The industry and order exhibited in them presented an example not lost on the surrounding barbarians of Britain, Gaul, and Germany.

And, though it was no part of their duty to occupy themselves actively in the betterment of the conquered tribes, but rather to keep them in a depressed condition that aided in maintaining subjection, a steady improvement both in the individual and social condition took place.
Under the ecclesiastical domination of Rome similar effects occurred.

In the open country the monastery replaced the legionary encampment; in the village or town, the church was a centre of light.

A powerful effect was produced by the elegant luxury of the former, and by the sacred and solemn monitions of the latter.
In extolling the papal system for what it did in the organization of the family, the definition of civil policy, the construction of the states of Europe, our praise must be limited by the recollection that the chief object of ecclesiastical policy was the aggrandizement of the Church, not the promotion of civilization.

The benefit obtained by the laity was not through any special intention, but incidental or collateral.
There was no far-reaching, no persistent plan to ameliorate the physical condition of the nations.