The Book of Homilies

The First and Second Book of Homilies are combined in this Nashotah House reprint of the 1852 edition from the Prayer Book and Homily Society of England. Although the titles from the Second Book of Homilies are listed in Article XXXV of the Thirty-Nine Articles, it is those found in the First Book of Homilies that provide the essence of Anglican Protestant doctrine as understood in the 16th century. The First Book has a stronger set of homilies. The Second Book is a mixed-bag. The one against Idolatry is a diatribe against the Catholic Church and not particularly helpful in modern times. The last homily against disobedience and rebellion is a late addition and reactionary to the times. The one on the Holy Spirit would have been stronger if it also hadn't taken so much time to criticize the Catholic Church. Others, such as the one on Rogation, are dated though interesting. Still every one of the homilies has at least some gold which can be mined for illumination.While the homilies are no longer generally used within an Anglican worship service they do make informative reading because they clarify and amplify Protestant Anglican doctrine as it was understood in the 16th and 17th centuries. They are the third part of the three legged stool that includes the Holy Bible (1611) and the Book of Common Prayer (1662). As such they at least deserve to be read and studied by Anglicans and other interested parties.

I always wanted to read the "Homilies"; in fact since 50 years ago. This is a finely done compilation, and being paperback, it's easy to handle.5 stars......the Anglican Divines and Fathers made great sense.....too bad we don't!!!Mike Reed

16th-century English Reformed Church teaching: not puritan, not Calvinist, so very accurate theologically.

Great thanks!