180 The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan
[ 178 ] disapproved his plan, and endeavored to dissuade him from it, Zwingle remained steadfast. He declared that he was about to introduce no new method, but the old method employed by the church in earlier and purer times.
Already an interest had been awakened in the truths he taught; and the people flocked in great numbers to listen to his preaching. Many who had long since ceased to attend service were among his hearers. He began his ministry by opening the Gospels, and reading and explaining to his hearers the inspired narrative of the life, teachings, and death of Christ. Here, as at Einsiedeln, he presented the word of God as the only infallible authority, and the death of Christ as the only complete sacrifice.“ It is to Christ,” he said,“ that I desire to lead you,— to Christ, the true source of salvation.” 250 Around the preacher crowded the people of all classes, from statesmen and scholars to the artisan and the peasant. With deep interest they listened to his words. He not only proclaimed the offer of a free salvation, but fearlessly rebuked the evils and corruptions of the times. Many returned from the cathedral praising God.“ This man,” they said,“ is a preacher of the truth. He will be our Moses, to lead us forth from this Egyptian darkness.” 251
But though at first his labors were received with great enthusiasm, after a time opposition arose. The monks set themselves to hinder his work and condemn his teachings. Many assailed him with gibes and sneers; others resorted to insolence and threats. But Zwingle bore all with patience, saying,“ If we desire to gain over the wicked to Jesus Christ, we must shut our eyes against many things.” 252
About this time a new agency came in to advance the work of reform. One Lucian was sent to Zurich with some of Luther ' s writings, by a friend of the reformed faith at Basel, who sug-
250 Ibid. 251 Ibid. 252 D ' Aubigné, b. 8, ch. 6.