and a horror of tearing down anything,
before it could be built up again, marked that of the second. Bolder,
springing more from the immediate wants of the age, more politic were
the views of the first; milder, more accordant with nature, better
agreeing with the spirit of Christianity, were those of the second.
Still Zwingli was not lacking in feeling, nor Schmied in understanding
Hence they, and their friends likewise, mutually comprehended each
other and united in their opposition to the third class, in which, under
Grebel's guidance, only the impure elements of stormy passions mingled.

Because there were now only two, though very important, points of
discussion, this conference was more lively and animated than the one
preceding. The decisive action to be taken in regard to images, held in
suspense the multitude of those, whose devotions were made up of
genuflections, faith in miracles, and the observance of external rites,
whilst on the other hand, the thoughtful and sensible turned their
attention rather to the examinations on the mass, which was without
doubt the basis of the prevailing worship. This assembly drew together
a far greater number than the first, held in the beginning of the year,
and in order that digression to irrelevant subjects might not be possible,
and that the management might not be attributed to a faction of Zurichers,
Vadianus and Schapeler of St. Gall, along with Doctor Hofmeister of
Schaffhausen, were chosen as presidents.

Rigidly did they adhere to the rule of order laid down for them by the
burgomaster, to suffer no replies to pass which were not sustained by
the very language of the Bible, and Hofmeister particularly ordered
silence and the disuse of certain expressions, which few in our times
would not admit as substantially true, although according to the nature
of things they could not be proven by the bare letter of Holy
Scripture.

At first, the debate concerning the adoration of images proceeded
without much strife. The unscriptural character of the practice was
universally acknowledged. Only in appearance, or in order to pave the
way for discussion, Gregory Luethy, pastor in Winterthur, raised some
objections, but was supported by no one. The word "idolater," which
they were so ready to use, carried terror on all sides.

The canon Edlebach, whilst granting all such veneration to be
superstitious, was still anxious to preserve at least figurative
representations of noble d