Page:History of the German people at the close of the Middle Ages vol1.djvu/100

 88 HISTORY OF THE GERMAN PEOPLE an idol of, but all must be subservient together as teachers of Divine truth, as handmaids in the temple of faith. Where pride and lust prevail, learning cannot flourish. The four principal branches of science — Theology, Philosophy, Jurisprudence, and Medicine — were compared to the four rivers of Paradise, whose destination was to carry the blessings of fruitfulness to all the countries of the earth, for the rejoicing of all peoples and for the glory of God. It was in this sense that the Archduke Albert of Austria, on the occasion of the founding of the University of Freiburg, called the universities ' the wells of life, from which men drew living waters of refreshment and healing to wash away the corrupting zeal of the false reason and blindness of mankind.' The same sentiment made the Duke Louis of Bavaria insert in the charter of Ingolstadt : ' Of all the blessings vouchsafed by God to man in this transitory life, learning and art are among the greatest, for through them the path to a good and holy life may be learned. Human reason is enlightened by true knowledge and trained to right action. Christian faith is promulgated, justice and universal prosperity advanced.' Eberhard of Wiirttemberg, again, says in the foundation deed of the University of Tubingen : ' I know of nothing that can be more conducive to my salvation or more pleasing to God than helping industrious young men of small means to be educated in the arts and sciences, so that they may learn to know God, to honour and serve Him alone.' In the bull for the foundation of the University of Basle, Pope Pius II. speaks thus beautifully on the true end of science : ' Among the different blessings which by the grace of God mortals can attain to in this earthly life,