Jackson on Article XXIV: Of speaking in the Congregation in such a tongue as the people understandeth

The teaching of Holy Scripture (e.g., S. Matt. vi., 7, and 1 Cor. xiv.) points clearly to the use of “‘the vulgar tongue ’’ in prayer and worship. That the Primitive Church followed this rule is shown by the early liturgies. ‘‘ The custom of having prayers in an._unknown tongue appears to have originated in a kind of accident, but to have been perpetuated by design. It originated in the Latin becoming obsolete in Europe, and the prayers not being translated as the various European dialects grew up. It was then found to be a means. of keeping up mystery, and so priestly power; and therefore it was preserved ”’ (Bishop Browne, pp. 573 and 574). The Refer- mation, which was at once a revival of knowledge and a reassertion of the priesthood of the laity, naturally emphasised the importance ‘“‘ of ,speak- ing in the congregation in such a tongue as the people understandeth.’’ The same emphasis is found in the Prayer Book Service for Holy Bap- tism. It should be remembered that the Council of Trent ahathematised those who say that ‘‘ the Mass ought only to be celebrated in the vulgar tongue.’’ So the emphasis of the Articles and Prayer Book on this point has been fully justified. :