The protection of ecclesiastical edifices was extended over all criminals and fugitives from justice--a beneficent result in those sanguinary ages, even if its roots were sacerdotal pride.

To establish an accusation against a bishop, seventy-two witnesses were necessary; against a deacon, twenty-seven; against an inferior dignitary, seven; while two were sufficient to convict a layman.

The power to read and write helped the clergy to much wealth.

Privileges and charters from petty princes, gifts and devises from private persons, were documents which few, save ecclesiastics, could draw or dispute.

Not content, moreover, with their territories and their tithings, the churchmen perpetually devised new burthens upon the peasantry.