The Book of Homilies is a collection of sermons used by the Church of England during the sixteenth century. It was created as a way to provide consistent and doctrinally sound preaching to the people of England. In this article, we will explore the history, purpose, and content of the Book of Homilies.
History of the Book of Homilies
The Book of Homilies was first published in 1547 during the reign of King Edward VI of England. It was created in response to the widespread lack of doctrinal knowledge among the clergy and laity of the Church of England. The book contained a series of sermons that were intended to be read aloud in churches throughout the country.
The original book contained twelve homilies, covering topics such as the importance of scripture, the sacraments, and the nature of God. The book was later revised and expanded under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, with the addition of ten new homilies.
Purpose of the Book of Homilies
The purpose of the Book of Homilies was to provide consistent and doctrinally sound preaching to the people of England. During the sixteenth century, many of the clergy were uneducated and lacked the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver effective sermons. The Book of Homilies provided a solution to this problem by providing pre-written sermons that could be read aloud in churches throughout the country.
In addition to providing doctrinally sound preaching, the Book of Homilies was also used as a tool for promoting the English Reformation. The homilies emphasized the importance of scripture and the need to reject the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.
Content of the Book of Homilies
The Book of Homilies contains a series of sermons that cover a wide range of topics related to Christian doctrine and practice. Some of the homilies included in the book are:
- A Fruitful Exhortation to the Reading of Holy Scripture: This homily emphasizes the importance of reading and studying the Bible.
- An Homily Against Peril of Idolatry: This homily condemns the use of images and relics in worship.
- An Homily of the True and Lively Faith: This homily emphasizes the importance of faith in salvation.
- An Homily of Good Works: This homily encourages Christians to live a life of good works as a response to God’s grace.
Conclusion
The Book of Homilies played an important role in shaping the doctrine and practice of the Church of England during the sixteenth century. It provided consistent and doctrinally sound preaching to the people of England and helped to promote the English Reformation. While the Book of Homilies is no longer used in the same way as it was during the sixteenth century, it remains an important historical document that sheds light on the religious and cultural history of England.
Charles H. Spurgeon Bust 12 inches tall Robinson Leadbeater Parian
$999.99This is a truly magnificent and historically significant piece: an authentic, 12-inch tall Charles H. Spurgeon Bust, dating back to the height of the “Prince of Preachers'” fame. More than just a portrait, this is a tangible link to 19th-century religious and ceramic history, featuring an impressive array of original maker and copyright inscriptions.
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Rare 1765 1st Ed: The Lives of John Wicliff and His Disciples by William Gilpin
$499.99A Rare 1765 First Edition: The Lives of John Wicliff and His Disciples by William Gilpin
This is a significant and fascinating piece of 18th-century ecclesiastical history: The Lives of John Wicliff; and of the most Eminent of his disciples; Lord Cobham, John Huss, Jerome of Prague, and Zisca, written by William Gilpin, M.A., and printed in London in 1765. This work is a detailed biography of the great English theologian and reformer, John Wycliffe (often spelled Wicliff), and the central figures who carried on his religious and political legacy, often paying the ultimate price.
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1595 Geneva Breeches Bible printed by Christopher Barker, Theo. Beza
$2,999.99This 1595 Geneva Bible, printed by the deputies of Christopher Barker, is a quarto edition of the Geneva Bible, an important and influential version of the scriptures for late 16th-century Protestants. This 1595 version is a significant historical artifact that provides insight into the era’s religious, cultural, and publishing landscape.
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1654 pocket Bible OT imprinted by Evan Tyler for a Society of Stationers with brass clasps and red ruling
$999.99This 1654 pocket Bible imprinted by Evan Tyler, for a Society of Stationers, with brass clasps and red ruling, is highly significant. The red ruling, in particular, points to the book’s high-quality and premium nature, underscoring the owner’s status and the personal value they placed on this object of daily devotion.
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1659 LARGE Folio KJV FIELD BIBLE celebration of the Restoration of Charles II, RED RULED
$2,499.99[THE HOLY BIBLE] Cambridge: John Field, 1659. Folio, 17.25″ x 11.25″. Wanting the engraved general title and coat of arms, and blank y4, else collates complete (see ESTC R36589.) Bound in full period marbled calf.
RED RULED – For a small percentage of Bibles, the borders and important parts of the text would be marked using a straightedge and red ink. Each page would be outlined by a scribe after printing, which was a very detail oriented and time-consuming practice. Red-ruling makes the text stand out, easier to read, and was a practice used by the very wealthy of the time.
The 1659 Field Bible, issued in celebration of the Restoration of Charles II, is a significant historical artifact. Although it is missing the engraved general title and coat of arms, as well as blank y4, it is otherwise complete and intact. This particular edition was published by John Field in Cambridge, 1659.
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1839 Presbyterian Church Case by Samuel Miller, Jr
$59.991839 Presbyterian Church Case by Samuel Miller, Jr
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, At the suggestion of James Todd and others, vs. Ashbel Green and others. Philadelphia: William S. Martien, 1839. First Edition.
Leather, approx. 9 1/4 x 6 inches.
Inscription on inside cover. 596 pp., foxing, binding tight. Good condition.