t began: "Very learned and worthy Lords, hitherto
dissension has frequently arisen in the city and canton of Zurich in
regard to the doctrines of our preacher, Master Ulric Zwingli. By some
he is reviled as a seducer of the people, by others as a heretic. The
disturbance among the priests and laity increases, and every day
complaints are laid before my fellow-councilors. From the open pulpit
Master Ulric has offered to justify his doctrine, if it be granted him
to hold a public disputation in the presence of all, both of the clergy
and the laity. We have permitted him to do this in the German language
before the Great Council. We have summoned thereto all the people's
priests and pastors of our Canton, and entreated also the Very Reverend
Lord and Prince, the Bishop of Constance. We thank him particularly for
sending us his worthy legation. So, to whomsoever it is displeasing or
doubtful, what Master Ulric has uttered in the pulpit here at Zurich;
whoever may be able to show, that his preaching and doctrine are
seditious or heretical; let him prove his error to him here present
from the Divine Scripture, so that my fellow-councilors may be relieved
henceforth of the daily complaints about disunion and discord, with
which they are troubled by clergy and laity."

The steward of the Bishop now rose up. "My gracious Lord"--said he--"is
well aware that at present, in all parts of his princely Grace's
diocese, strife and discord, touching doctrines or sermons have sprung
up, and since he never has refused, and does not now refuse, to show
himself gracious, kind and willing, in all that promotes peace and
unity, he has sent us hither as his ambassadors, at the special request
and information of an honorable, wise Council at Zurich, where disunion
chiefly reigns. Having listened to the reasons of this discord, we are
to give them the best advice in the case; nothing else than may redound
to the welfare of an honorable Council at Zurich, as well as an
estimable priesthood. Therefore we are willing, for the sake of peace
and unity, to aid in composing the discord; so that friendship may
continue among a worthy priesthood, till my Lord, together with his
theologians and prelates, has further considered and decided in regard
to the matter."

Thus had the adroit courtier wisely marked out the only position which
the episcopal embassy could maintain with honor. Affirming simply the
power of the Church to judge and her duty to reconc