were chosen to represent the Reformers , while the famous Dr . Eck , supported by a host of learned doctors and prelates , was the champion of Rome .
Though Zwingli was not present at the conference , his influence was felt . The secretaries were all chosen by the papists , and others were forbidden to take notes , on pain of death . Notwithstanding this , Zwingli received daily a faithful account of what was said at Baden . A student in attendance at the disputation made a record each evening of the arguments that day presented . These papers two other students undertook to deliver , with the daily letters of Oecolampadius , to Zwingli at Zurich . The Reformer answered , giving counsel and suggestions . His letters were written by night , and the students returned with them to Baden in the morning . To elude the vigilance of the guard stationed at the city gates , these messengers brought baskets of poultry on their heads , and they were permitted to pass without hindrance .
Thus Zwingli maintained the battle with his wily antagonists . He " has laboured more ," said Myconius , " by his meditations , his sleepless nights , and the advice which he transmitted to Baden , than he would have done by discussing in person in the midst of his enemies ." --D ' Aubigne , b . 11 , ch . 13 . The Romanists , flushed with anticipated triumph , had come to Baden attired in their richest robes and glittering with jewels . They fared luxuriously , their tables spread with the mostcostly delicacies and the choicest wines . The burden of their ecclesiastical duties was lightened by gaiety and reveling . In marked contrast appeared the Reformers , who were looked upon by the people as little better than a company of beggars , and whose frugal fare kept them but short time at table . Oecolampadius ' s landlord , taking occasion to watch him in his room , found him always engaged in study or at prayer , and greatly wondering , reported that the heretic was at least " very pious ."
At the conference , " Eck haughtily ascended a pulpit splendidly decorated , while the humble Oecolampadius , meanly clothed , was forced to take his seat in front of his opponent on a rudely carved stool ." -- Ibid ., b . 11 , ch . 13 . Eck ' s stentorian voice and unbounded assurance never failed him . His zeal was stimulated by the hope of gold as well as fame ; for the defender of the faith was to be rewarded by a handsome fee . When better arguments failed , he had resort to insults , and even to oaths . Oecolampadius , modest and self-distrustful , had shrunk from the combat , and he entered upon it with the solemn avowal : " I acknowledge no other standard of judgment than the word of God ." -- Ibid ., b . 11 , ch . 13 . Though gentle and courteous in demeanor , he proved himself able and unflinching . While the Romanists , according to their wont , appealed for authority to the customs of the church , the Reformer adhered steadfastly to the Holy Scriptures . " Custom ," he said , " has no force in our Switzerland , unless it be according to the constitution ; now , in matters of faith , the Bible is our constitution ." -- Ibid ., b . 11 , ch . 13 .
The contrast between the two disputants was not without effect . The calm , clear reasoning of the Reformer , so gently and modestly presented , appealed to minds that turned in disgust from Eck ' s
108