Boultbee: Introduction

authority only. It would seem to be a matter of no great con- sequence, since this code has been superseded some centuries ago. But, on the score of precedent bearing on ecclesiastical legislation, this question has been deemed by some to possess importance.

There is no record of any action of Convocation on this sub- ject, and there are some other difficulties in the way. But Hardwick is of opinion that Convocation did approve the Articles. He rests on the fact that all extant copies purport in their title to have been ratified * in the last synod of London.’ Statements to the same effect are found in other contemporary documents.

The very year which saw the authoritative publication of the Forfy-two Articles, witnessed also their abrogation on the accession of Mary.

The first parliament of Elizabeth, 1559, restored the Eng- lish Liturgy^ The Articles of Religion, however, remained in abeyance for some time. In 1563 Convocation took action upon them, and ultimately sanctioned a revised copy, contain- ing Thirty-eight Articles. But for lack of royal authority subscription could not be enforced. In 1571 Elizabeth ^ finally sanctioned another revision, which was subscribed by Convo- cation in that year. The Articles so ratified and sanctioned, thirty-nine in number, have remained to our time without any alteration.

The Latin and English versions of the Articles have .equal authority. We have, therefore, the advantage of a reference irom one version to the other in the case of any ambiguity occurring.

The reader who desires further information on this sub- ject will find it fully treated in Hard wick’s * History of the Articles of Religion.’

• See the Ratification usually appended to the Thirty-nine Articles in the Prayer-book.

DIVISIONS AND AERANGEMENT of the ARTICLES.

The arrangement of the Articles deserves notice. They may be divided into six parts corresponding to the principal divisions of their subjects.

Part I. (Arts. I.-V.) treats of the nature of the Deity in this order. The essential attributes of God, and His mode of existence in three Persons. The Deity, incarnation, sufferings, and death of Christ for sin. The descent of Christ into hell ; His resurrection, and ascension, and the future judgment. The Deity and Personality of the Holy Ghost.

Part n. (Arts. VL-VIH.) treats of the rule of &ith thus. The sole authority of Holy Scripture in matters of faith is asserted. The relation of the Old Testament to the New, and the degree of obligation of the Mosaic law, are set forth. The three Creeds are accepted, but are denied any authority inde- pendent of Holy Scripture.

Part ni. (Arts. IX.-XVin.) The basis of doctrinal authority having been laid down,, the main doctrines of man^s isalvation are next defined in this order. The lost condition of man by nature is described, and it is denied that he is able to turn to God without preventing grace, or to do what is pleasing to God without co-operating grace. It is then declared that man can only be accounted righteous before God for the

merits of Christ, and that faith only is the grace regarded by God in thus justifying the sinner; for which purpose God is pleased to isolate it from other graces present with it simul- taneously. Thenceforward the good works of the justified sinner surely follow, and are pleasing to God in Christ, al- though themselves imperfect. But works, although in them- selves good, done before justification, are not regarded in Christ, and therefore of necessity retain the sinful taint of the nature from which they come.

Further, however pleasing in God’s sight the gracious works of His children in Christ may be, none can render to God by the utmost self-sacrifice more than He has invited us to give. No human being, save the Son of<7od in His himian nature, has escaped the tmiversal corruption. The baptised, on falling into sin, have the way to God still open to them through repentance ; nor can a unless state be attained on this side the grave.

Next, the original ground of calliiig, justifying, and sancti- fying sinners, is traced in the gracious purpose and predesti- nating love of God. This ought to caU forth in them warm spiritual affections, but the opposite doctrine of reprobation is regarded as one calculated to harden the sinner.

Finally, salvation can be obtained through Christ only. There is no other way to God.

Part IV. (Arts. XIX.-XXXIV.) We now come to the Church which holds these doctrines. It is defined as consist- ing of an assembly of ^ithfril men, possessing the pure word of Gk>d and the sacraments complete in all essentials. But the most famous individual churches have not been exempt from serious error. The Church may appoint rites, and can judge in controversy, subject to the supreme authority of Scripture. But even General Councils, being composed of fallible men, tiave no collective infallibility, and are subject to the authority

AERANQEMENT OF THE ARTICLES. xxi

of Scripture. In particular, purgatory, indulgences, saint and image worship, are errors which have prevailed, contrary to the Word of God.

The ministers of the Church ought to be lawfully appointed, and the services performed in the vulgar tongue.

The nature and number of the sacraments of Christ are next set forth ; the five Eomish sacraments are repudiated ; and the exhibition, as distinguished from the use, of the sacraments is rejected. Evil ministers cannot annul that grace which Christ bestows on the faithful in the use of His ordinances. Tet such ministers should receive due ecclesiastical discipline.

The efficacy of Baptism follows, and the privilege of in- puts to receive it. The nature of the communion of Christ’s body and blood in the Lord’s Supper is described ; and all participation of Christ by those who have not living faith is denied. To partake of the Cup as weU as the Bread is the right of the laity. Christ cannot be offered again in the Eucharist, for His sacrifice is complete and sufficient. The clergy have full liberty to marry. Excommunicated persons ought to be avoided. Rites and ceremonies may vary according to the convenience of national Churches. But private persons ought not to disobey them.

Part V. (Arts. XXXV.-XXX VII.) A few special regulations affecting the Church of England in particular come next in order. The two Books of Homilies are approved for general use in churches. The ordinal is sanctioned for setting apart the ministers of the English Church. The royal supremacy is decreed, and the papal authority in England repudiated.

Part YL (Arts. XXXVIL -XXXIX.) A few civil rights and duties, at that time called in question by some sectaries, are defined. Capital punishments and military service aro lawful. Community of goods is not the law of Christianity. Judicial oaths may be taken.

[…]

It is hoped that this rapid recital of the substance of the Articles may be deemed fairly accurate. It will at least show their coherence and consecutive arrangement, which is the purpose for which it has been drawn out. That this re- nowned code possesses scientific order as .well as accuracy is too often lost sight of.

Pakt L

1. OF FAITH IN THE HOLY TEINITY.

2. OF THE SON OF GOD.

3. OF HIS GOING DOWN INTO HELL.

4. OF HIS RESURRECTION. 6. OF THE HOLY GHOST.