Topic 7/8

The Lutheran Reformation

Prompt Organization Practice

Unit Discussion

SERMON GIVEN BY JOHANN TETZEL

You may obtain letters of safe conduct from the

vicar of our Lord Jesus Christ, by means of which you are able to liberate your

soul from the hands of the enemy, and convey it by means of contrition and

confession, safe and secure from all pains of Purgatory, into the happy kingdom.

For know, that in these letters are stamped and engraver all the merits of

Christ's passion there laid bare. Consider, that for each and every mortal sin

it is necessary to undergo seven years of penitence after confession and

contrition, either in this life or in Purgatory.

How many mortal sins are committed in a day, how

many in a week, how many in a month, how many in a year, how many in the whole

extent of life! They are well-nigh numberless, and those that commit them must

needs suffer endless punishment in the burning pains of

Purgatory.

But with these confessional letters you will be

able at any time in life to obtain full indulgence for all penalties imposed

upon you, in all cases except the four reserved to the Apostolic See. Thence

throughout your whole life, whenever you wish to make confession, you may

receive the same remission, except in cases reserved to the Pope, and

afterwards, at the hour of death, a full indulgence as to all penalties and

sins, and your share of all spiritual blessings that exist in the church

militant and all its members.

--"Reformation Documents." Reformation Documents. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Feb. 2013.