1. The origin of the monastic institution has been
laboriously discussed by Thomassin (Discipline de l'Eglise,
tom. i. p. 1419-1426) and Helyot (Hist. des Ordres
Monastiques, tom. i. p. 1-66). These authors are very
learned and tolerably honest, and their difference of
opinion shows the subject in its full extent. Yet the
cautious Protestant, who distrusts any Popish guides, may
consult the seventh book of Bingham's Christian Antiquities.