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The Great Controversy 1888
an image of the virgin which was said to have the power of working
miracles. Above the gateway of the convent was the inscription, “Here
may be obtained complete remission of sins.” Pilgrims at all seasons
resorted to the shrine of the virgin, but at the great yearly festival of
its consecration, multitudes came from all parts of Switzerland, and
even from France and Germany. Zwingle, greatly afflicted at the sight,
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seized the opportunity to proclaim liberty through the gospel to these
bond-slaves of superstition.
“Think not,” he said, “that God is in this temple more than in any
other part of creation. Wherever he has fixed your dwelling he encom-
passes you, and hears you.... What power can there be in unprofitable
works, weary pilgrimages, offerings, prayers to the virgin and the
saints, to secure you the favor of God? What signify the multiplying
of words in prayer? What efficacy in the cowl or shaven crown, or
priestly garments falling, and adorned with gold? God looks upon
the heart—and our heart is far off from God.” “Christ,” he said, “who
offered himself on the cross once for all, is the sacrifice and victim
that satisfies for all eternity, for the sins of all believers.”
To many listeners these teachings were unwelcome. It was a bitter
disappointment to them to be told that their toilsome journey had
been made in vain. The pardon freely offered to them through Christ
they could not comprehend. They were satisfied with the old way to
Heaven which Rome had marked out for them. They shrank from the
perplexity of searching for anything better. It was easier to trust their
salvation to the priests and the pope than to seek for purity of heart.
But another class received with gladness the tidings of redemption
through Christ. The observances enjoined by Rome had failed to bring
peace of soul, and in faith they accepted the Saviour’s blood as their
propitiation. These returned to their homes to reveal to others the
precious light which they had received. The truth was thus carried
from hamlet to hamlet, from town to town, and the number of pilgrims
to the virgin’s shrine greatly lessened. There was a falling off in the
offerings, and consequently in the salary of Zwingle, which was drawn
from them. But this caused him only joy as he saw that the power of
fanaticism and superstition was being broken.
The authorities of the church were not blind to the work which
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Zwingle was accomplishing; but for the present they forbore to inter-
fere. Hoping yet to secure him to their cause, they endeavored to win