The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, Ulrich Zwingli
HVLRI. ZVINGLIVS
The Life of Zuinglius, who dyed Anno Christi 1531.
HVldericus Zuinglius was born in Switzerland of godly Parents,His birth and education. and by them brought up in Learning: Being about ten years old, was sent to School to Basil to George Bintzlius, where he profited so much, that in all Disputations he went away with the victory: He excelled all in Musick. From Basil he was sent to Bern, His learning.to Henry Lupulus, a most learned man, and an excellent Poet, under whom he learned Rhetorick, and became a good Poet.
After two years he went to Vienna in Austria, where he studyed Philosophy, and pro…itted much therein: After a while he was called back into his own Country, and at Basil he taught others what himself had learned, where also he commenced Master of Arts, He commenced Master of Arts.and fell to the study of School-Divinity; and being called to a Pastoral charge, he entred into the Ministry, and studied Divinity very hard; and to furnish himself with examples, he gat Valerius Maximus by heart: He especially addicted himself to the study of the Bible:His study of the Scrlptures. and finding his defect in the knowledge of the Tongues, he learnt Greek: wrote out S. Pauls Epistles, and gat them by heart, and grew so perfect, that he understood Greek better then Latine: and reading in S. Peter that no Scripture is of private interpretation,Preachers pattern. he betook himself by earnest Prayer to God for the Spirit of Truth to be his Teacher: and least he should be misled by a false spirit, he compared Scripture with Scripture, and expounded obscure Texts by those which were more clear.
In his Ministry he set himself much against the sins of the times, especially against Pensions which the Switzers used to receive of Princes to serve as Mercenaries in their Armies, which procured him much hatred.
After a while he was chosen to a place called Our Lords Hermitage, He is chosen to a place.by Theobaldus Guolzeggius the Baron thereof; to which place there was great resort of people from all Countries, who came on Pilgrimage, which much moved him to embrace that Cal, that he might have opportunity to disperse the knowledg of the Truth into several parts:His zeal. About this time one of the chief Ministers dying at Zurick, they much desired Zuinglius to succeed him, and he coming accidentally to that place, was chosen Pastor there, An. Chr. 1519. and began to Preach unto them the History of Christ out of Matthew. Presently after there came one Sampson a Franciscan Fryar, and a Preacher of Indulgences, who was sent by the Pope into Switzerland to get money:He opposeth Indulgences. Zuinglius strongly opposed himself against him, shewing him to be an Impostor: The Bishop also of Constance wrote to Zuinglius to keep this Sampson out of Zurick, because he had not acquainted him with his authority: Yet when this Impostor came to Zurick, because he was kept out, he went to Badena, Popish impostures.setting forth the Popes Buls to sale: Often crying out, Behold they flie, behold they flie, as if he had seen with his Eyes the Souls which he had delivered out of Purgatory flying into Heaven.
Zuinglius also caused the Pope to be admonished by his Commissary not to Excommunicate Luther, for that he foresaw the Germanes would despise both him and his Excommunication, which also came to pass.
Anno Christi 1520.A Reformation in Zurick. the Senate of Zurick by the Council of Zuinglius, commanded the Preachers of their Jurisdiction freely to teach whatsoever might be proved by the Authority of the Prophets and Apostles, passing by the Inventions of men. Hereupon the Bishop of Constance by publick Proclamation forbad those of Zurick to Innovate any thing,The Bishop opposeth it. willing them to remain in the Faith of the Church of Rome, till a Council might be convened: But Zuinglius defended them and his writings: and the Magistrates of Zurick entreated the Bishop to come to a Synod where learned men might confer together, and determine what the people ought to believe. Yet the Bishop wrote again to them, shewing them what complaints he had heard of Zuinglius, which he could not but take notice of, the City belonging to his Jurisdiction: But Zuinglius going to the Bench of Aldermen, defended his Doctrine, and satisfied them.
Anno Christi 1522. the Bishop wrote again to the College of Canons at Zurick, exhorting them to take heed to themselves, for that Pope Leo and the Emperour by their Proclamations had condemned those Doctrines: he put them in minde therefore to obey those Decrees, and not to innovate any thing in Religion, till those whom it concerned had by Common-Council set down somewhat. Hereupon Zuinglius wrote back to the Bishop that he understood by whose setting on he did these things, but he wished him not to follow their Counsel: ForZuinglius admonisheth the Bishop. (saith he) the Truth is invincible, and will not be resisted. And afterwards some others joyning with him, they wrote to the Bishop, entreating him to Decree nothing against the Doctrine of the Gospel, and that he would no longer endure the filthy and infamous life of the Priests, but that he would suffer them to marry.
