5. The Reproach of the Reformation.--What were the reproaches constantly applied to the Reformation by its enemies? Which of its results are thrown in its face, as it were, unanswerable? The two principal reproaches are, first, the multiplicity of sects, the excessive license of thought, the destruction of all spiritual authority, and the entire dissolution of religious society; secondly, tyranny and persecution. "You provoke licentiousness," it has been said to the Reformers: "you produce it; and, after being the cause of it, you wish to restrain and repress it. And how do you repress it? By the most harsh and violent means. You take upon yourselves, too, to punish heresy, and that by virtue of an illegitimate authority."--Guizot.
1. What was the matter of chief importance in the Reformation?
2. Describe the growth of Luther's conflict with the pope.
4. What demands contrary to that rule did Luther make?
5. What difficulty arose in respect to settling the controversy by an appeal to a general council?
6. What can you say of the revolt of Luther to the Catholic church authority?
7. What can you say of the right of the true Church of Christ to settle controversies and determine the meaning of scripture?
8. Why was the Catholic church unqualified to render decisions on such matters?
9. What several causes are assigned for the Reformation by Catholics and Protestants respectively? (Note.)
11. What several considerations aided the Reformation?
12. Was the religious movement of the 16th century a reformation or a revolution?
13. What can you say of the evils which arose from the private interpretation of the Bible?
14. What caused the multiplication of sects among the Protestants?
15. What makes the Bible an insufficient guide in matters of faith and worship?
16. What was the great error of the Reformers?
1. The Reformation in Switzerland.--So far we have considered this sixteenth century revolution as it affected the German empire alone. It was not confined, however, to that country. As a matter of fact, the so-called Reformation began in Switzerland before it did in Germany. Ulrich Zwingle, born in Wildhausen, Canton of St. Gall, Switzerland 1484, attacked many of the errors of the Catholic Church, before Luther began his opposition.