Page:History of the German people at the close of the Middle Ages vol1.djvu/139

UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER CENTRES OF LEARNING 127 necessity of studying the Scriptures and the early Fathers of the Church, he was very decided in his opinion that beginners in divinity studies should not at once be sent to the early Fathers, but should rather have their attention turned to the later theologians and schoolmen, who proceed on the plan of setting questions admirably adapted for discussion, refutation of heretics, sharpening the reason, and clearing up apparent con- tradictions. ' No theologian,' he says, ' should let a day go by without reading and meditating on the sacred Scriptures, the Book of books, in order to make him- self master of them, and to be able to explain effectively to the people ; but in their expositions they must always look to the Church for guidance.' There was scarcely a single individual in Germany at the close of the Middle Ages who was held in such universal honour by his contemporaries as Geiler — scarcely anyone who is so great a power even in the present day, and has so far-reaching an influence as 4 the clear-toned trombone of Strasburg,' as Geiler was called. He was remarkable for the possession of two qualities which do not often go together — immense intellectual activity and extreme tenderness of heart. To great charity towards his neighbour, and sincere humility, he united firm decision, untiring perseverance, and indomitable strength of character. 'He spent him- self in love to his fellow-men,' says Wimpheling, ' and to the end of his life his heart grieved over the sins and errors of his time. He was austere in his judgments of himself, and practised all manner of self-renunciation. At the same time he was the enemy of gloom and moroseness, was merry and cheerful in his daily life, and warm in his friendship towards the select number