THAT THESE WORDS OF CHRIST, “THIS IS MY BODY,” ETC., STILL STAND FIRM AGAINST THE FANATICS 1527

Against this saying they have up to now brought forth nothing in their many writings that has even plausibility behind it, not to mention a reasoned argument. I let them boast and show off and even boldly swear by God’s judgment and wrath how sure of the matter they are and how they have grasped the truth. (Zwingli: “Either the Creed must be shattered or our teaching is true.” Clear Instruction. LCC 24, 238. Zwingli’s oaths in Commentary: “by thunder,” LWZ 3, 239; “by Almighty God,” “by heaven,” 250; “I call God to witness,” 248. Another favorite was “by Hercules.”) But these are just words, with which they would dearly love to conceal and cover over their uncertain conscience so that no one may notice how their heart shakes and quakes within like a reed swayed by the wind [Matt. 11:7], because of the great uncertainty of then fancies and delusions. -Martin Luther