The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

"""434 THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS.contribute some voluntary offering towards the ereotion of the grand cathedral. Those, however, whocontributed nothing, shared equally in the treasuryof the Church, provided they complied with the essential conditions for gaining the Indulgence. Theonly indispensable conditions enjoined by the PapriBull, were sincere repentance and confession of sins.D Aubigue admits this truth, though in a falteringmanner, when he observes that in the Pope s Bullsomething was said of the repentance of the heart,1and the confession of the lips."The applicants corthe Indulgence knew well that, no matter how munificent were their offerings, these would avail themnothing without true contrition of heart.Consequently, no traffic or sale of Indulgences wasauthorized or countenanced by the Head of theChurch, since the contributions were understood tobe voluntary. And, in order to check any sordidlove of gain in those who were charged with preaching the Indulgence, the hand that delivered theas DIndulgence," Aubigne testifies, could notreceive the :money that was forbidden under theseverest penalties."2Wherein, then, was the conduct of the Pope reprehensible? Certainly not in soliciting the donationsof the faithful for the purpose of erecting a te;npleof a worship, temple which to-day stands unrivalledin majesty and beauty !1Vol. I., p. 214.a. bid.