The systematic and logical method, which seems to have been first introduced into theology by John of Damascus, and which after wards was known by the name of School Divinity, was not then in use, at least in the Western Church, though soon after it made an amazing progress.

In this scheme the allegorical gave way to the literal explication, the imagination had less scope, and the affections were less touched.

But it prevailed by an appearance more solid and philosophical, by an order more scientific, and by a readiness of application either for the solution or the exciting of doubts and difficulties.
They also cultivated in this monastery the study of natural philosophy and astronomy.

There remain of Beda one entire book and some scattered essays on these subjects.

This book, _De Rerum Natura_, is concise and methodical, and contains no very contemptible abstract of the physics which were taught in the decline of the Roman Empire.