<P> He acquired the degree of Licentiate of Sacred Theology in the University of Frankfurt an der Oder in 1517, and then of Doctor of Sacred Theology in 1518, by defending in two disputations, the doctrine of indulgences against Martin Luther . The accusation that he had sold full forgiveness for sins not yet committed caused a great scandal . It was believed that all of the money that Tetzel raised was for the ongoing reconstruction of St. Peter's Basilica, although half the money went to the Archbishop of Mainz, Cardinal Albert of Brandenburg (under whose authority Tetzel was operating), to pay off the debts incurred in securing Albert's appointment to the archbishopric . Luther began to preach openly against him and was inspired to write his famous Ninety - five Theses in part due to Tetzel's actions, in which he states, </P> <P> 27 . They preach only human doctrines who say that as soon as the money clinks into the money chest, the soul flies out of purgatory . </P> <P> 28 . It is certain that when money clinks in the money chest, greed and avarice can be increased; but when the church intercedes, the result is in the hands of God alone . </P> <P> Tetzel was also condemned (though later pardoned) for immorality . When he discovered that Karl von Miltitz had accused him of perpetrating numerous frauds and embezzlements, he withdrew, broken in spirit, wrecked in health, into the Dominican monastery in Leipzig . Miltitz was later discredited to the point where his claims carry no historical weight . </P>

As soon as the coin in the coffer rings the soul out of purgatory springs