The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-10-31
THE REFORMATION LuBILEE.


Tho seventh semi-Oontemnial AnnIvsr-
sary Of Luther's Defiance OF the Pope
How it ~ Being Celebrated IN PhilR-
dslphlas
Nv the time that Leo ascenled the Papal
throne, a great portion of the Latin Church was
ready for spiritual revolt, awaiting only the
opportunity and occasion. Both were destined
20 be given by rtin Luther, whose name has
become indelibly associated with the great Re-
formation Of the sixteenth century as its fore
most hero. Leo X, anxious TO complete the
magnificent cathedral of st. Peter, in tn Eternal
CITY, adopted a novel method whereby to secure
the money that would be required. This was
the PRONUNCIATION of an indulgence to all
throughout the Christian world who chose
TO perform certain conditions, chief among
which was contribution towards the
building of st. Peters. Domin-
can monk by the name of Tetzel was
intrusted with the dispensation OF these indul
gences in SaXony, and he appears to have Cou-
Quoted his operations in a way that was ex.
tremely repusive to many of his co-religionists.
He was accused OF Going far beyond the doc
trines received by the Roman Canonists of the
age, and of disposing of the Papal absolution
in manner that differed but little, If at all,
from an out-and-out sale. In Martin Luther
Tetzel found his most formidable and enthust-
astic antagonist. The latter was at that time
the Professor of Scholastic Philosophy in the
University of Wittenberg, and he at once pre-
pared in the Latin language a series of theses -
ninety-fve in number in which he combated
and denounced the practices OF Tetzel. These
'tbeses submitted the whole matter in COntrO-
versy 10 the decision OF the Pope of Rome, to
whom Luther still acknowledged the most i'm
piClt obedience; but Notwithstanding this ao-
parent orthodoxy, they contained the germs Of
the Protestant doctrines which we're soon
destined 10 sweep over Germany and England.
On the Slst day OF October, l5l7, just three
hundred snd fifty years ago, Luther posted up
his "theses" on the doors OF the ScttOSskircbe az
Wiuenberg, and the great Reformation was
thus fully inaugurated. A copy of the "theses"
was sent to the Archbishop of Magdeburg ac-
Companied bya note in which the author be-
sought that dignitary OF the Church to put an
end 10 the scandalous proceedings of Tetzel.
Through the agency OF the press, which was
then Tor the first time turned to account in a
popular agitation, Luther's proceedings were
spread all over Germany, creating an intense
excitement and much bitter disputation
Attempts were made by certain ecciesi-
astical dipIomatists to compromise the
difficulty, but they failed; and in july 1919
Luther held his famous dsputation with Dr.
Eek, the champion of Calholicity, at Leipsic
the result OF which only tended to widen the
breach between him and his followers aud the
Church of Rome, Step by step, the author Of
original intention of resisting abuses in the
Church, TO an open defiance Of its authority
and denunciation OF its dogmas aud practices
as contrary 10 the teachings of Christ.
To-day being the seventh sem-centennia
anniversary OF the promulgation of tue ''theses,
by Luther, It is being observed with approprat,
ceremonies by the churches OF tins city whlcl
are in communion with the Evangelical Lu
theran branch of the Protestant Church. Specia
religious services were held in the lea1lue
churches of the dennonlination this morning
an account of which will be found below
I'M will be continued this evening at half
mast O'Clock, at ST. Andrews Church, at thC
northeast corner .of Broad and Arch streets; a
St. Marks Church, on Spring Garden street
above Thirteenth; at ST. Peters Church, or
Carpenter street. above Ninth; and at ST. Johns
Church, on Race street, above Fifth.