ns the honor of God, the salvation of our souls and
our consciences, keep together, use the Divine Word, and be one in
protecting and defending ourselves. If this happen, then God is with
us, whom no one on earth or in hell can withstand. Therefore take
friendly counsel together, and let us know your resolutions."

Now again, all the answers agree in substance. There was not _one_, in
which the determination to uphold evangelical liberty was not expressed
in strong language. "We testify"--wrote Winterthur--"and have resolved,
as far as in us lies, to be eternally loyal to our gracious Lords of
Zurich, according to our oath, and place at their disposal our honor,
our bodies, our goods and our lives, and are willing to defend the same
by the Holy Word of God;" but it seemed also to be the general wish to
remain in alliance with the Confederates, and, if it were possible, in
peace. Thus the people of Waedenschweil and Richterschweil gave notice,
that they would be neighbors with them at H[oe]fen and Zugerberg, who
had always dealt with them in friendship and love, as they also did
with them as far as possible. Thalweil also prayed that war would not
be begun for the sake of one or two, be they clergy or laymen. For the
rest they were pleased with the just commands of the Lords and all,
which they heretofore had so excellently managed, for they had always
acted like wise men. Not in the ill-will of the Confederates, but in
their instigation from Zurich, the reasons of the discord were to be
sought--in their instigation by a minority still present in the
Council, who were opposed to the Gospel and addicted to taking
pensions, at least secretly, by perverse clergymen, by the people
of the convents, by unwearied letter-writers and forgers of lies.
"There is talk"--says a memorial from Wiedikon, Albisrieden and
Altstaetten--"that all the opposition only comes from our own midst, and
therefore we desire that such base-intentioned persons be looked after,
be they in the Council or elsewhere, and be compelled to keep still and
quiet and cease their contrariety. So will we ever pledge to the noble
city of Zurich life, honor and fortune. We beg our Lords only to hold
bravely to their mandates and the Word of God, and we will faithfully
aid them in using and protecting the same." In like manner the
congregations of Neuamt write: "We have reason to know, that You, our
Lords and Superiors, are not one in the Small and Great Councils, bu