eas, in
dependence on Erasmus, before he heard of the Saxon; and he still
retained his capacity for private judgment afterwards. He never
followed any man slavishly, and in some respects he was more radical
than Luther; nevertheless it is true that he was deeply indebted to the
great German.

Significantly enough, the first real conflict broke out at Zurich early
in 1520. Zwingli preached against fasting and monasticism, and put
forward the thesis that the gospel alone should be the rule of faith
and practice. He succeeded in carrying through a practical reform of
the cathedral chapter, but was obliged to compromise on fasting. Soon
afterwards Zurich renounced obedience to the bishop. The Forest
Cantons, already jealous of the prosperity of the cities, endeavored to
intervene, but were warned by Zwingli not to appeal to war, as it was
an unchristian thing. Opposition only drove his reforming zeal to
further efforts.

In the spring of 1522 Zwingli formed with Anna Reinhard Meyer a union
which he kept secret for two years, when he married her in church. In
the marriage itself, though it was by no means unhappy, there was
something lacking of fine feeling and of perfect love.

[Sidenote: Reformation in Zurich]

As the reform progressed, the need of clarification was felt. This was
brought about by the favorite method of that day, a disputation. The
Catholics tried in vain to prevent it, and it was actually held in
January, 1523, on 67 theses drawn up by Zwingli. Here, as so often, it
was found that the battle was half won when the innovators were heard.
They themselves attributed this to the excellence of their cause; but,
without disparaging that, it must be said that, as the psychology of
advertising has shown, any thesis presented with sufficient force to
catch the public ear, is {153} sure to win a certain number of
adherents. [Sidenote: October 27, 1523] The Town Council of Zurich
ordered the abolition of images and of the mass. The opposition of the
cathedral chapter considerably delayed the realization of this program.
In December the Council was obliged to concede further discussion. It
was not until Wednesday, April 12, 1525, that mass was said for the
last time in Zurich. Its place was immediately taken, the next day,
Maundy Thursday, by a simple communion service. At the same time the
last of the convents were suppressed, or put in a condition assuring
their eventual extinction. Other refor