It was not the corruption of the Church, but its enormous wealth which engendered the hatred, with which it was by many regarded.

Temporal princes and haughty barons began to dispute the right of ecclesiastics to enjoy vast estates, while refusing the burthen of taxation, and unable to draw a sword for the common defence.

At this period, the Counts of Flanders, of Holland, and other Netherland sovereigns, issued decrees, forbidding clerical institutions from acquiring property, by devise, gift, purchase, or any other mode.

The downfall of the rapacious and licentious knights-templar in the provinces and throughout Europe, was another severe blow administered at the same time.

The attacks upon Church abuses redoubled in boldness, as its authority declined.