The-papacy-its-history-dogmas-genius-and-prospects-wylie

TRIUMPH OF THE MITRE. 81the struggles of Rome for dominion.These weakened thesecular, but left the vigour of the spiritual element unimpaired.The deepening ignorance of the masses was exceedinglyfavourable to the pretensions of Rome. It formed abasis of power, not only over them, but, through them, overkings. Add to all this, that of the two principles betweenwhich this great contest was waged, the secular was divided,whereas the spiritual was one.The kings had various interests,and frequently pursued conflicting lines of policy.The most perfect organization and union reigned in theranks of the Papacy. The clergy in all countries werethoroughly devoted to the papal see, and obeyed as oneman the behests which came from the chair of St Peter. Itis also to be borne in mind, that in this conflict the emperorscould contend with but secular weapons; whereas the popes,while they by no means disdained the aidof armies, foughtwith those yet more formidable weapons which the power ofsuperstition furnished them with.Is it wonderful that withthese advantages they triumphed in the contest,—that everysuccessive age found Rome growing in influence and dominion,—and that at last her chief was seen seated, god-like, on theSeven Hills, with the nations, tribes, and languages of theRoman world prostrate at his feet ?" After long centuriesof confusion," says Ranke,— " after other centuries of oftendoubtful strife,—the independence of the Roman see, and thatof its essential principle, was finally attained.In effect, theposition of the popes was at this moment most exalted ;theclergy were wholly in their hands. It is worthy of remark,that the most firm-minded pontiff's of this period,—GregoryVII. for example,—were Benedictines. By the introductionof celibacy, they converted the whole body of the secularclergy into a kind of monastic order. The vuiiversal bishopricnow claimed by the popes bears a certain resemblanceto the power of an abbot of Cluny, who was the only abbotof his order ;in like manner, these pontiffs aspired to be theonly bishops of the assembled Church. They interfered,without scruple, in the administration of every diocese, andG