184.] The action of Rome under the influence of the Counter-Reformation was clearly guided by two objects: to preserve Catholic dogma in its integrity, and to maintain the supremacy of the Church.

She was eager to extinguish learning and to paralyze intellectual energy.

But she showed no unwillingness to tolerate those pleasant vices which enervate a nation.

Compared with unsound doctrine and audacious speculation, immorality appeared in her eyes a venial weakness.

It was true that she made serious efforts to reform the manners of her ministers, and was fully alive to the necessity of enforcing decency and decorum.