to reason on matters of high importance, who had never before reflected or thought beyond the concerns of the present world. He opposed, with a vehemence that could scarcely be withstood, the errors, which had long been existing in the church and schools, showing that the scriptures were the only test of sound doctrine and practical morality.

From a letter, which he wrote to a friend about that time, we may learn the true spiritual state of his mind; "What is the state of thy soul? I would wish to know whether you have become weary of your own righteousness, and learned to refresh yourself, and place your only trust in the righteousness of Christ. For in our days there is in many a vain conceit to become righteous through their own works, and they know nothing of the righteousness of God, which is granted. unto us richly and freely in Christ Jesus.You were once of this opinion, and so was I, however I am now striving against this error, although I have not as yet entirely conquered."

About this time the learned and worthy Staupitz appointed Luther his deputy, to visit the forty convents, over which he had the inspection. During this visitation he endeavored to communicate his new doctrines, and wherever it could be done, he established schools, which were very scarce before. "Without schools," said he, " men will become bears and wolves: things must not continue in their present state; we must exert ourselves, and regulate schools in such a manner that religious principles be taught in them. Were I no preacher, I know of no occupation, which I would rather choose; for I am persuaded it is an occupation highly acceptable to God, and productive of great good." At the same time he exhorted the monks to read the bible diligently, and to lead a holy and virtuous life. And it was by his persuasion, that the scriptures were daily read at the public meetings of these convents, instead of the works of Aristotle and the fathers.

It was in the year of our Lord 1517, when Luther openly undertook the arduous task of C

a reformer, but probably without thinking himself of the wonderful extent, to which his researches and exertions would afterwards reach and be carried. To subvert a system of religious faith, grounded on ancient and deeply rooted prejudices, supported by eyery contrivance of policy and every effort of power! to establish doctrines of an opposite tendency in its stead! to accomplish this object without the aid of external violence! These things certainly never came into the mind of Luther at that time; he was imperceptibly drawn into them by his love of truth and adherence to the word of God.

John Tetzel, called by some Tecelius, a Dominican friar, had come to Germany, by order of pope Leo the Xth, to sell indulgences or pardons for sins. This pope found the papal treasury exhausted by the vast projects of his predecessors, and his own love of splendor involved him daily in new expences. The grand church of St Peters at Rome was begun, but not finished, and in order to get money, he bestowed indulgences on all, who would contribute towards that

building. The right of selling these indulgences in Germany, together with a share in the profits arising from the sale of them, was granted to Albert, elector of Mentz, and archbishop of Magdeburg, who employed Tetzel as his chief agent, in retailing them in Saxony. Tetzel executed his cominission with great zeal and success, but without regard to any principles of prudence or decency, for he was a man of licentious mor, als, and remarkable for his noisy popular eloquence. He went so far as to say, that his commission from the pope was so extensive, that though a man should have deflowered the blessed virgin, yet for money he might be pardoned; that he, Tetzel, had saved. more souls by his indulgences, than St. Paul by all his preaching; that as soon as the sound of the money, that was paid for them, was heard in the bason, into which it was thrown, the souls for which it was given, were released from purgatory,* and that he was empowered to give indulgences not

*So bald das geld im kasten klingt-so bald die seel' in himmel springt.”

only for sins past, but also for sins to be conmitted afterwards.†

Perhaps some of my readers may be anxious to see a list of the prices, according to which Tetzel sold his indulgences.-Here is an extract from it:

+ When Tetzel was at Leipsig and had received a great sum of money, a nobleman came to him and desired to know whether he could obtain indulgence for a sin, which he had a mind to commit, but which was to be kept a secret. O yes, said Tetzel, provided that the price be paid immediately. The nobleman paid the sum demanded and received a certificate or letter of indulgence, regularly signed by Tetzel in the name of the Pope. A short time after Tetzel left Leipsic with his company of monks, and was travelling on with a number of asses loaded with money. The nobleman with a few companions attacked him, beat his servants away, took his money and gave him a severe beating. Tetzel cried out, O thou man of the devil, knowest thou not that this is holy money, and that I am an emissary of the holy father; thou shalt surely suffer for this in hell! "As to that" answered the nobleman, "I am safe enoughI have a letter of indulgence. Look, here it is signed by yourself, in the name of the holy father ; this was the sin, which I intended to commit, and for which I came to you for indulgence."

See Milnor and Seckendorf's history.