ot invited,
a proclamation was drawn up and ratified by nine cantons, of which the
following are the substantial contents: "Since, to our sorrow, it has
come to pass, by the preaching, writing and teaching of Luther and
Zwingli, that our ancient Christian faith is put to scorn, the
ordinances of the Church despised and nothing any longer left;
therefore, in order that men may not live more inclined to evil than to
good, wholly abandoned, without fear and punishment for self-will; in
order that no one may make a creed for his own head and understanding,
and because the Chief Shepherd of the Church is silent amid our cares
and perplexities, and sleeps, we Confederates have thought it necessary
to take care of ourselves, and, until the time arrives when a Council
will allay the discord, set forth the following articles: By no one,
whether clergyman or layman, shall the XII. articles of the Christian
creed be assailed; and just as little shall the Seven Sacraments, as
the Church has ordained them and heretofore held them. No layman shall
go to the Sacrament without confession and absolution; and no one shall
receive it under two forms. No chancre shall be made in the ceremonies,
which, derived from the Word of God, have come down to us from the Holy
Fathers and our worthy ancestors. Because the rules of fasting, based
on reasonable and Christian arguments, have reached us through the Holy
Fathers, we will not suffer the scandal arising from their
transgression to exist amongst us. They shall be observed according to
the order and pleasure of each Canton. We will suffer no reviling of
the Most Holy Virgin. We believe, that She, and the other saints, by
their intercession with God, can protect us and obtain for us grace.
He who speaks to the contrary shall be severely punished according to
the sentence of his lords. No one shall undertake to abuse, carry off,
or break to pieces images, paintings and crucifixes. Whatever of
church-revenues they possess, shall be guaranteed to the houses of God.
And because much discord and perversity have been stirred up by the
preachers, so that this may be done away and the Gospel in its true
meaning preached to us and the common people, as the ancient teachers
have left it behind recorded in many valuable books, it is our serious
intention, that no one shall preach the Word of God, wherever we have
power to rule, unless he has been first examined by his spiritual
ordinary, duly admitted and