History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, Volume 3Merle d'Aubigné, J. H. (Jean Henri)
History
History of the Reformation of the Sixteenth Century, Volume 3
Merle d'Aubigné, J. H. (Jean Henri)
Reformation
This circumstance, which admits of so simple an explanation, and the
very expression Zwingle employs to show that he could not recall the
appearance of the figure he had seen in his dream,[525] have given
rise to the assertion that Zwingle received this doctrine from the
devil.
[525] Ater fuerit an albus nihil memini (I do not remember whether he
was white or black); somnium enim narro.
[Sidenote: CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER.]
The altars had disappeared; plain tables bearing the sacramental bread
and wine were substituted in their place, and an attentive crowd
pressed round them. There was something particularly solemn in this
multitude. On Holy Thursday, the young people,--on Friday, the day of
the Passion, the adult men and women,--and on Easter Sunday, the aged,
celebrated in turn the death of the Lord.[526]
[526] Fusslin Beyträge, iv. 64.
The deacons read aloud the passages of Scripture that relate to this
sacrament; the pastors addressed the flock in an earnest exhortation,
calling upon all to retire from this sacred feast who, by persevering
in their sin, would pollute the body of Jesus Christ. The people knelt
down, the bread was carried round on large platters or wooden plates,
and each one broke off a morsel; the wine was next distributed in
wooden goblets: in this manner it was thought they made a nearer
approach to the simplicity of the primitive Supper. Emotions of
surprise or joy filled every heart.[527]
[527] Mit grossen verwundern viler Lüthen und noch mit vil grössern
fröuden der Glöubigen. Bull. Chron. p. 264.
Thus was the Reform carried on in Zurich. The simple celebration of
the Lord's Supper appeared to have shed anew over the Church the love
of God and of the brethren. The words of Jesus Christ were once more
spirit and life. While the different orders and parties in the Church
of Rome were incessantly disputing among themselves, the first effect
of the Gospel was to restore charity among the brethren. The love of
the first ages was then revived in Christendom. Enemies were seen
renouncing their long-cherished and inveterate enmities, and embracing
one another after having partaken of the sacramental bread. Zwingle,
delighted at these affecting manifestations, returned thanks to God
that the Lord's Supper was again working those miracles of charity
which the sacrifice of the mass had long ceased to accomplish.[528]
[528] Expositio fidei. Zw. Opp. ii. 241.
[Sidenote: BROTHERLY LOVE--ORIGINAL SIN.]
"Peace dwells in our city," exclaimed he; "among us there is no fraud,
no dissension, no envying, no strife. Whence can proceed such harmony
except from the Lord, and that the doctrine we preach inclines us to
innocence and peace?"[529]
[529] Ut tranquillitatis et innocentiæ studiosos reddat. Zw. Epp. p.
390.
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