Page:General History of Europe 1921.djvu/278

it)8 General History oj Europe converting the heathen. Consequently, before considering his missionary achievements, we must glance at the origin and char- acter of the monks, who are so conspicuous throughout the Middle Ages. V. THE MONKS AND THEIR MISSIONS 314. Importance of the Monks. It would be difficult to over- estimate the influence that the monks and other religious orders exercised for centuries in Europe. The proud annals of the Benedictines, Franciscans, Dominicans, and Jesuits contain many a distinguished name. Eminent philosophers, historians, artists, and poets may be found in their ranks. Among those who have made themselves famous are "The Venerable Bede," Boniface, Thomas Aquinas, Roger Bacon, Fra Angelico, Luther, Erasmus, Loyola ; all these, and many other leaders in various branches of human activity, were monks, or members of religious orders. 315. Monasticism appealed to Many Classes. The life in a monastery appealed to many different kinds of people. The mon- astery was the natural refuge not only of the religiously minded but of those of a studious or thoughtful disposition who disliked the career of a soldier and were disinclined to face the dangers and uncertainties of the times. It furnished, too, a refuge for the friendless, an asylum for the unfortunate, and sometimes food and shelter for the indolent, who would otherwise have had to earn their living. There were, therefore, many different motives which led people to enter monasteries. Kings and nobles, for the good of their souls, readily gave land upon which to found colonies of monks, and there were plenty of remote spots in the mountains and forests to invite those who wished to escape from the world and its temptations, its dangers, or its cares. 1 316. Rule of St. Benedict. Monastic communities first de- veloped on a large scale in Egypt in the fourth century. In the sixth century monasteries multiplied so rapidly in western Europe that it became necessary to establish definite rules for them. 1 Later, monasteries were sometimes built in towns or just outside the walls.