Zuinglius wrote also to the Helvetians that they should not hinder the course of the Gospel: that they would not trouble Ministers for marrying,He would have Ministers marry. for that the command for their living without Wives was the Doctrine of Satan. He exhorted them also, whereas their manner was in their Pages, or parishes, when they admitted a Priest, to command him to take a Concubine, least he should attempt the chastity of other women, that instead thereof they should command them to take lawful ways.
About this time Luthers Books coming abroad,Luthers Books come abroad. though himself abstained from reading of them, yet he perswaded his people to buy, and read them: which he did, that they might see the agreement that was in their Doctrine, being both taught by the same spirit:He studies the Hebrew. There also he studyed Hebrew, and gat the Senate to erect a School for Latine, Greek and Hebrew: and associating to himself Leo Judae, he gat such skill in the Hebrew, that he began to explain Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Shortly after there came to Zurick Franciscus Lambertus, and disputed with Zuinglius about the Intercession of the Saints,Lambertus converted. and the sacrifice of the Mass; but being non-plus'd, he left his Error, and gave praise to God.
Zuinglius began also to write about this time; and Pope Adrian wrote to him with great promises to oblige him to the Papal-Sea;His const…ncy. but all in vain. Shortly after he perswaded the Senate to restrain the exorbitant number of Priests and Fryars,Popery abolished. yet withall to allow them a competent subsistence for their life time;The revenues of Monasteries turned to charitable uses. which was done accordingly; and their revenues were imployed for the maintenance of the Ministry, for advancement of Learning and for the Poor: He pressed also the taking away of Images, the abolishing of the Mass, and the restoring of the Lords Supper;He presseth a further reformation. which the Senate assented to, and performed not only in the City of Zurick, but through all the places within their jurisdiction.
Anno Christi 1523. when the Senators of Zurick understood that the Doctrine of Zuinglius was traduced everywhere, as being wicked and ungodly, they commanded all the Ministers of their Jurisdiction to meet together on the 29. of January about the differences of Religion, promising that every one should be fully heard: they beseeched also the Bishop of Constance that he would either come himself or send thither some of his Divines.
At the day appointed many met together,A Disputation. John Faber the Bishops Vicar being also present, who pleaded hard that this place was unfit to handle such causes, but that they were to be referred to a general Council. But Zuinglius urged him that if he had any thing against his Doctrine which he had published in 47 Positions, he should produce it, and he should be answered either by word of mouth or writing, which when Faber would not consent to,A further Reformation. the Magistrates dismissed the Assembly, and proclaimed throughout their Jurisdiction that the Gospel should be purely taught out of the Books of the Old and New Testament, the Traditions of men being laid aside; and in February following Leo Judae was made Preacher in S. Peters Church in Zurick, and he marryed a wife, and the like did other Ministers.
Anno Christi 1524. the Magistrates of Zurick forbad Processions, removed the Martyrs Tombs out of the chief Churches in the City, Took down the Idols and Images, and burned them publickly; the like they did in all places as far as their Jurisdiction extended.An Abbess converted. Also Katharine Cimmerin the Abbess delivered up her Nunnery into the hands of the Major, marryed an husband, and was by the Magistrates endowed with a large estate of yearly revenues: Converting the Nunnery and the Revenues of it to the education of Youths under a good Master.Note. His marriage. This year also Zuinglius marryed Ann Rembart the widdow of the Noble John Mouer.
Anno Christi 1525. the Mass was abolished at Zurick, as Images had been the year before: Concerning which Zuinglius thus telleth the story;A controversie about the Mass. When (saith he) we dealt before the Bench of Senators consisting of two hundred about the abolishment of the Mass, a certain Scribe or Notary stood up and spake thus; O ye Fathers, I am not of that rank to speak before you when any cause of the Common-wealth is handled: but when matters of Salvation are treated of, and the Faith it self is in danger, it concerns every man to speak what he thinks; I therefore profess that I am of opinion that the true flesh and blood of Christ is received in the Sacrament, and I hope that you will by no means force me to the opinion of Zuinglius.
