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The murder of Zwingli by Karl Jauslin (1842–1904)
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“The Christian life, then, is a battle, so sharp and full of danger that effort can nowhere be relaxed without loss. . .”
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A little about Zwingli
In 1519, before the Reformation came to Zurich, the plague broke out. About 1 in 4 persons died. Zwingli had remained in the city to fulfill his pastoral duties as a Catholic priest. He fell ill but survived. During his illness and recovery, he wrote his Plague Song (Pestlied) which included these words:
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“Thy purpose fulfil:
nothing can be too severe for me.
I am thy vessel,
for you to make whole or break to pieces.
Since, if you take hence
my spirit from this earth,
you do it so that it will not grow evil,
and will not mar
the pious lives of others.”
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Zwingli worked for reform in Zurich and elsewhere in Switzerland. He preached and wrote, married and had a family, bumped heads with Martin Luther over the doctrine of the Real Presence in Communion, helped to suppress the Anabaptist movement in Zurich, went to war for religious and national autonomy, and was killed in battle.
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“Zwingli had considered himself first and foremost a soldier of Christ; second a defender of his country, the Confederation; and third a leader of his city, Zurich, where he had lived for the previous twelve years. Ironically, he died at the age of 47, not for Christ nor for the Confederation, but for Zurich.” (Wikipedia)
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Thanks, Maria! As you know, I have a special interest in the often overlooked Reformer, Zwingli, after visiting Zurich and standing in the Grossmunster where he preached and seeing his home. One of these days, maybe when I retire, I’d like to read G. R. Potter’s big biography. Hope your husband is doing well!
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Tom, the Wiki article about him features a Medieval woodcut of the Grossmunster. Fascinating times and a loyal man. I would love to see this part of the world. Glad you got to – a big blessing.
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Thanks, Maria. To defy Rome at that time was a death sentence. We can see that the Holy Spirit was definitely working in those circumstances to protect Zwingli, Luther, Calvin, and the other Reformers to advance the Gospel.
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Yes, a death sentence, Tom! Today it seems that many Christians don’t see either the danger or significance of this crucial time.
Thank you for your kindness about my husband! He is improving, praise God!!
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Right, Maria. If evangelicals were polled I wonder if even 5% would know who Zwingli was? Thanks for the update! I’m so glad to hear your husband’s health is improving! Yes, praise God for His care.
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Thanks so much, Tom!
Yes, very few!
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