176 The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan
[ 174 ] that there was a truth more ancient, and of infinitely greater worth, than the theories taught by schoolmen and philosophers. This ancient truth was that the death of Christ is the sinner ' s only ransom. To Zwingle these words were as the first ray of light that precedes the dawn.
Zwingle was soon called from Basel, to enter upon his lifework. His first field of labor was in an Alpine parish, not far distant from his native valley. Having received ordination as a priest, he“ devoted himself with his whole soul to the search after divine truth; for he was well aware,” says a fellow-reformer,“ how much he must know to whom the flock of Christ is entrusted.” 242 The more he searched the Scriptures, the clearer appeared the contrast between their truths and the heresies of Rome. He submitted himself to the Bible as the word of God, the only sufficient, infallible rule. He saw that it must be its own interpreter. He dared not attempt to explain Scripture to sustain a preconceived theory or doctrine, but held it his duty to learn what is its direct and obvious teaching. He sought to avail himself of every help to obtain a full and correct understanding of its meaning, and he invoked the aid of the Holy Spirit, which would, he declared, reveal it to all who sought it in sincerity and with prayer.
“ The Scriptures,” said Zwingle,“ come from God, not from man, and even that God who enlightens will give thee to understand that the speech comes from God. The word of God... cannot fail; it is bright, it teaches itself, it discloses itself, it illumines the soul with all salvation and grace, comforts it in God, humbles it, so that it loses and even forfeits itself, and embraces God.” 243 The truth of these words Zwingle himself had proved. Speaking of his experience at this time, he afterward wrote:“ When... I began to give myself wholly up to the Holy Scriptures, philosophy and theology( scholastic) would always
242 Wylie, b. 8, ch. 5. 243 Wylie, b. 8, ch. 6.