[706] Nam ita simplices æqualiter cum prudentissimis et acutissimis quibusque, proficielebant. (Osw. Myc. Vit. Zw.) [707] In welchem er Gott den Vater prysset und alle Menschen allein uff Jessum Christum, als den einigen Heiland verthrauwen lehrte. (Bullinger, MS.) [708] All sein Trost stuhnd allein mit frölichem Gemûth zu Gott ... (B. Weise Füsslin Betr. iv, 36.) The gospel could not be preached in vain in Zurich. A continually increasing multitude of men of all classes, and more especially of the common people, flocked to hear him.[709] Several Zurichers had ceased to attend on public worship. "I derive no benefit from the discourses of these priests," often exclaimed Füsslin, a poet, historian, and counsellor of state; "they do not preach the things of salvation; for they do not comprehend them. I see nothing in them but covetousness and voluptuousness." Henry Räuschlin, treasurer of state, one who diligently read the Scriptures, was of the same opinion: "The priests," said he, "met in thousands at the Council of Constance ... to burn the best man among them." These distinguished men, led by curiosity, went to hear Zuinglius' first sermon. Their countenances bespoke the emotion with which they followed the orator. "Glory to God!" said they, on coming out; "this is a preacher of the truth. He will be our Moses to deliver us from Egyptian darkness."[710] From this moment they became the Reformer's intimate friends. "Powers of the world," said Füsslin, "cease to proscribe the doctrine of Christ! After Christ the Son of God was put to death, sinners were raised up. And now, should you destroy the preachers of truth, you will see their places supplied by glaziers, carpenters, potters, founders, shoemakers, and tailors, who will teach with power."[711] [709] Do ward bald ein gross gelaüff von allerley menschen, Innsonders von dem gemeinen Mann ... (Bullinger, MS.) [710] Und unser Moses seyn der uns aus Egypten führt. (Ibid.) [711] Werden die Gläser, Müller, Hafner, Giesser, Schuhmacher, und Schneider lehren. (Muller's Reliq. iii, p. 185.) [Sidenote: OPPOSITION.] In Zurich, at the outset, there was only one shout of admiration, but when the first moment of enthusiasm was over, the adversary resumed courage. Worthy persons alarmed at the idea of a Reformation, gradually drew off from Zuinglius. The violence of the monks which had been veiled for an instant, reappeared, and the college of canons resounded with complaints. Zuinglius stood immovable. His friends beholding his courage, felt in his presence as if a man of apostolic times had reappeared.[712] Among his enemies, some scoffed and jeered; others uttered insulting menaces, but he endured all with Christian patience.[713] "Whoso," he was wont to say, "would gain the wicked to Jesus Christ must wink at many things,"[714]--an admirable saying which ought not to be lost sight of. [712] Nobis apostolici illius sæculi virum repræsentas. (Zw. Ep. p. 74.)