how, though the old building be so rotten, we can
erect a new one, solely on the foundation of the letter, without love,
without the communion of saints. How many congregations did there not
formerly flourish in Asia, in Africa, in Greece? What became of them,
when their leaders quarrelled, when under the mask of science, ambition
arose, and like Icarus, would soar with waxen pinions toward the sun?
Human science is one thing; wisdom, kindled by the breath of God,
another; and that is love. I see this love forsaking even the most
learned, and in its stead appear indifference toward God; contempt of
authority, a trampling upon law and judgment, a life of ungovernable
passion. Exert your utmost strength, honored teacher, to prevent it
from vanishing altogether. The mere knowledge of the Word cannot
protect us, if every one is allowed to interpret it as he pleases, if
the spirit of concord, the Holy Spirit does not dwell in them, who use
it. The generosity, which breathes through your last letter, and of
which in earlier days I received so many proofs, deserves my warmest
thanks. It may easily happen, that I will yet be obliged to take refuge
with one of my friends; for some are angry at my slow progress, and
others at my slight disposition, to apologize for the old order. But I
cannot abstain from aiding the weak and comforting distressed
consciences. I will rather endure reproach for too much lenity, than
render the breach incurable by untimely violence. Little salvation as I
expect from ceremonies and external acts, I look for just as little in
science also, until the spirit of concord return to our bosoms, and its
peaceful culture be made possible. Indeed drag-chains even can become
indispensable to the wagon, when it rolls in its rushing course down
toward the abyss. God be with us! May his Spirit lead us into a secure
haven! Do all that in thee lies, to attain this end."

But what could Zwingli do in the circumstances by which he was
surrounded? To hold back the wagon, or to guide it, was no longer in
his power. A higher Hand had already seized the reins, to direct it
according to a plan, which, though dark and mysterious to the men of
that age, succeeding generations, who are able to see all the events in
their connection, have learned to admire for its wisdom. We again draw
near one of those periods in the lives of nations, when everything must
be ventured for the cause of truth and liberty, the rights of
conscienc