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."(249) Though some of the
ecclesiastics 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 suggested that the sale of these books
might be a powerful means of scattering the light. "Ascertain," he wrote
to Zwingle, "whether this man