(Vol. viii., p. 93.)
The authority for this ancient custom appears to be derived from an act of
the Convocation which assembled in 1562. Strype informs us (_Annals_, vol.
i. c. 27.) that at this Convocation the following injunctions were given:
"First, That a Catechism be set forth in Latin, which is already done
by Mr. Dean of Paul's [Dean Nowell], and wanteth only viewing.
Secondly, That certain Articles [the Thirty-nine Articles], containing
the principal grounds of Christian religion, be set forth much like to
such Articles as were set forth a little before the death of King
Edward, of which Articles the most part may be used with additions and
corrections as shall be thought convenient. Thirdly, That to these
Articles also be adjoined the _Apology_, writ by Bishop Jewell, lately
set forth after it, hath been once again revised and so augmented and
corrected as occasion serveth. That these be joined in _one_ book; and
by common consent authorised as containing true doctrine, and be
enjoined to be taught the youth in the Universities and grammar schools
throughout the realm, and also in cathedral churches, and collegiate,
and in private houses: and that whosoever shall preach, declare, write,
or speak anything in derogation, depraving or despising of the said
book, or any doctrine therein contained, and be thereof lawfully
convicted before any ordinary, &c., he shall be ordered as in case of
heresy, or else shall be punished as is appointed for those that offend
and speak against the Book of Common Prayer, set forth in the first
year of the Queen's Majesty's reign that now is: that is to say, he
shall for the first offence forfeit 100 marks; for the second offence,
400 marks; and for the third offence, all his goods and chattels, and
shall suffer imprisonment during life."
It is probable that this book found a place in churches as affording a
standard of orthodoxy easy of reference to congregations in times not
sufficiently remote from the Reformation, to render the preaching of Romish
doctrines unlikely. This, if the surmise be correct, would be emphatically
to bring the officiating minister to book. In Prestwich Church, the desk
yet remains, together with the "Book of Articles," bound up as prescribed
with Jewel's _Apology_ (black-letter, 1611), but the chain has disappeared.
The neighbouring church of Bingley has also its desk, to which the chain is
still attached; but the "Book of Articles" has given place to some more
modern volume.