 Even at Roeselare, while performing his duties as teacher, he began that literary activity, which was thenceforth ever associated with his professorial duties.His appointment to the chair of ecclesiastical history at Leuven University, in succession to G. Henry Wouters, opened in 1871 a wider field for his great ability.A keen intellect with powers of clear exposition, joined to the spirited delivery which distinguished his lectures, ensured him great success.