To this Zuinglius answered, that no man at Zurick had been compelled to the Faith: that he used no sophistical interpretation, when he expounded this is my body. For this signifies my body: and so he went on to confirm his own opinion, and to refell the others. Then Henry Engelhard, formerly a Popish Doctor, but now a Disciple of Christ, said, I shall prove by Scripture that the bread cannot be the body of Christ, for its neither the natural, nor glorified, nor mystical Body of Christ, therefore not his body, &c. After this conflict was ended, the Aldermen appointed that after dinner four of them should confer with Zuinglius and his Brethren, that so weighty a business might be gravely discussed for the better satisfying of some that still doubted. When they were met together, the business was variously debated, and in the end resolved that it should again be referred to the hearing of the Bench of Aldermen. And the next day when they were again met together, Zuinglius and his Brethren still desired that the Mass might wholly be abolished: Whereupon the Scribe stood up again, and told Zuinglius that he had said indeed with these words, This is my body, Christ meant, this signifies my body, but had not sufficiently proved it by Testimonies of Scripture,Luk. 8. For saith he;Mat. 13. whereas you have instanced, The Seed is the Word: the Field is the World: the Enemy is the Devil, &c. These make not to the purpose; for there Christ spake Parabolically, but this is no Parable when he saith This is my body. To this Zuinglius answered, that though he spake not Parabolicaly, yet the spake Tropically. Upon this the Aldermen Decreed that hereafter the Eucharist should be celebrated according to Christs Institution, and that the Mass should be no more used amongst them.The Mass abolished. At this the whole Church much rejoyced; only a few of the ruder sort repined, urging that the Protestant Ministers should produce some example out of the Scripture: wherein the words ought to be in the like manner expounded: Hereupon they began to revolve all things, yet no example came into their mindes: But a few nights after Zuinglius dreamed that he contended again with the Scribe till he was aweary,He is instructed in a dream. and at last was so dumb that he could not speak: whereupon he was exceedingly troubled: but after awhile a Monitor came to him from above, who said, O thou sluggard, why dost thou not answer him with that which is written in the 12. of Exodus, This is the Passeover of the Lord? Immediately he awakened, and leaping out of his bed, examined the Text: and the next day disputed it before the whole Assembly, which was entertained with such approbation that all were well satisfied: and (saith he) the three next days we had the greatest Sacraments that ever I saw: and the number of those that looked back to the Garlick and Flesh-pots of Egypt, was far less then men thought they would have been.
Anno Christi 1526. The other Pages of the Helvetians had often sent to Zuric… to cast off their new Religion, and to return to the old. The Senators answered that they would obey if they might be convinced of Error; whereupon the Helvetians invite Eccius to dispute with Zuinglius, Eccius his rage.and Eccius himself wrote a bitter Letter to the Ambassadors of Zurick, met at Baden, wherein he accused Zuinglius of Heresie, requiring them to appoint a time and place whither he might come to prove it.
Zuinglius hearing of it,Zuinglius defends himself. wrote an Apology for himself to the Ambassadors, saying, that Eccius dealt both inhumanely and ungodly with him: For (saith he) if I be an Heretick, Eccius should have admonished me either by Letters, or face to face to convince me of Heresie, and not have traduced me to the Magistrates before I was heard: He wrote also that he was ready to dispute with Eccius before his own Auditors, not admitting any other Judge then the Word of God.
Eccius replyeth to this Epistle, interweaning many slanders, and desiring that the place for Disputation might be either Lucern or Baden. Zuinglius answered that if Eccius refused to come to Zurick, he had much more reason to refuse those places where he was already condemned of Heresie, and where his death and destruction was sought after. Then did the Senators of Zurick write to Eccius, to come thither upo… the Publick Faith: but Eccius refused, now accusing Oecolamp…dus also.
At length the twelve Pages Decreed that they must needs dispute, and after much contest the meeting was at Zu…ick: the Disputants were Eccius and Oecolamp…dus: A disputation fruitless.but no good issue came of it: So that the nine Pages concluded that Zuinglius the chief man of the new Religion must be excommunicated, and all others that had not been reformed by this conference.
