Anglicanism is based on: the bible, the book of common prayer, the 39 Articles of faith and the books of homilies. Within the churches there is still the bible, mostly the book of common prayer is used, the 39 Articles are mostly forgotten and the homilies completely so.
When I confirmed into the Anglican denomination my mind lead to what is Anglicanism? This lead me to book of common prayer which is used to a lesser or greater degree by different churches. My current church we have book in hand as we do the service. At the back of the book are written the 39 Articles. On there own they are not very instructive to the new comer but with a supplemental book, exposition, they are a wonderful resource as they focus your studies on core doctrine. Then there is article XXXV, the homilies.
Article XXXV
Of Homilies
The second Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we have joined under this Article, doth contain a godly and wholesome Doctrine, and necessary for these times, as doth the former Book of Homilies, which were set forth in the time of Edward the Sixth; and therefore we judge them to be read in Churches by the Ministers, diligently and distinctly, that they may be understanded of the people.
Of the Names of the Homilies
Of the right Use of the Church.
Against peril of Idolatry.
Of the repairing and keeping clean of Churches.
Of good Works: first of Fasting.
Against Gluttony and Drunkenness.
Against Excess of Apparel.
Of Prayer.
Of the Place and Time of Prayer.
That Common Prayers and Sacraments ought to be ministered in a known tongue.
Of the reverent estimation of God’s Word.
Of Alms-doing.
Of the Nativity of Christ.
Of the Passion of Christ.
Of the Resurrection of Christ.
Of the worthy receiving of the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ.
Of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost.
For the Rogation-days.
Of the State of Matrimony.
Of Repentance.
Against Idleness.
Against Rebellion.
But the homilies are not easily read as they exist is the language of the 16th century. So to make reading them easier I have translated the archaic language.
Enjoy.