The conversion of the barbarians was an indispensable condition of
modern civilization. Every step forward had to be taken in the face of
barbaric ignorance and cruelty. In this stupendous undertaking the
monks led the way, displaying in their labors remarkable generalship
and undaunted courage. Whatever may be thought of later monasticism,
the Benedictine monks are entitled to the lasting gratitude of mankind
for their splendid services in reducing barbaric Europe to some sort of
order and civilization. But again the mixture of good and evil is
strangely illustrated. It seems impossible to accord the monks
unqualified praise. The potency of the evil tendencies within their
system vitiated every noble achievement. Their methods and practical
ideals were so at variance with the true order of nature that every
commendable victory involved a corresponding obstacle to real social
and religious progress. The justice of these observations will be more
apparent as this inquiry proceeds.