Page:History of the German people at the close of the Middle Ages vol1.djvu/161

UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER CENTRES OF LEARNING 149 well versed in theology. He wrote on ecclesiastical antiquities, and prepared for the press a commentary on the ' Sentences ' of Peter Lombard. His acquaint- ance with the Scriptures and the Fathers was universally recognised, and he was one of those to whom the Emperor Maximilian applied for advice in his schemes for national religious education, consulting him as to the best means of bringing the mysteries of the Christian religion home to the common people. After 1490, when Peutinger became town clerk in Augsburg, he was brought into closer relations with Maximilian. As a man of generous feelings, and as the enthusiastic friend of German history and art, Peutinger was thoroughly congenial to the Emperor, and their mutual relations were characterised by deep loyalty on the one side, and entire confidence on the other. Maximilian entrusted Peutinger with several important matters of diplomatic business, and evinced cordial and affectionate friendship for him as years went on. Peutinger never abused his sovereign's favour for his own personal advantage, but utilised it for the benefit of his native city and the furthering of patriotic ends. Not the slightest suspicion of self-seeking has ever been attached to his memory. He always took an active interest in the scientific labours of others, and welcomed any improvement or advance on his own works. He was entirely free from personal vanity, and remained to the end untainted by the false pride of learning. Peutinger found in Augsburg a promising field for historical studies. The Benedictine monastery of St. Afra and St. Ulrich had long been remarkable for its religious discipline and its zeal for learning. It pos-