In 1517, the great reformer Martin Luther wrote to the Archbishop of Mainz objecting to the sale of indulgences. With humble reverence, Luther explains his opposition to this practice. People bought indulgences on the premise that they were purchasing absolution for themselves or for those of a loved one suffering in purgatory. Luther argues that salvation comes only from sincere repentance, and that for this reason, he could no longer keep quiet about this heretical matter.