Now rare. [f. as prec. + -NESS.] The quality of being effectual; the power of producing effects; efficacy.
1545. Pref. Hen. VIII.’s Primer, in Wilkins, Concilia, III. 873. The pith or effectualnes [Lat. vim] of the talke.
1587. Golding, De Mornay, xxx. (1617), 523. The effectualnesse of his doctrine in the curing of mens soules.
1621. Ainsworth, Annot. Pentat., Ex. iv. 7 (1627), 13/1. A thing done in the bosome, signifieth secresie, and effectualnesse.
1673. Stillingfl., Serm., iv. 66 (R.). From the effectualness of it in order to that end, it is the Power of God to Salvation.
1877. M. Arnold, Last Ess. on Ch. & Relig., 91. The way followed by Christianity has the advantage of a far greater effectualness than Butler’s way.
