The sale of absolutions was the source of large fortunes to the priests.

The enormous impudence of this traffic almost exceeds belief.

Throughout the Netherlands, the price current of the wares thus offered for sale, was published in every town and village.

God's pardon for crimes already committed, or about to be committed, was advertised according to a graduated tariff.

Thus, poisoning, for example, was absolved for eleven ducats, six livres tournois.