55. Siege of Londonderry.
—Are there any details of the siege of Londonderry, particularly as to the names of officers engaged on the Protestant side, other than those to be found in Walker, Mackensie, or Graham's account of it?
E. A.
Minor Queries Answered.
The Twentieth of the Thirty-nine Articles.
—In a note to a work entitled Sketches of the History of Man, Dublin, 1779, at vol. i. p. 104. I observe the following statement:
"In the Act 13th of Elizabeth, anno 1571, confirming the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England, these Articles are not engrossed, but referred to as comprised in a printed book, intitled 'Articles agreed to by the whole Clergy in Convocation holden at London, 1562.' The forged clause is, 'The Church has power to decree Rites and Ceremonies, and authority in Controversies of Faith.' That clause is not in the Articles referred to; nor the slightest hint of any authority with respect to matters of faith. In the same year, 1571, the Articles were printed both in Latin and English, precisely as in the year 1562. But soon after came out spurious editions, in which the said clause was foisted into the Twentieth Article, and continues so to this day," &c.
This is a grave charge. Is it a true one? I have not at hand the authorities by which to examine it, and therefore seek an answer from some of your readers who may be able to give it. My question refers to the imputation of a clause having been foisted into our Articles of Faith by a forgery, and still continuing in them; not to the truth of any part of our Articles as they now stand. To this there is sufficient testimony.
CM.
London, July 25. 1851.