The history of the Crusades, for the recovery and possession of the Holy Land Vol.1

THE supposed duty of relieving- the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem from the yoke of the Muselmans influenced the western world during a considerable part of the middle ages. It had its origin in the universal feeling of regarding with veneration the scenes of great events : it was nourished and matured by the common
disposition of setting the seal of absolute obligation upon every thing that is connected, in however remote a degree, with piety: it was quickened into action by indignation at insults and intolerance of error : and it was supported during its reign as a principle of conduct by Papal authority,, political interests, habitual hope, a deep disdain of submission to the enemies of religion, and by the love of that honourable reputation which in days of chivalry was bestowed upon militant Christians