Page:The Journal of English and Germanic Philology Volume 18.djvu/332

 328 Gilbert Dr. Sailer, a physician of Augsburg, in 1539, soon after the founding of the Gymnasium with Sturm at its head, wrote to the Landgrave of Hesse: 'If Bucer in his whole life had done no other good deed than the founding of the school of Strassburg, his work would be noble and blessed, for schools like them I have never seen before in my life.' 36 This perhaps represents public opinion, but we have better testimony on Bucer's service, for John Sturm himself calls him the 'chief originator and founder of our gymnasium.' 37 The summons of Sturm by Bucer was not the first contact of the two men. In 1528 Sturm visited Strassburg and attended Bucer's lectures on the Psalms. A few years later he read the writings of Bucer and was confirmed by them in his preference for the Reformed doctrines. The two had some communication by letter in the years following. When Sturm came to Strass- burg he lived for a time at Bucer's house, and meetings to discuss educational affairs were held there. The two were much in sympathy in all the important objects of their lives. A single disagreement, soon put aside, but emphasizes their usual harmony. 38 Though Sturm was a man of independent character, and the two doubtless exerted mutual influence, one would suppose Bucer, because of his age for he was about sixteen years the older and position, to have given more than he received. At least, Sturm was called to Strass- burg because he was able to carry out the general ideas Bucer had in mind, and he built on foundations which Bucer had assisted to lay; in particular he came to execute the plan for the union of the schools which had already been formed. There is no doubt that Sturm had the benefit of his friend's advice and the encouragement of his approval. It seems, then, that without detracting from the fame of John Sturm, we may properly give Bucer a place in the history of education as one of the most important of the men whose efforts produced the illustrious schools of Strassburg. Bucer's labors in the cause of education, like the other parts of his activity, were not confined to Strassburg. In 1543 he, 36 Erichson, op. tit., p. 24. 37 Ib., and Baum, op. tit., p. 547. 38 Schmidt, op. tit., p. 77.