The clergy thus nourished men for more than twelve centuries, and in the grandeur of its recompense we can estimate the depth of their gratitude.
Its popes, for two hundred years, were the dictators of Europe.

It organized crusades, dethroned monarchs, and distributed kingdoms.

Its bishops and abbots became here, sovereign princes, and there, veritable founders of dynasties.

It held in its grasp a third of the territory, one-half of the revenue, and two-thirds of the capital of Europe.

Let us not believe that Man counterfeits gratitude, or that he gives without a valid motive; he is too selfish and too envious for that.