It was a distinct and powerful religious revival, and one that showed itself, as many others have done, by a mighty reaction.

Medievalism was restored, largely by medieval methods, the general council, the emphasis on tradition and dogma, coercion of mind and body, and the ministrations of a monastic order, new only in its discipline and effectiveness, a reduplication of the old mendicant orders in spirit and ideal.
[Sidenote: Preparation for calling a council] The Oecumenical Council was so double-edged a weapon that it is not remarkable that the popes hesitated to grasp it in their war with the heretic.

They had uncomfortable memories of Constance and Basle, of the election and deposition of popes and of decrees limiting their prerogatives.

And, moreover, the council was the first authority invoked by the heretic himself.

Adrian might have been willing to risk such a synod, but before he had time to call one, his place was taken by the vacillating and pusillanimous Clement.