That "they be an assembly of men, whereof all be not governed by the Spirit and Word of God."
Give some examples of general councils, as they were considered, which have erred in things pertaining to God.
The second council of Ephesus approved the heresy of Eutyches; the second council of Nicæa authorized the worship of images; the council of Constance forbade priests to administer the Holy Communion to the laity in both kinds.
What conclusion does the Article draw from the fact of those errors of general councils?
That "things ordained by them as necessary to salvation have neither strength nor authority, unless it may be declared that they are taken out of Holy Scripture."
What things does the Article declare have neither strength nor authority, when ordained by general councils, unless taken out of Holy Scripture?
Things ordained by them as necessary to salvation.
Upon what principle does that decision rest?
Upon that asserted in the sixth Article, that "Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation."
In what sense are we to understand the words "unless it may be declared that they are taken out of Holy Scripture?
Unless it is "read therein, or may be proved thereby." See Article VI.
