Note 891 — XXI. RESULTS.
Reading edition
See the Taxæ Sacræ Pœnitentiariæ, a tariff of prices for absolution in the Roman curia for all infractions of human and divine law, of which more hereafter.
Heretically inclined reformers did not hesitate to accuse the clergy of thus speculating in the power of the keys and the sins of the people—
The power of the apostles Thei pasen in speche, For to sellen the synnes For selver other mede. And purliche a pœna, The puple asoyleth, And a culpa also, That they may katchen Money other money-worth, And mede to fonge; And ben at lone and at bode, As burgeises useth. Thus they serven Sathanas, And soules bygyleth, Marchaunes of malisones, Mansede wrecches. Creed of Piers Ploughman, l. 1417-32.