" If the sinner had true contrition, he received complete
forgiveness ; if he had it not, no brief of indulgence could
avail him ; for the Pope's absolution had no value in and
for itself, but only in so far as it was a mark of divine
favor."

The publication of these theses is commonly considered
the starting-point of the Reformation. The excitement
produced by them was intense and wide-spread. Luther's
diocesan, the Bishop of Brandenburg, a good, easy man,
expressed sympathy, but counselled silence for peace's
sake. Silence, however, was now no longer possible.
Everywhere the excited popular feeling caught up the
bold notes of defiance. It seemed, in the words of Myco-
nius, " as if the angels themselves had carried them to the
ears of all men." The excitement grew and strengthened,
and sympathetic voices were heard through all Germany.
Tetzel retreated to Frankfort-on -the- Oder, and with the
assistance of a Dr. Wjfimpiria, drew out a set of counter-
theses, while he publicly committed those of Luther to the
flames. But this was a game easily played at; and the
students ( at Wittenberg retaliated, by seizing the messen-
ger bearing the counter -theses, and burning them in the
marketplace. Frederick of Saxony refused to interfere.
