ile those at
variance, they ought in no wise to take sides, but rather join with the
government as umpire, and at all hazards, have the last word reserved
for the Bishop. How much humiliation would not Faber have been spared,
if he had not suffered himself to be enticed away from this standpoint
by Zwingli!

The latter now took occasion to say: "Of old has God made known his
will to the human race. Thus speaks the revelation of his word. In and
of itself it is light and clear, but for many years, and still more in
our times, it has become so dimmed and obscured by the additions and
doctrines of men, that the greater part of those, who now call
themselves Christians, know less of nothing than of the Divine will,
and are only occupied with a worship of their own devising and a
fancied holiness resting on outward works. Into such delusion have they
been misled by those, who ought to be their leaders, whilst the truth
lies in the Word of Christ, as we learn it from his Gospel and the
writings of the Apostles. And since some rise up to proclaim this once
more, they are not regarded as Christians, but as corrupters of the
Church; yea, reviled as heretics, of which I also am counted one. And,
although I know, that, for five years now, I have preached in this city
nothing else than the glad message of Christ, this has not yet been
able to justify me, as is well known to my Lords of Zurich. Therefore
have they, and thanks to them for it! instituted for me a public
disputation. I have drawn up a summary in writing, which contains all I
have hitherto taught. That it is in conformity with the Gospel, I hope,
moreover, in presence of our gracious Lords, to prove to the Bishop of
Constance or his deputies. The Spirit of God has prompted me to speak;
He also knows why he has chosen one so unworthy. Well then; in His
name: Here am I."

Still the vicar-general, Faber, did not give up the hope of winning
over a part of the Council at least, by friendly words, warnings, and
promises, and warding off the decisive blow. "My esteemed brother,
Master Ulric Zwingli"--he began--"assures us that he has always
preached the Gospel in Zurich. Indeed I do not doubt it; for what
preacher, called of God, ought not so to do? He wishes also to justify
himself before the Bishop, in regard to his doctrines. The fact is, I
desired him to visit Constance. I would have received him into my own
house, shewn him all friendship, and treated him like a brother