Meantime, the traffic in bulls of absolution becomes more horrible than ever.

Money must be raised to supply the magnificent extravagance of Rome.

Accordingly, Christians, throughout Europe, are offered by papal authority, guarantees of forgiveness for every imaginable sin, "even for the rape of God's mother, if that were possible," together with a promise of life eternal in Paradise, all upon payment of the price affixed to each crime.

The Netherlands, like other countries, are districted and farmed for the collection of this papal revenue.

Much of the money thus raised, remains in the hands of the vile collectors.