e Pope; France attempted once more to
bring about a closer alliance, and towards the north, in spite of all
the dissuasion of the allied powers, whole troops of deserters streamed
to the banner of Duke Ulric of Wirtemberg, who, driven from his own
capital, was engaged in war against the Swabian League. Amid these
circumstances Zwingli took occasion to speak sometimes a word from the
pulpit concerning politics. In this, the Gospel gave him less
countenance, than the example of those Jewish prophets, who formerly
made bold to bring the rule of kings under their examination, warning,
or censure. But the times were no longer the same, and such a
transgression of the bounds marked out by prudence, might well awaken
concern in the bosoms of individual statesmen, who were not deserving
of reproach.

And yet amid all, he still gained firmer footing in Zurich. Every man
of unbiased feeling was obliged to confess, that he was inspired by
religion, and had the welfare of the state as well as the church truly
at heart. Moreover, it could not escape any one, familiar with history,
that only the most decided measures can eradicate deep-seated
corruption. The universal abhorrence of the traffic of indulgences came
to his aid. The miserable Samson, after filling his pockets at Bern,
had ventured to approach Zurich. Both the spiritual and secular
authorities approved of the attacks, which Zwingli made against him. He
was prevented from riding into the city. Even the Diet, to which he
appealed, would have nothing to do with him, and went so far as to give
Felix Grebel, who was setting out for Rome, a commission to lay
complaints of him before the Pope. Immediately the monk received
evidence of Leo's displeasure. "The thirteen cantons of the
Confederacy"--was written to him--"have complained to His Holiness,
that, in the promulgation of indulgences, you have fallen into errors,
which it were out of place here to enumerate. The Holy Father is much
astonished at this, and has given orders, to enjoin upon you in his
name, to be subject in all things to the will of the aforesaid lords of
the Confederacy. You shall remain there, for the execution of your
commission, if they demand it, but in no way oppose them, if they
desire you to return to Italy; for it is the will of the Holy Father,
that you be entirely obedient to these lords, his well-beloved sons, in
all things that can contribute to the welfare of their souls. You will
also show this