But the power of Christianity for good was not confied to the
monasteries; the priests took their part in it. Unlike the monks,
they were not bound by monastic rules, though they were forbidden to
marry. They lived in the world and worked for the world, and had an
immense social influence. The Church, as a rule, in all forms of its
activity took the side of the weak, the suffering, and the oppressed.
Slavery was then the normal condition of a large class, but when the
Church held slaves it protected them from ill usage. It secured
Sunday for them as a day of rest, and it often labored effectually for
their emancipation.