Act against Religious Adoration of the Host
Forasmuch as that religious adoration given by the Church of Rome to their pretended consecrated host, in its public service, and whenever it is carried in procession to the sick, has for its sole foundation, this false supposition, that it is by the Priest’s consecration properly made the self-same body, which was taken out of the womb of the blessed Virgin by the Eternal Son of God, and united to His Divine Person, unto which belongs both before and since His incarnation the empire of glory and religious worship most strictly and properly so-called, and not unto His humanity separated from it: that the Church of Rome neither renders to, nor requires for its consecrated host any other adoration than that of latria; and the professors of our religion are in this point of another faith, believing this host after consecration to be that very self-same insensible and inanimate matter which it was before, and cannot, if they will follow the dictates of their own consciences, and the prime and fundamental verities of Christianity ascribe divine adoration unto a thing which by nature is not God, nor transfer the glory of the Eternal God from him unto the basest of creatures.
This Synod therefore does adjure all of them, by that profession they make of serving the Lord in purity and sincerity, and by that irreparable prejudice they do the truth, by their rash and inconsiderate impugning of it; and to their own consciences, which are shamefully betrayed by them; and to their countrymen of the Romish Communion, whom they confirm in their superstitions; and to weaker Christians among ourselves, whom by such a vile example, utterly unbecoming that worthy Name that is called upon them, they learn to prevaricate in religion, that they would once again return unto themselves, and mourn bitterly in the presence of the great God, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, for that by this sin of theirs they have profaned His glory. And the Synod ordains, that when as the host shall be carried in procession, or to the sick by those of the Romish Church, every one do withdraw himself from the sight of it, that so no scandal may be given unto their neighbours.
And whereas some, who do not step out of the way, do feed themselves with this frivolous imagination, that they may tarry and see it, though they do not, as those of the Romish Church, let out their thoughts to a religious adoration of the host; yet if their bodily presence be voluntarily at it, it is a kind of approbation of it. And whereas some, out of a sordid and servile spirit, do comply with the received custom, in taking off their hats when the host passes by, which, say they, is not for its sake, or any reverence to it, but only out of respect and honour to the curate or vicar who carries it, or of the persons which accompany it; this is sinful, because they do not conform themselves to their intention whom they pretend to gratify; and they yield only a civil salutation, where the Romish Church ordains religious worship to be paid and performed, bestowing it on another object besides that proposed by her; which acts of theirs are directly contrary to the received maxims of civility among all men, in that they honour, though not as the Church of Rome professes to do, the Lord of glory, but in His presence, and to His contempt, a priest, who says he is called to serve Him, and this in that very proper act of worship, yielded by him as he pretends unto his God. Besides, this is contrary to all Christian sincerity, which requires our actions to be true copies and transcripts of our hearts, and not fallacious feignings of that which is not only not our intentions, but is formally contrary to them, which is a most mischievous trick and abuse put upon those who see and converse with them. Yea lastly, this is contrary to those glorious patterns and examples of the primitive and ancient Christians, who being in no wise able to brook such disguises, did repute and esteem them most sacrilegious impieties, and would rather expose themselves to many deaths, than to swerve from the least tittle of that fidelity and allegiance they had sworn unto God at their baptism.
Wherefore this Synod ordains, that such offenders be strictly and carefully admonished not to persist in their hypocrisies; for with whatever glosses and fine pretexts they may colour it over, it is an open mockery and scorn both of God and man, a grievous scandal to their brethren, and a mortal wound to their own consciences. And in case they shall obstinately abide in their impious resolutions, then all Consistories are enjoined to pursue and prosecute them with all Church censures, as being persons utterly unworthy of communion with the saints of God. And that none may pretend ignorance of this Act, let it be read and notified publicly in all places and congregations where it be judged needful.
Act for a National Fast
Forasmuch as the patience and longsuffering of God which leadeth men to repentance, has been horribly despised by them so that His just wrath and indignation has burnt like fire against them for their great ungodliness in every nation and country in Christendom, and yet this fierce anger of God is not turned away, but His almighty arm is stretched out still; and that devouring wars by reason of the obdurateness and impenitency of sinful men, do menace them with utter ruin and desolations: the National Synod assembled by His Majesty’s permission at Charenton, considering that the only means for the removing of so great and so sore judgments, is the conversion of sinners, and the humbling and abasing of their haughty hearts before the glorious tribunal of that great God whom they have so much provoked to jealousy: and whereas it is the indispensable duty, and should be the perpetual practice of all Christians to become new creatures, to purge themselves from dead works, and to serve the most holy God in all holiness, righteousness and true godliness: the National Synod exhorts all the faithful in general and particular, to offer unto the Lord of glory whom they have exceedingly dishonoured, the reasonable sacrifice of a contrite and broken heart, and to lie prostrate in all humility and sincere repentance, at the feet of His Divine Majesty. And Provincial Synods are all of them required to proclaim public and solemn fasts in their respective divisions, according as their public or private necessities may demand. And now that the grace and mercy of our infinite and almighty God may be implored, and His blessing and favour obtained for the establishing of a universal peace, for the settling of the kingdom, for the conservation of His Majesty’s sacred person, for His Divine benedictions upon his youth, for the glory of his crown, and the happy success of his armies under the lawful government of the Queen Regent, and for the prosperity of the whole Royal Family; it is decreed, that a solemn Day of Fasting and prayers be observed and celebrated in all the Churches of this Kingdom upon the Fourth Day of May now next ensuing; and that the faithful may be prepared for the religious observance of it, public notice shall be given to them by all Pastors from their pulpits, by reading of this present Act.