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Ten Articles

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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Ten Broeck, Anthony, D.D.

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In the year 1536 convocation under Henry VIII gave sanction to the "Ten Articles," entitled "Articles devised by the king's highness majesty to establish Christian quietness and unity among us." These were probably compiled by Cranmer, though ostensibly emanating from the crown. Five of the articles related to doctrines and five to ceremonies. The former were:

1. That Holy Scriptures and the three Creeds are the basis and summary of a true Christian faith.

2. That baptism conveys remission of sins and the regenerating grace of the Holy Spirit, and is absolutely necessary as well for children as adults.

3. That penance consists of contrition, confession, and reformation, and is necessary to salvation.

4. That the body and blood of Christ are really present in the elements of the Eucharist.

5. That justification is remission of sin and reconciliation to God by the merits of Christ; but good works are necessary.

The latter were:

1. That images are useful as remembrancers, but are not objects of worship.

2. That saints are to-be honored as examples of life, and as furthering our prayers.

3. That saints may be invoked as intercessors, and their holydays observed.

4. That ceremonies are to be observed for the sake of their mystical signification, and as conducive to devotion.

5. That prayers for the dead are good and useful, but the efficacy of papal pardon, and of soul-masses offered at certain localities, is negatived. Upon these articles was founded the work entitled Institution of a Christian Man (q.v.), commonly known as "The Bishop's Book" (q.v.). (See ARTICLES).