have the authority of the commissioners to occupy such persons in the places where such persons are, whom they may elect.
2) Instead of "become" with Löscher and with Walch "works" is to be read. Immediately following: "the marital bodily works".
220 Vom Ursprung u. Fortgang d. päbstl. Indulgences. I. Sect., No. 43 f. W. xv, 209-272. 221
Item, dwyl zwyfellig [zweifelhaft] sein mögen, wieviel ein yedenes zu erlangen des ablasses, ynnlegen soll, auch welche vnuermügligkeit, krankheit, oder hindernuß einen entschuldigt, dass er die Kirchen zubesüchen oder anders zu tun etc. The commissioner and his deputies shall be allowed to decide on such doubts, and to decide on such doubts, and to let them lapse, if the matter requires it, but that such lapse shall be turned to other good works.
They also have their own rules for dealing with poor people so that they may be granted indulgences. Item: How to deal with great princes and other rulers, spiritual and secular, who are of great rank, both officially and lydally, so that they may receive the indulgence. Item, vß Vertröstung to divine mercy and bäbstlicher power volkummenheit, verlyhet in such bulls our holy father the Pope that if father, fathers, or other Christgloubige in time, so this indulgence weret, do handouts according to the order of the commissary or penitentiary, and visit the churches for those in purgatory whom they wish to help, so that such popular indulgences may comfort them in purgatory, in order that they may be relieved of their sins by the people. It is also the will of our holy father the bishop, through the same power of the people, that the Christian believers do their part in this matter, and occupy the churches as if it were their duty. Also their departed, parents, and benefactors; of all prayers, stubbornness, alms, fasting, divine ordinances of the measure, and customary customs: consecration [mortification], fasts, and other spiritual deeds [good deeds], which have been done in the Christianity and by all the members of it, are eternally liable. Item, so the commissioners and penitents have to give power of indulgence letters, which contain very great forcible and pardon, which a man may use all his life for the need, and bychtuätter have, according to their content, painted on the same bepstlichen.
Item, for the sake of this indulgence and good work, so deteriorate and keep the time before the bishop, while this indulgence is in force, all other indulgences, even in letters of intent which his holiness or the bishop before him, have given, be it to whom it may. Also to the authorities of the Holy Trinity, as well as to the monasteries, convents, hospitals; also to Saint John of Jerusalem and the Holy Spirit, and to all the common brotherhoods, and they want them to be infallible at this time.
Item, his holiness also wants that from the questioners [Ablaßkrämer] shall not be demanded on the other indulgence, in time as this indulgence is, something almüsen.
Item, the priest also wants and recognizes that in repudiation and fraud, or where he would repudiate in his holiness indulgence letter, this indulgence shall not be understood.
If there is any doubt as to how the words of the papal bulls are to be understood, the explanation shall be left to the papal commissioners who appointed the bulls and to his subordinate officials, and they shall be given as much explanation as is necessary, and such explanation shall be adhered to.
Item, so that such sacred work and commitment is not hindered, so our holy father, the bishop, gives to all and any sovereign rulers, bishops open, epts, also others of what standing, grade or nature they are, man and woman persons, by obedience and the judged ban, also the pen of perpetual punishment, also a fine, so the Commissari, so his decrees will therefore begeren, that they such proclamation in churches, bishoprics and cities, as thick is necessary, nor prove any fraud or deception, nor prevent anyone from following this indulgence, nor preach against it, secretly or openly, so that they shall not proclaim any other indulgence, which is now repudiated, or make use of it as long as this indulgence is in force, and the absolution of those who were in such breach should not be given to anyone else, except to our Holy Father the Baptist or his Holiness, before they are divorced from their beds, and they should be given and kept.
44 Christian Baumhauer's letter of indulgence issued to Adam Leuterer, June 6, 1508.
From Kapp's "Collection of Some Writings Belonging to the Indulgence," p. 32.
