224 CAUSES ACCOUNTING FOR THE GROWTH OF THE PAPACY. of Christendom. And that from so very slender roots, from slight beginnings, and the slimmest pretences one can well imagine,' this bulk of exorbitant power grew the vastest that ever man on earth attained, or ever aimed at, will be the less wonderful if we consider the many causes which concurred and contributed to it; some of which are proposed in the following observations: - 1. Eminency of anykind, inwealth, inhonour, in reputation, in might, in place, or mere order of dignity, easily passes into advan- tages of real power and command over those who are inferior in those respects, and have any dealingoor common transactions with such superiors. For to persons endowed with such eminency by voluntary defer- ence the conduct of affairs is wont to be allowed, none presuming to stand in competition with them, every one rather yielding place to them than to their equals. The same conduct of things, upon the same accounts, and by rea- son oftheir possession, continues fast in their hands, so long as they retain such advantages. Then, from a customof managing things, springs up an opinion or a pretence of right thereto; they are apt to assume a title, and others ready to allow it. Men naturally admire such things, and so are apt to defer extra- ordinary respect to the possessors of them. Advantages of wealth and might are not only instruments to attain, but incentives spurring men to affect, the getting authority over their poorer and weaker neighbours; for menwill not be content with bare eminency, but will desire real power and sway, so as to obtain their wills over others, and not to be crossed by any. Pope Leo had no reason to wonder that Anatolius, bishop of Constanti- nople, was not content with dry honour.' Men are apt to think their honour is precarious, and stands on an uncertain foundation, if it be not supported with real power; and, therefore, they will not be satisfied to let their advantages lie dead, which are so easily im- provable to power, by inveigling some, and scaring or constraining others to bear their yoke: and they are able to benefit and gratify some, and thereby render them willing to submit; those afterwards become serviceable to bring others under, who are disaffected or re- fractory. So the bishops of Constantinople and of Jerusalem, at first, had only privileges of honour, but afterward they soon hooked in power. De pusillo crescere.P. Leo., Ep. Iv. ' Quid illi satisfaciet, si tantas urbis magnificentia et claritudo non sufficit Y Leo, Ep. lv. [" What will satisfy him, if the magnificence and renown of such a city is not (nought" ]
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