VIII Security for the living
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R. N. Swanson
Abstract
The attempt to secure salvation generated a variety of social and other involvements. The doctrine of good works obviously imposed charitable obligations; the search for assurances of salvation also generated numerous attempts to secure prayers and limit the penalties of sin. Actions before death to secure salvation took several forms, besides making arrangements for commemorations after death. The participation in prayers and indulgences was the main focus, obtained in several forms. Indulgences, whatever the canonical interpretation, were generally taken to guarantee time off Purgatory in the future; and were widely distributed. The Hospital of St Anthony in London was a nation-wide collecting institution, which farmed out its sale of indulgences. Concurrent membership of several fraternities was relatively common; so too was the multiple purchase of indulgences.
Abstract
The attempt to secure salvation generated a variety of social and other involvements. The doctrine of good works obviously imposed charitable obligations; the search for assurances of salvation also generated numerous attempts to secure prayers and limit the penalties of sin. Actions before death to secure salvation took several forms, besides making arrangements for commemorations after death. The participation in prayers and indulgences was the main focus, obtained in several forms. Indulgences, whatever the canonical interpretation, were generally taken to guarantee time off Purgatory in the future; and were widely distributed. The Hospital of St Anthony in London was a nation-wide collecting institution, which farmed out its sale of indulgences. Concurrent membership of several fraternities was relatively common; so too was the multiple purchase of indulgences.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Foreword xi
- Preface xiii
- Addenda and corrigenda / Note on the documents xv
- Introduction 1
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PART ONE: THEORY
- I The Bible 46
- II Disseminating the faith 51
- III The mass 78
- IV Designs for living and dying 92
- V Parish celebrations 150
- VI Private religion 164
- VII Saints, shrines, miracles, and pilgrimage 175
- VIII Security for the living 201
- IX Security for the dead 222
- X Distributions at death: wills 242
- XI Complaint and opposition 259
- Bibliography of printed works cited 281
- Index 294
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Foreword xi
- Preface xiii
- Addenda and corrigenda / Note on the documents xv
- Introduction 1
-
PART ONE: THEORY
- I The Bible 46
- II Disseminating the faith 51
- III The mass 78
- IV Designs for living and dying 92
- V Parish celebrations 150
- VI Private religion 164
- VII Saints, shrines, miracles, and pilgrimage 175
- VIII Security for the living 201
- IX Security for the dead 222
- X Distributions at death: wills 242
- XI Complaint and opposition 259
- Bibliography of printed works cited 281
- Index 294
