How Reformer Ulrich Zwingli Responded to a Deadly Epidemic

When the Plague Hit Zürich
Shortly after Reformer Ulrich Zwingli became pastor in Zürich, the city was hit by the plague. Zwingli showed his courage by giving no thought to his own safety, but staying in Zürich and ministering selflessly to the highly contagious victims. He himself was soon struck down with the plague and nearly died. While in the grip of this debilitating illness, Zwingli wrote “The Song of the Plague” in which he shows a vibrant faith in the all sufficiency of God’s grace in Christ Jesus:
 
The Song of the Plague
“Help me, O Lord, my strength and rock; lo at the door I hear death’s knock.
Uplift Thine arm once pierced for me; that conquered death and set me free.
Yet if Thy voice in life’s midday, recalls my soul, then I obey.
In faith and hope earth I resign, secure of Heaven, for I am Thine.
My pains increase; haste to console; for fear and woe seize body and soul.
Death is at hand, my senses fail, my tongue is dumb; Now, Christ, prevail.
Lo! satan strains to snatch his prey; I feel his grasp; must I give way?
He harms me not, I feel no loss, for here I lie beneath Thy Cross.
My God! My Lord! Here by Thy hand, upon the earth once more I stand.
Let sin no more rule over me; my mouth shall sing alone to Thee.”

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