To all and everyone to whom the present letter will come before the face, wishes Christian Baumhauer, vsorstoruin äootor, Rector of the Parochial Church in Ruien, Tarbater, or Dörpter ^Dorpater] Dioceses, of the Most Holy Father in Christ our Lord, Lord Julii, by divine providence of this name of the other pope, Acolythus Capellanus, as well as of the same and of the Holy Apostolic See to the provinces of Mainz, Cologne and Trier, Meissen, as well as their cities and dioceses nuncio and commissarius, salvation and welfare in the Lord! We declare and know that our aforesaid Pontiff wishes to be known to all the faithful of Christ who reside in the aforesaid provinces, cities, and dioceses, in whatever manner they may be, or who may go to them from other places, and who during the time of their visitation are in need of help.
The Holy Father, in the course of three years, for the protection of the parts of Loveland, for the promotion of the holy crusade against the cruel penitent heretics and schismatics, who rely on the unbelieving "Tartar" for help, will have rendered a helpful hand according to our decree, in addition to the plenary indulgence of sins, as in a most holy jubilee held every hundred years, and besides many other graces and fortunes, which those who are disposed to obtain for themselves and for certain souls of the departed, have graciously permitted and commanded out of the abundance and liberality of the apostolic power: That both they and all their parents and benefactors, who have departed with love, shall have a share for ever in all prayers, intercessions, alms, fasts, supplications, masses, horis canonicis, corporal castsigations, pilgrimages, and all other spiritual things which are and may be done in the whole universal holy contending church and all its members. Moreover, he has also left it to those who are still alive and allowed them to choose as their confessor in the future, in case of other incidents, a competent secular priest, or one from a regular order, from whichever he may be; who, if they live longer, may be their confessor in the cases reserved to the said See, except when someone disturbs ecclesiastical liberty, commits the vices of heresy, rebels against the person or state of the Roman Pontiff, or against the said See, and conspires to falsify the apostolic letters of supplication and commission, invaded the lands and seas subject to the Roman Church, either medially or immediately, plundered, conquered and devastated them, personally insulted a bishop or another prelate, forbade the processes to reach the Roman court, delivered weapons and other forbidden things to the infidels; that once in their lives, but in other cases as often as it will be useful, they may be absolved of their sins, and that salutary penance may be imposed on them, as well as all vows, except when one has vowed to travel to the Holy Land, to visit the apostolic churches of blessed Peter and Paul, or to go to Compostello to St. James. Jacob, to remain celibate, 1) to become a monk, in other works of godliness; that also the confessor, whom each of them will have chosen, will grant them complete forgiveness of all their vows.
It is hereby commanded and decreed by our most holy Pontiff that the sins which they have repented of in their hearts and confessed with their mouths may be forgiven by apostolic power even once in their lives and at the hour of death, as often as they will be at the door, if they should not die that time; however, in this way that this confessor may apply the satisfaction which is to take place to another, also that in no way anything unlawful be committed out of a trust in the remission and forgiveness of said things. Our most holy Lord Pope hereby orders and decides that this indulgence, grace and gift shall not be included in any suspension or revocation, neither now nor in the future, but shall always be considered exempt, as is contained in the apostolic letter issued on this subject. And because the devout in Christ, Adam Lewterer and Margarethe his wife, have contributed godly from their goods to the above-mentioned work of the Catholic faith, according to the intention of the pope 2) and our decree, we testify by the present letter, by virtue of the above-mentioned apostolic power and the power herein entrusted to us, that they can and may avail themselves of the above-mentioned grace and indulgence, become partakers of it and enjoy it. Given at Dresden under our seal, of which we hereby avail ourselves, June 6, 1508.
Formula of absolution in life, so often re.
Have mercy on you etc. Our Lord Jesus Christ absolve you for the merit of his suffering, and I absolve you from all your sins by his command, by virtue of the apostolic power entrusted to me in this piece and granted to you. In the name of God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Formula of absolution and perfect forgiveness once in a lifetime and at every hour of death.
Have mercy on you etc. Our Lord Jesus Christ absolve you for the sake of the merit of his suffering, and I absolve you by his authority and that of the apostles, which is entrusted to me in this piece and granted to you, first of all from all ecclesiastical excommunication, great and small, if you fall into one, then from all your sins, granting you complete forgiveness of all your misdeeds. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
1) In the old edition: illegitimate.
2) In the old edition: Hohenpriesters.