Book of Common Prayer (page 867)

and superstitious: and is ordained nothing to be read, but the very pure
word of God, the holy Scriptures, or that which is evidently grounded
upon the same; and that in such a language and order as is most easy and
plain for the understanding, both of the readers and hearers. It is
also more commodious, both for the shortness thereof, and for the
plainness of the order, and for that the rules be few and easy.
Furthermore, by this order the curates shall need none other books for
their public service, but this book and the Bible: by the means whereof,
the people shall not be at so great charge for books, as in time past
they have been.

And where heretofore, there hath been great diversity in saying and
singing in churches within this realm: some following Salisbury use,
some Hereford use, some the use of Bangor, some of York, and some of
Lincoln: now from henceforth, all the whole realm shall have but one
use. And if any would judge this way more painful, because that all
things must be read upon the book, whereas before, by reason of so often
repetition, they could say many things by heart: if those men will weigh
their labor with the profit in knowledge, which daily they shall obtain
by reading upon the book, they will not refuse the pain, in
consideration of the great profit that shall ensue thereof.

And forasmuch as nothing else, almost, be so plainly set forth, but
doubts may arise in the use and practicing of the same: to appease all
such diversity (if any arise), and for the resolution of all doubts,
concerning the manner how to understand, do, and execute, the things
contained in this book: the parties that so doubt, or diversely take any
thing, shall always resort to the Bishop of the Diocese, who by his
discretion shall take order for the quieting and appeasing of the same;
so that the same order be not contrary to any thing contained in this
book.

Though it be appointed in the afore written preface, that all things
shall be read and sung in the church in the English tongue, to the end
that the congregation may be thereby edified: yet it is not meant, but
when men say Matins and Evensong privately, they may say the same in any
language that they themselves do understand. Neither that any man shall
be bound to the saying of them, but such as from time to time, in
Cathedral and Collegiate Churches, parish Churches, and Chapels to the
same annexed, shall serve the congregation.

Articles of Religion

As established by the Bishops, the Clergy, and the Laity of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, in
Convention, on the twelfth day of September, in the Year of our Lord,
1801.

I. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.

There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body, parts,
or passions; of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the Maker, and
Preserver of all things both visible and invisible. And in the unity of
this Godhead there be three Persons, of one substance, power, and
eternity; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.