order to silence
Zwingli. This is also a pre-judgment. As the aforenamed cantons have
commanded me to be taken prisoner, how could I trust their
safe-conduct? In the safe-conduct itself there is a proviso, that every
one must behave agreeably to that safe-conduct; a common article where
there is no danger; but it would not be enough for me at Baden; for
just as soon as I would say: 'The Pope is Antichrist'--just so soon
would they cry out against me, that I had forfeited my safe-conduct.
Then, the Five Cantons, along _with Faber and Eck_, have made
arrangements beforehand, behind our backs, in regard to the
disputation, which ought to be impartial; and they have permitted the
most scandalous writings of Faber and Eck against me to be sold freely,
nay, to be hawked about at the Diet, whilst they would neither hear nor
look at my answers. For these and other reasons, I would give a
friendly caution to my gracious, loving Lords, to believe no one, who
pretends that I wish to avoid the disputation. I do not; but only the
place. Besides, there are three most excellent articles altogether
omitted in the safe-conduct, viz: that the Bible alone should be the
source and ground of argument; that no judge should be placed over
God's Word; and finally, that the controversy should be carried on
freely, and without interruption, on all points in dispute. But,
indeed, there is no need to speak of safe-conduct or articles, whilst
they will hold the disputation at Baden. I will not _baden_ (bathe)."

[OE]colampadius now headed the Reformed party at the Conference, in
Zwingli's stead. Berchthold Haller, preacher at Bern, joined him. They
two, and several others of like mind, kept up the battle for sixteen
days, against Eck, Faber, the not unlearned but extremely passionate
Doctor Murner of Strassburg, preacher at Luzern, and their friends, who
were present in great numbers. Meanwhile Zwingli was not idle. Every
evening a report of the proceedings was brought to him from Baden, for
inspection, counsel and advice. According to his own statement, he did
not see his bed for nearly three weeks. [OE]colampadius and his friends
had to contend with no despicable antagonists, in the presence of
hearers, the majority of whom were prejudiced against them. And the
difficulty was increased by the fact that Eck and Faber, to whom it was
assigned to draw up theses for dispute, cunningly enough passed over
the perplexing points touching the Church, the