Schaff - History of the Christian Church Vol. 8 - Media Sabda Org

Zwingli prepared a lengthy and able defence of his Articles against the
charges of Faber, July, 1523. f97
64
The disputation soon produced its natural effects. Ministers took regular
wives; the nunnery of Oetenbach was emptied; baptism was administered in
the vernacular, and without exorcism; the mass and worship of images
were neglected and despised. A band of citizens, under the lead of a
shoemaker, Klaus Hottinger, overthrew the great wooden crucifix in
Stadelhofen, near the city, and committed other lawless acts. f98
Zwingli was radical in his opposition to idolatrous and superstitious
ceremonies, but disapproved disorderly methods, and wished the
magistracy to authorize the necessary changes.
Consequently, a second disputation was arranged for October 26, 1523, to
settle the question of images and of the mass. All the ministers of the city
and canton were ordered to attend; the twelve other cantons, the bishops
of Constance, Coire and Basle, and the University of Basle were urgently
requested to send learned delegates. The bishop of Constance replied (Oct.
16) that he must obey the Pope and the Emperor, and advised the
magistracy to wait for a general council. The bishop of Basle excused
himself on account of age and sickness, but likewise referred to a council
and warned against separation. The bishop of Coire made no answer. Most
of the cantons declined to send delegates, except Schaffhausen and St.
Gall. Unterwalden honestly replied that they had no learned men among
them, but pious priests who faithfully adhered to the old faith of
Christendom, which they preferred to, all innovations.
The second disputation was held in the city hall, and lasted three days.
There were present about nine hundred persons, including three hundred
and fifty clergymen and ten doctors. Dr. Vadian of St. Gall, Dr. Hofmeister
of Schaffhausen, and Dr. Schappeler of St. Gall presided. Zwingli and Leo
Judae defended the Protestant cause, and had the advantage of superior
Scripture learning and argument. The Roman party betrayed much
ignorance; but Martin Steinli of Schaffhausen ably advocated the mass.
Konrad Schmid of Küssnacht took a moderate position, and produced
great effect upon the audience by his eloquence. His judgment was, first to
take the idolatry out of the heart before abolishing the outward images, and
to leave the staff to the weak until they are able to walk without it and to
rely solely on Christ. f99