While the feudal system formed the framework of society, and, as much by inspiration as by law, governed the outward actions of men, the human mind was in complete, and almost universally willing, subjection to theological influence.  The state of war, or of readiness for war, which was the inevitable accompaniment of feudal tenure, did much to sustain the state of profound ignorance and consequent superstition in which the people of mediaeval times were plunged, both by preventing the pursuit of peaceful occupations and the growth of knowledge, and by increasing the element of danger in life, which always inclines the human mind to a belief in the supernatural.  The same results were brought about by the character and aims of the Roman Church.  The unswerving purpose of that church was to govern, temporally as well as spiritually.  She sought to supply to men from her own store all the knowledge which was necessary for their welfare, and that knowledge was limited to dogmas and beliefs which would strengthen the power of the priesthood.  A strict and absolute acceptance of the truths of Christianity as she defined them, and a humble obedience to the clergy were made the sole and necessary conditions of salvation.  A questioning of those truths or a violation of that obedience was a crime before which murder and license faded into insignificance.  The spirit of doubt and of inquiry which alone leads to knowledge, and through knowledge to civilization, was repressed by excommunication or in blood.  As long as men continued in a state of helpless ignorance and willing credulity, the church was a fitting, even a beneficent, mistress and guide.  For centuries she was the sole teacher and the sole external source of moral elevation.  For centuries she alone pointed out the distinction between right and wrong, the beauty of virtue, and the ugliness of sin.  Whatever there was in life to raise men above their earthly struggles, their evil passions, and the despair of a hard and dangerous existence, was supplied by her.  The consolations of religion, the ennobling acquaintance with the character of Christ, and the hope of salvation through Him were incalculable blessings.  Her aid in suppressing disorder and in establishing a respect for law and government is not to be overlooked.  She presented in her own organization an example of authority, of system, and of obedience, which, despite many failings and abuses, was of great value to the world.  But there is in human nature an irrepressible tendency toward growth and progress, and when this tendency began to show itself in the Middle Ages, it found in the theological spirit, then personated by the Roman Church, its most bitter and most powerful enemy.  The church, which had hitherto been a teacher and guide, became the champion of barbarism and the genius of retrogression.  Instead of adapting herself to the growing wants of mankind, instead of preserving her influence and power by inward progress proportionate to that which she saw advancing without,