Of this, perhaps, one of the best illustrations may be found in the story of the march of the first Crusaders.

These restraints upon intercommunication tended powerfully to promote the general benighted condition.

Journeys by individuals could not be undertaken without much risk, for there was scarcely a moor or a forest that had not its highwaymen.
An illiterate condition everywhere prevailing, gave opportunity for the development of superstition.

Europe was full of disgraceful miracles.

On all the roads pilgrims were wending their way to the shrines of saints, renowned for the cures they had wrought.