The year after they of Bern appointed a Disputation, which the Popish Pages opposed,Reformation at Bern. but they proceeded in it, and the issue was that (the Disputation being ended) by Publick consent they Decreed that Masses, Altars, Images, and all Superstitions brought in contrary to the Word of God should be at once taken away out of their City and large Territories. Monasteries and Nunneries they turned into Schools. Then they renounced the League of the French King, forbidding him to leavy any Mercenaries in their Dominions, contenting themselves only with that pay… which he giveth to every Page for friendship,Its written in golden letters. as they of Zurick had also done. Lastly, they write the day and year of their abolishing the Popish Religion upon a Pillar in Golden letters, that an everlasting memorial might remain there to future Posterities. The like Reformation was effected at Basil.
Not long after Quarrels arose between the Popish and Protestant Cantons of the Switzers, Quarels amongst the Switzers.and Armies were raised on both sides: They of Zurick publishing the causes why they took Arms: As first that the Popish Switzers beat their men when they came to require their debts. Then that the Vnderwalds hung the Arms of Bern, Basil and Strasborough upon the Gallows. Then that they had made a League with their ancient Enemy King Ferdinand to oppress their Religion; Whereby they violate not only the Law of Nature, but also their own Covenants:Peace made. But when the Armies drew neer, by the mediation of their neighbors the differences were composed, and Arms laid down for the present.
Anno Christi 1529. Philip Landgrave of Hess endeavoured to reconcile the differences between the Saxon and Helvetian Divines concerning the Eucharist: For which end he called from Wittenberg, Luther, Justus Jonas, and Melancthon: From Helvetia, Zuinglius and Oecolampadius. From Norenberg, Osiander: from Hall, John Brentius: From Strasborough, Bucer, and Hedio. At their coming all were courteously entertained by the Landgrave:A Disputation. After dinner Oecolampadius and Bucer went to salute Luther, who spake friendly to Oecolampadius; but being saluted by Bucer, he answered, You are naught, and a Knave: The Disputation continued many days, but in the beginning of it Luther told them that he would not depart an hairs bredth from his opinion; and when they could not agree, yet the Helvetians desired Luther that he would account of them as of Brethren:Luthers violence. which he would by no means assent unto: then did Zuinglius, Oecolampadius, and Bucer Protest before the whole Assembly that Luther had not defended his Opinion by the Word of God, that his Error had been clearly shewed him, and that the Truth of their cause had been abundantly demonstrated both out of the Word of God and the most Ancient Fathers: And so (the Sweating Sickness breaking out) the Disputation ended,The Disputation ends. and they returned home. Yet it pleased God, that this fruit the Conference had, that they agreed in thirteen other Articles, and promised mutual love each to other, and to join in Prayer to God to discover his Truth to them. The Landgrave of Hess also was converted to the true Opinion hereby:Some good effects of it. so that he was hardly drawn to subscribe the Augustine Confession, protesting that he was not satisfied about the tenth Article. Also Francis Lambert his Preacher, who had formerly been much addicted to Luther, being now overcome with the Truth of Gods Word, changed his Opinion about the Sacrament, signifying his Opinion to the whole Church by a Confession which he wrote, and delivered it to the Ministers of Strasborough when he lay upon his death-bed, who after published it.
About that time there arose up the Cata-baptists, Catabaptists.which denyed the Baptism of Infants, and re-baptized themselves: and fell also into many other abominable Errors and Heresies: with these Zuinglius at first dealt very mildly and brotherly; but when they began to asperse him with lyes, to seduce his hearers, and make a Schism in the Church,Their wickedness. he was forced to oppose them more strongly in his publick Ministry and by Disputations: but though he had silenced them, they raged the more against him: whereupon the Senate imprisoned some, proscribed others, and (for falsifying their Faith) put some to death:They are punished. The first father of them was Bal…hasar Hucm…rus, an Apostate, and one that for Zuinglius his kindeness, loaded him with lyes and reproaches.
The Monks and Fryars being cast out of their houses,Popish malice. and brought to pensions, sought to ensnare him; and for that end, suborned sometime some to seize upon him, and to carry him away, others to kill him; so that he could not stir abroad in safety in the night,He is in danger. whereupon his friends guarded him when he was abroad at supper, and the Senate were fain to appoint a guard about his house in the night time.
Anno Christi 1531.New quarrels amongst the Switzers. They of Zurick and Bern stopped Provision from being carryed to the five Popish Pages, and withall set out this Declaration: That being compelled by the wrongs of the five Cities, they had barred them from Provision, and because they refused the conditions of Peace which were propounded by the Intercessors, violating the Covenants of the former years, by which order was taken that no mans Religion should be prejudicial to him: wherefore (say they) it is lawful for us to deny them food; and if any contest should arise about it, it ought to be imputed to them who desire nothing but dissentions.
