Section 77. ABSOLUTION BEFOREHAND[1].
Reading edition
Section 77. ABSOLUTION BEFOREHAND[1].
When Tezel[2] was at Leipzig, in the sixteenth century (App. § 9), and had collected[3] a great deal of money from all ranks[4] of people, a nobleman, who suspected imposition, put[5] the question to him: “Can you[6] grant absolution for a sin which a man[7] shall intend to commit in future?” “Yes,” replied the frontless commissioner, “but on[8] condition that a proper[9] sum of money be actually[10] paid down.” The noble (S. 5, N. 2) instantly produced the sum demanded, and in return[11] received a diploma[12], sealed and signed by Tezel, absolving[13] him from the unexplained crime which he intended to commit. Not[14] long after, when Tezel was about (S. 6, N. 4) to leave Leipzig, the nobleman made[15] inquiry respecting the road he would probably travel[16], waited[17] for him in ambush at a convenient place, attacked and robbed him, then[18] beat him soundly with a stick, sent him back to Leipzig with[19] his chest empty, and[20] at parting said: “This is the fault[21] I intended to commit, and for which I have your absolution[22].”—Rev. R. K. Arvine.