THE STATUTE OF SIX ARTICLES, passed in 1539, marks the beginning of the reactionary period that continued until the close
of Henry VIII's reign. It enumerated precisely and clearly six points
of mediaeval doctrine and practice which the Protestants had begun to assail, and imposed severe penalties on all who would not
accept them. The first article expressed the doctrine of transubstantiation. Those denying this were to be burnt. If the other
five articles were impeached the penalties were, for the first offence, confiscation of property, for the second, execution as
a felon. The five articles declared (2) that communion in both kinds was unnecessary; (3) that priests ought not to marry; (4)
that the vows of chastity ought to be observed in both sexes; (5) that private masses were allowable; (6) that auricular
confession was necessary. This sanguinary Act, called by the Protestants, "the whip with six strings," continued in force for
the rest of Henry's reign.
[The Text of the Act of Six Articles]
The Dictionary of English History. Sidney J. Low and F. S. Pulling, eds.
London: Cassell and Company, Ltd., 1910. 950.
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