the Reformers were characterized by inconsistency and contradictions, it will be readily conceded that the new religion was simply a human institution—a kingdom of this world, and nothing better.

Now, it appears to me, that all this, and much more indeed, can easily be established by facts as patent as the history of Henry's divorce from Queen Catherine, of Henry's parliaments, and of the innovations connected with religion, which marked the three score and eight years which intervened between the apostacy of Henry the Eighth and the death of Elizabeth.

These facts will be fully and accurately stated in the sequel of this volume; and further, such inferences as logically flow from the historical premises will be briefly laid before the reader, in order that a correct estimate may be formed of that system of belief, which has been guarded for the last three hundred years, by the twoedged sword of penal statutes and state-patronage.

Though the questions discussed in this volume may have frequently been laid before the English public in former publications, they have not, it is believed, been ever treated in the manner here adopted. Several writers, for example, have ably developed the Solibiblical principle; they have, too, when engaged on the delineation of Protestantism, referred to those frequent changes both in doctrine and practice, which were the natural results of Erastianism; but no one has, I think, sifted the sixth Article in relation to the Deutero-canonical writings, or reduced the whole of Anglicanism to its original elements, and thus tested its nature and its origin.

To me this analytical process seems highly satisfactory and conclusive. It enables the reader to see things as

they really are; whilst it removes the earthy mound beneath which truth has been too long buried.

No pains have been spared to render this work both interesting and useful; and with this conviction I submit my endeavours to the discriminating judgment of the friends of truth. Partizans-men who adhere to systems and opinions not from a conviction of their being true, but on account of their agreement with religious or political prepossessions-will not approve of what I have recorded in relation to Anglicanism. They would have me and others forget the origin of the establishment; and instead of stating with Macauley that "the Church of England sprang from a compromise, huddled up between the eager zeal of Reformers and the selfishness of greedy, ambitious, and time-serving politicians," they would wish me to describe it as venerable and Heaven-sent. But this I could not do. My object in writing is to teach; and all instruction should be truth. Truth is above and beyond party feeling or individualism: it admits not of deflections: it goes straightforward :

:

Ορθον ἡ ἀληθεῖ ἀεὶ.

To sacrifice truth to party, or not to declare it openly where revelation and man's eternal interests are at stake, must ever be looked upon as an unworthy compromise, and the very worst species of religious treachery.

QUI NON LIBERE VERITATEM PRONUNCIAT, PRODITOR EST VERITATIS.

Instit. Just.

9, HILL STREET, London,

Dec. 8th, 1854.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.-Anglican statements relative to the defection of the

Universal Church.

Statement of the Homilies relative to an universal apostacy.-Conse-

quences derivable from this statement.-These consequences, as well

as the general accusations proved to be untenable.

...

1

CHAPTER II.—Examination of the principle laid down in the Homilies

relative to the defection of the Church.

The Church infallible-proved first by an universal testification, and

secondly, by the Scriptures of the New Law, which are a realization of

the prophecies of the Old Testament.-Use and end of the Ministry.-

This end attained in Catholicity.-The Ministry is useless on Protestant

grounds.-The Protestant allegation of defection disproved.-The charge

of idolatry shown to be absolutely groundless, from the zeal and cha

racter of the Missioners of the middle ages, the countries they con-

verted, the monuments they erected, the books they wrote; as also

from even the Protestant catalogue of Saints.-Origin and progress of

the Protestant calumny.-The charge not substantiated by reference

to Catholic doctrines.-These doctrines are defended by eminent Protes-

tants.-General observations on the folly and falseness of the Homi-

lies

8

CHAPTER III.—On the Origin and Authority of the Articles of Reli-

gion of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Queen Elizabeth.

Importance of the examination of the History of the Articles.-Their

authority in the Anglican Church.-Henry's innovations destructive

of Episcopal and Clerical authority, generally.-The six Articles, and

works in connexion with them.-These Articles, &c. forced on the

people. The principle involved in the framing of the Articles, destruc-

tive of Anglicanism.-Fox and others write against the Articles.—The

Articles and religion of Henry are changed by King Edward.-History

of the origin, number, nature, and subscription of the Articles of

Edward VI.—The Articles mainly formed by Cranmer. His vacillating

character. Reproached for his changes by Gardiner, &c.—Still, always

dogmatical, imperious, and cruel.-Persecution of Mary. Her firmness.

-Articles of Elizabeth; their number and distinctive character.-

Reported ignorance of the framers of the Thirty-nine Articles. The

Articles are enforced and subscribed.-Review of the changes in the

national religion during the reigns of Henry, Edward, and Elizabeth.—

These Changes wholly dependant on individuals.-Proved from the

Zurich letters.-The Articles are worthless as an authority. This

admitted even by Anglicans.-Observations of Le Maistre on Protes-

tant Articles.-Difference between the origin of the Articles, and the

Profession of Faith of Pope Pius.-Justification of the latter....... 50

CHAPTER IV.-On the Origin and Authority of the Homilies.

Origin and end of the Homilies. Read in all Churches, by Order.-Their

authors.-Character of these Authors.-Specimens of their gross incon-

sistencies and contradictions.-The Homilies approved of by the Articles,

but disliked by the People.-Signs of dislike.-Condemned as false and

contradictory.-The Justice of this condemnation.-They are worthless

in themselves and in their origin

CHAPTER V.-On the Anglican Liturgies.

109

History of the Liturgical changes.-Forms of prayer condemned, though

previously ascribed to the Holy Ghost.-History of the Primer, &c. in

Henry's time.-Edward's Liturgies.-Changes in them.-Authors of

the changes.-Elizabeth's Liturgy.-Changes, and grounds of the alter-

ations. The Liturgy disapproved of formerly and now. The objections

raised against it.-Alterations suggested.—The changes in the Liturgy

as well as in the Articles, prove the hollowness and worldliness of

Anglicanism.-Observations on the words "our Liturgy."-Whence did

the Anglicans derive those prayers, of which they boast so much? 122

CHAPTER VI.—On the Royal Supremacy.

At the accession of Henry, not the King, but the Pope was head of the

English Church. His power considered to be divine, and as such defended

by Henry himself.-Henry's work-The title conferred on him in conse-

quence. Henry abandons the Pope, and makes himself head of the

Church. His conduct, and that of the Clergy, during the change.-

Awful extent of the royal assumption-Secured to him by Acts of

Parliament, by oaths, &c.-Subserviency of the Clergy, and their

subsequent abject condition.-More and Fisher die in defence of the

Papal Supremacy.-Edward's claims to and exercise of the Supremacy.

-Remonstrance of the Clergy.-Indignation of the German and Hel-

vetic Reformers. Elizabeth refuses the title of Head, but assumes

that of Governor of the Church, with all the prerogatives of the

Supremacy.-Remarks on the change in the title, by the Anglicans and

others. Opposition of the Catholic Clergy to Elizabeth's claims to the

Supremacy. Results.-The Supremacy ever since claimed by and

allowed to our Sovereigns by Parliament.-Grounds raised for the