But when by reason hereof those five Cities were pinched with want,Wars begun. they levyed Troops, and came forth with Banners displayed, and sooner then was expected entred into the bounds of them of Zurick, where was a Garrison of above one thousand men placed: This Garrison discerning its own weakness, sent messenger after messenger into the Town to hasten help to them: but such was the speed of the Enemy that the succors came late: yet when they came to the top of the Mountain, they saw their Souldiers fighting, and in present danger, whereupon exhorting and encouraging one another, they ran down the hill with all speed: but the passage was so narrow that they could go but single, so that wanting time to ranck themselves, they were oppressed with multitude: about three hundred and eighty of them were slain,They of Zurick beaten. and the rest escaped by flight.
Zuinglius was in this battel; for it is the custom of the Switzers that their chief Minister goeth out with them to battel: And Zuinglius being wise, couragious, and valiant, considered with himself that if he should stay at home, and the battel prove ill, he should be exposed to much envy, as if he had encouraged others before danger approached, and then proved faint-hearted himself.
The truth is,Zuinglius dislikes the war. he never approved this cutting off Provision from the five Pages; and when he saw the Magistrates would needs do it, he went to them and craved leave to depart from Zurick, because his counsel was not obeyed: but they being troubled at this motion, sent certain choice men to him to request that he would not forsake their Church, which at last he assented to, though (said he) it be to the danger of my life.
About fourteen days before the fight, in a Sermon he foretold his own death: and a Comet appearing about that time, he told a friend privately that the Comet was fatal to him, and one other, meaning as was supposed Oecolampadius.
Zuinglius in the battel was overthrown thrice, and yet still gat up again: the fourth time being wounded with a spear, he fell on his knees, and said Well, they can kill the Body, but they cannot kill the Soul.
As the souldiers were spoiling the slain, Zuinglius was found alive lying upon his back, his arms folded, and his Eyes lift up to heaven, whereupon they asked him whether he would have a Priest to confess to, which he denyed; then they willed him to call upon S. Mary, which he also refused, ever looking up to Heaven,He is slain. whereupon one gave him his deaths wound: and when his body was known, the Enemies condemned him to be cut into four parts and burned. This fell out Anno Christi 1531, and of his age 44. after he had been Pastor at Zurick twelve years. Three days after his death,Popish cruelty. some of friends coming to the place, found his heart untouched by the fire.
He began to preach at Glarona Anno Christi 1516.He preached against Popery before Luther. against many of the Popish Errors and abuses, before the name of Luther was so much as heard of in those parts.
Beza made this Epitaph on him,
Zuinglius arderet gemino cùm sanctus amore,
Nempe Dei imprimis deinde suae patriae:
Dicitur in solidum se dev…v …sse duobus,
Nempe Deo imprimis, deinde suae patriae.
Quam bene persolvit simul istis vot… duobus,
Pro Patra examinis, pro Pietate c…nis!
He had a wit fitted for great matters, honest, candid, sound,His character. and vehement, yet not cruel, or bloody, but heroical and cheerfull. His Doctrine and judgment were sound: His study of Piety, and reforming Religion from Popish superstitions is seen in his Works. In his Sermons he was very Methodical, teaching the Truth with great Perspicuity: He was very sharp in reproving Vices, especially the Pentions of the Switzers, oppression of the Poor, and Prodigality. He used to say that it was a wicked warfare, and nothing more hateful to God then for the hire of forreign Princes to spill blood: When he thundred most against sin, least the Innocent should be affrighted, he used to say, Bone vir, haec te non moveant, nihil ad te quad dico; ne cures igitur: Honest man, be not affrighted at these things, I speak not to thee, therefore care not for it. He used to study standing, and tyed himself to certain hours, which he would not omit except necessity compelled him. From his first rising till ten a clock he imployed himself in reading, writing, interpreting the Scripture, and making his Sermons: After dinner till two a clock, he conferred with his friends, or gave counsel to such as sought it: and so to his study till supper: after which (having walked awhile) he busied himself in writing Letters, which many times held him till midnight.
Monumenta ingenii & eruditionis reliquit multa,His works. quae in quatuor tomos digesta typis que excusa extant.