Page:The Church of England, its catholicity and continuity.djvu/97

 there was a vigorous demand for only one Use for the whole country. So in 1549 the First Prayer Book of Edward appeared, compiled from all the other Uses, and it was enforced by Act of Parliament. This book was again revised with many alterations in 1552. This was entirely due to the growth of the Protestant feeling in England. Men came over to us within these few years with more advanced views on doctrine and ritual, and they did not rest until they imposed their principles upon the heads of the Church. This book was also enforced by Act of Parliament; but there is no evidence to show that it was ever used, for the death of Edward was drawing near, and that was the sign of another great change in ecclesiastical matters.

One more act of reform was made in Edward's reign. The Articles of religion were drawn up, forty-two in number, to which the clergy should subscribe. They were published "to root up discord and to establish the agreement of true religion."

During this reign there was plenty of controversy going on to keep the people in touch with the general upheaval of the times. The subject of great importance was "The use of Vestments." Those who came from the Continent wished to abolish vestments and overturn the country's old customs. Another controversy was on the use of the altar. This was removed by Ridley from its accustomed place, and stationed like a table in the middle of the Church. "Oyster boards" they were nicknamed by the Papists. The Church was in danger not only of becoming very Protestant, but of being ruined by so much freedom, strife, and change. The people were heartily weary of such changes. They mourned for