What did merchants sell during the Renaissance?

Roman Catholic AnswerAt the end of the Renaissance, in the sixteenth century, Martin Luther objected to the sell of Indulgences by the Church. Indulgences were never actually sold, however, an indulgence was issued for works of mercy, one of which was almsgiving. The particular problem that Luther objected to was, supposedly, the sale of indulgences for those who gave money to build the new St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Please note that indulgences were never actually sold, although at that time, they were issued for various charitable donations, and other works of mercy which included fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Because of the problem at the time, indulgences have never since been issued for the almsgiving.