Chapter Study Questions

1. Wycliffe, Huss and Jerome, and Luther appeared successively as reformers. Up to the Diet of Worms, their work covered a century and a half. Zwingli was a contemporary of Luther, and, though a leader, was but one of several that arose in the cantons of Switzerland, moved by the same Spirit of God to take their place as leaders in the great reform movement.

2. “In Germany the monarchial principle predominated; in Switzerland, the democratic. In Germany the Reformation had to struggle with the will of princes; in Switzerland, against the wishes of the people. An assembly of men, more easily carried away than a single individual, is also more rapid in its decisions. The victory over the papacy, which cost years of struggle beyond the Rhine, required on this side but a few months and sometimes only a few days” (D’Aubigne, b. 8, ch. 1).

3. What are two essential characteristics of people God can use in His service? Why does God so seldom find people of influence and learning with these qualifications (171:1)?

4. How did an aged and humble relative help to mold the mind of Zwingli as a child (171:2)?

5. Where was Zwingli sent for education, and why did his father call him back home (172:1–2)?

6. To whom was Zwingli indebted for the first rays of advanced light, and what was the source of this light (173:1)?

7. What helpful thoughts regarding the study of the Scriptures can be gleaned from Zwingli’s experience (173:2–174:1)?

8. What striking feature of the Reformation and of the Great Second Advent awakening gives evidence of divine guidance in each (174:2; 140:3; 212:1–3; 357:1)?

9. In what way did the work of Zwingli at Einsiedeln affect his financial support (174:3–175:3)?

10. When Zwingli was called to the cathedral in Zurich, how did he respond to the instruction given by those who had invited him (176:3–4)?

11. Who was the chief “pardonmonger” of Switzerland at that time, and what success did he have in Zurich (178:4–179:1)?

12. While before the Council of Zurich, how did Zwingli reply to two accusations of the deputies from the bishop of Constance, and what was the attitude of the Council (180:3–181:2)?

13. Why did Zwingli not go in person to champion the cause in the disputation at Baden? How did he, in his absence, make his influence felt? Contrast the appearance of Oecolampadius and Eck at the discussion, as well as the difference in their appeals. What was the result of the discussion (182:1–184:2)?