The 39 Articles of Religion: Article 35, Of the Homilies

In the time of the English Reformation, the preaching was especially poor. Archbishop Cranmer wrote these homilies to be read by the clergy if and when they were unable to preach well. They are listed below, but are not really usable today. However, most of the topics are important topics for contemporary preachers to cover.

XXXV. Of the Homilies.

The Second Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we have joined under this Article, doth contain a godly and wholesome Doctrine, and necessary for these times, as doth the former Book of Homilies, which were set forth in the time of Edward the Sixth; and therefore we judge them to be read in Churches by the Ministers, diligently and distinctly, that they may be understanded of the people.

Of the Names of the Homilies

1  Of the right Use of the Church.	11  Of Alms-doing.
2  Against Peril of Idolatry.	12  Of the Nativity of Christ.
3  Of repairing and keeping clean of       Churches.	13  Of the Passion of Christ. 14  Of the Resurrection of Christ.
4  Of good Works:  first of Fasting.  5  Against Gluttony and Drunkenness.	15  Of the worthy receiving of the Sacrament of the        Body and Blood of Christ.
6  Against Excess of Apparel.	16  Of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost.
7  Of Prayer.	17  For the Rogation-days.
8  Of the Place and Time of Prayer.	18  Of the State of Matrimony.
9  That Common Prayers and Sacraments       ought to be ministered in a known tongue.	19  Of Repentance. 20  Against Idleness.
10  Of the reverend Estimation of God's Word.	21  Against Rebellion.

[This Article is received in this Church, so far as it declares the Book of Homilies to be an explication of Christian doctrine, and instructive in piety and morals. But all references to the constitution and laws of England are considered as inapplicable to the circumstances of this Church; which also suspends the order for the reading of said Homilies in churches, until a revision of them may be conveniently made, for the clearing of them, as well from obsolete words and phrases, as from the local references.]