of the
farmers, or dared even to hold carousals in the sacristy itself.[9] It
is true, that, since Zwingli's arrival, they had been obliged to
change, in so far as scarcely ever to venture on such things in public,
and, that the number of those, who clearly perceived the need of a
remedy, was increasing; and at last they induced Zwingli, as he had
given advice, before it would be too late, to stretch out a powerful
hand for their reformation.

The result was, a resolution of the monastery to bring the matter to
the notice of the government. The latter met them with joy; and by a
commission from both parties, a revised order was prepared, in
conformity with the progress of religious knowledge and theological
science, as it certainly agreed also with the original spirit of the
foundation, and that of its most distinguished patron, Charlemagne.

In the introduction of a document relating to this subject, drawn up on
the 29th of September, 1523, it runs thus: "The reverend Clergy,
Provost and Chapter of the Monastery of St. Felix and Regula make
known; since, from a good motive, encouraged thereto by the Divine
Word, which lays open everything, they see and acknowledge the
abuses, of which they are not the authors, having received them by
tradition--with the help of God they will exchange them for the better
rules of a good Christian life, and cause them to be practised in
another and better fashion than heretofore. Besides, they find that the
common people, rich and poor, who support them by their toilsome labor,
be it by interest or tithes, have had indeed no pleasure in their
prevailing customs and misusages, but felt great discontent at the
manifold burdens laid upon them." The improvement consisted in the
remission of a considerable sum of dues, which were hitherto drawn for
ecclesiastical purposes; in the establishment of professorships for the
better education of the clergy; in the greater demands made on those,
who wished to come forth as preachers; and in the anxiety manifested
for suitable religious instruction among congregations under the care
of the Canonical Chapter. Among the present canons and chaplains, whose
number, exclusive of the people's priest and his assistants, amounted
to 60, whoever was fitted for such purposes, him they would commission,
but suffered the others, under pledge, of course, to lead a retired
life and attend preaching regularly, to retain their benefices till
death, when their reve