CHAPTER I.--THE CHURCH.

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Domination of the Church in the Twelfth Century 1

Causes of Antagonism with the Laity 5

Election of Bishops 6

Simony and Favoritism 7

Martial Character of Prelates 10

Difficulty of Punishing Offenders 13

Prostitution of the Episcopal Office 16

Abuse of Papal Jurisdiction 17

Abuse of Episcopal Jurisdiction 20

Oppression from the Building of Cathedrals 23

Neglect of Preaching 23

Abuses of Patronage 24

Pluralities 25

Tithes 26

Sale of the Sacraments 27

Extortion of Pious Legacies 28

Quarrels over Burials 30

Sexual Disorders 31

Clerical Immunity 32

The Monastic Orders 34

The Religion of the Middle Ages 39

Tendency to Fetishism 40

Indulgences 41

Magic Power of Formulas and Relics 47

Contemporary Opinion 51