 He was ordained in 1780 at Mainz.During his studies of Philosophy and Theology at Würzburg and Heidelberg, where he graduated, he acquired such renown that contrary to the custom of his religious order he was allowed to accept a professorship in Hermeneutics and Oriental Languages, first at his own alma mater, then at the Academy (University from 1786) of Bonn (1783–1791).In 1791 he was sent to Strasbourg where he was a professor of Exegetical Theology and also filled the posts of preacher and of rector at the episcopal seminary.