91 



Another great event was, the general establishment of 

 the Christian religion, and the superstitions which were 

 engrafted on it. At first, the spirit of superstition and bi- 

 gotry contributed to keep the world in darkness, and de- 

 plorable ignorance; but, in process of time, the very insti- 

 tutions, which had most powerfully produced this effect, 

 began to produce the very reverse of the picture. Such 

 were monastic institutions, pilgrimages, the worship of 

 images; all of which (though a contrary effect might have 

 been expected) appear, to a certain degree, to have con- 

 tributed to the revival and advancement of the fine arts, 

 and even (unfriendly as they might be supposed to be to 

 such an effect) to the advancement of solid learning. The 

 'erection of churches and monasteries was a great cause 

 and incentive of the improvement of architecture. Paint-* 

 ing and sculpture were, also, prized and cultivated; foj: 

 the ornaments of these religious structures; for the images,^ 

 shrines and sepulchres, and the furniture and utensils era- 

 ployed in them. Music was, likewise, studied and im- 

 proved, as a solemn and grateful accessary, indeed, an 

 indispensable requisite, in religious service. The first at- 

 tempts at dramatic poetry, appeared in the miracle plays 

 and mysteries. Monastic institutions also, (though in after 

 times they became receptacles of sloth and ignorance,) yet, 

 in the dark ages, contributed greatly to the improvement 

 and instruction of mankind, and the cultivation of arts 

 and sciences. The leisure, which the monks and other re- 

 ligious persons enjoyed, was dedicated to the pursuits of 



M 2 painting. 



