CHAPTER XIV THE MONKS AND THEIR MISSIONARY WORK ; THE MOHAMMEDANS Section 56. Monks and Monasteries Importance of the monks as a class Monasticism appealed to many differ- ent classes It would be difficult to overestimate the influence that the monks exercised for centuries in Europe. The proud annals of the Benedictines, Franciscans, Dominicans, and Jesuits contain many a distinguished name. The most eminent philosophers, scientists, historians, artists, poets, and statesmen may be found in their ranks. Among those whose achievements we shall men- tion later are "The Venerable Bede," Boniface, Thomas Aquinas, Roger Bacon, Fra Angelico, Luther, Erasmus — all these, and many others who have been leaders in various branches of human activity, were monks. The life in a monastery appealed to many different kinds of people. The monastic life was safe and peaceful, as well as holy. The monastery was the natural refuge not only of the religiously minded, but of those of a studious or thoughtful dis- position who disliked the career of a soldier and were disinclined to face the dangers and uncertainties of the times. Even the 348
