. But
hither I have not come, to discuss evangelical or apostolical
doctrines, but to listen, to decide in case of strife, and in general,
to aid in guiding everything toward peace and unity, not rebellion; for
this is the will of Paul as well as the Gospel. But if we are to touch
praiseworthy usages and customs of long standing, then I declare, as
ambassador of my Lord of Constance, that I have a command not to
appear. Such things, in my judgment, belong only to a universal council
of the nations, the bishops, and the theologians; for, what another
place will refuse to receive, cannot be decided here, and hence
divisions would spring up in the Church. It, therefore, is my honest
advice, to postpone, for a while yet, disputations concerning the Papal
or Ecclesiastical Constitutions, now so many centuries old; especially
since my Lord, the Bishop, is informed, that the Estates of the Empire
have determined to hold, within the space of twelve months, a general
council at Nuremberg. For, in the end, who would be the judge in such a
disputation? At the Universities of Paris, Cologne or Louvain[2] only,
could the necessary learning be found."

"And why not"--Zwingli asked in derision--"at Erfurt, or Wittemberg?[3]
Good brethren, the Lord Vicar makes use of much art, to divert you from
your purpose by his rhetorical flourishes. We inquire not how long a
thing may have been in use? We would speak of the truth as it presents
itself in the Divine Law. To this, mere usage ought to give way. We are
told of a Christian assembly, though I hope there is one such here in
this chamber. Where two or three are gathered together in my name, said
our Lord, I am in their midst. There are also _bishops_ enough here
among us; for the overseers and teachers of congregations have been so
styled by the Apostles, not powerful princes, ruling far and wide, as
we have them now-a-days. And wherefore should we need judges, when we
have the Holy Scripture itself here in the Hebrew, Greek and Latin
languages, and scholars, who understand these languages as well as any
at those universities? But even were this not the case, there are at
least so many Christian spirits amongst us, that with the help of God
it should become plain to us, which party interprets the Scripture
truly, and which falsely. And lastly, touching the Nuremberg business,
I may tell you, dear Lords, that I can produce, if necessary, three
letters, received from there very lately, but