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The History of the Church 154 Harbingers of Protestantism To finish the construction of the Basilica of Saint Peter, Leo X had need of funds. He conceived of a measure to be preached throughout Christendom, exhorting the faithful to contribute, through prayer, penance, and charitable donations, to the erection of a building that was to be the head of all churches. As good works, the monetary contributions would be indulgenced.* However, corrupt clergy capitalized on this papal concession and perpetrated gross abuses from which their own pockets benefitted. There were even systems of fees drawn up, according to gravity of sin. The commotion and scandal over this state of affairs were immense. Criticism of corrupt and pleasure-seeking clergy was already a long-standing tradition, illustrated by Fran- çois Villon, the fifteent century French poet and vagabond: Sur mol duvet, assis un gras chanoine Lèz un brasier, en chambre bien nattée; A son côté gisant Dame Sidoine [Upon a plush down comforter, there sat a fat canon (cleric) close to a fireplace, amid walls nicely decked with tapestry; at his side there lay Madame Sidoine] However, this time the criticism was directed at the very head of the church. The prevailing opinion of the public at the time is aptly captured in Hieronymus Bosch’s The Hay Wagon. Illustrating the Flemish proverb , “The world is a hay wagon where each takes what he can,” the painter shows the greats, pope and emperor, tranquilly coming to help themselves; nuns, representing the clergy, in their convent awaiting the delivery of hay; and the impoverished populace pathetically engaged in pillaging and mutual assault. Hieronymus Bosch (ca. 1450–1516) The Hay Wagon Monastery of El Escorial, San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain * An indulgence is the remission of the temporal punishment due to sin, which applies only after repentance, confession of sin, and penance is performed .—Trans. ...

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