The clergy of the Middle Ages and previous to the Reformation were secularized. To the spiritual wants of the masses they gave little heed, but spent the large portion of their time in riotous living, in ambitious schemes, and in devising means by which to retain their hold on the superstitions of the common people. The monks, whose chief vow was that of personal poverty, had become so wealthy in the aggregate, that the monasteries were seats of the most comfortable living to be found. 

Similar Bookshelves 591j1m