The Medieval Church at its Height 489 especially the task of conducting the Inquisition. They early Contrast began to extend their influence over the universities, and the Domtnfcans two most distinguished theologians and teachers of the thirteenth ^^ *^.^ ^ ° ^ Franciscans century, Albertus Magnus and Thomas Aquinas, were Domini- cans. Among the Franciscans, on the other hand, there was always a considerable party who were suspicious of learning and who showed a greater desire to remain absolutely poor than did the Dominicans. Yet as a whole the Franciscans, like the Dominicans, accepted the wealth that came to them, and they too contributed distinguished scholars to the universities. Section 86. Church and State We have seen that the Medieval Church was a single The State great institution with its head, the Pope, at Rome and its aided the Church, and the officers in all the countries of western Europe. It had its laws, law courts, taxes, and even prisons, just like the various kings churchmen and other rulers. In general, the kings were ready to punish government every one who revolted against the Church. Indeed, the State de- pended upon the churchmen in many ways. It was the church- men who wrote out the documents which the king required ; they took care of the schools, aided the poor, and protected the * weak. They tried, by issuing the Truce of God, to discourage neighborhood warfare, which the kings were unable to stop. But as the period of disorder drew to an end and the Chief sources kings and other rulers got the better of the feudal lords and between" established peace in their realms, they began to think that ^'^"'"'^^ ^'^^ the Church had become too powerful and too rich. Certain difficulties arose of which the following were the most important : I . Should the king or the Pope have the advantage of select- FilHng ing the bishops and the abbots of rich monasteries ? Naturally ^ ""^"^ ° ^^^ both were anxious to place their friends and supporters in these influential positions. Moreover, the Pope could claim a con- siderable contribution from those whom he appointed, and the king naturally grudged him the money.
