the answer. "That Zurich," so it was said in the Recess at Luzern on
the 1st of April, 1524, "sent in a discourse and sermon from God's
Word, is not necessary to mention here."

The last word of Zurich to the Bishop of Constance met with as little
favor. From all sides reports of an unfriendly character came to the
ears of the government; yea, it began to be rumored, that some of the
states seriously thought of giving back their written treaties to the
Zurichers.

From whom had the government now to seek its most powerful protection?
Only from God and its own people.

To learn whether they could be relied on, information was sought
through their _vogts_ and civil officers. "Faithful and beloved
friends"--so runs the paper, which was sent out to be read
publicly--"you know how we have held conferences in our canton for the
settlement of the dispute. The truth has been revealed, and we would
have had a perfect right to do away all abuses immediately. Still we
did not wish to hurry, and afforded opportunities on all sides to show
us what was better. Our gracious Lord, the Bishop of Constance, has
tried to prove, in a book written by his own hand, that we are guilty,
that we ought to adhere to images and esteem the mass a sacrifice, as
hitherto. We have examined it, compared it with Holy Scripture, and
have only been able to find that we ought to obey God rather than man.
Our brethren of the Confederacy have sent their deputies to lay such
complaints before us. Accept the answer which we sent them.[16] After
this, we heard that they in Luzern gave out, that they would put down
this 'piece of work,' as they call it. We have asked them, _where_ they
intend doing this. They have answered, just where it suits them. Again
it reached our ears, that we were grossly slandered, as to city and
canton, in Luzern. We sent two of our councilors hither with the
request, that they would allow them to vindicate us before the people.
It was not granted. Still they appeared before the Great Council, and
desired that such calumniators might be brought against them. We inform
you of all this, in the hope that you will be of like mind with us in
this Christian business. Remember, how many good, honest men, we, by
the use of God's Word in these times of war, have kept alive and spared
for their wives and children. Heretofore, you have acted faithfully in
this and other matters, like pious people. How much more should we, in
that which concer