To do so by plain speaking and honest dealing was clearly dangerous.

The world had had enough of Dominican austerity and dogmatism.

To do so by open toleration and avowed cynicism did not suit the temper of the time.

A reform of the monastic orders and the regular clergy had been undertaken by the Church.

Pardoners, palmers, indulgence-mongers, jolly Franciscan confessors, and such-like folk were out of date.