The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 178

he proposed to adopt. “The life of Christ,” he said, “has been too long
hidden from the people. I shall preach upon the whole of the Gospel
of St. Matthew, ... drawing solely from the fountains of Scripture,
sounding its depths, comparing one passage with another, and seeking
for understanding by constant and earnest prayer. It is to God’s glory,
to the praise of His only Son, to the real salvation of souls, and to their
edification in the true faith, that I shall consecrate my ministry.”—Ibid.,
b. 8, ch. 6. Though some of the ecclesiastics disapproved his plan,
and endeavored to dissuade him from it, Zwingli 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.”—Ibid., b. 8, ch. 6. 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.”—Ibid., b. 8, ch. 6.
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.

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