1st. Have you ever read them over?
2dly. How can these be called, “The canons of the church of England?” Seeing they were never legally established by the church? Never regularly confirmed in any full convocation?
3dly. By what right am I required to observe such canons as were never legally established?
And then I will join issue with you on one question more, viz. Whether you or I have observed them most?
To instance only in a few.
Canon 29. No person shall be admitted godfather or godmother to any child,—before the said person hath received the holy communion.
Canon 59. Every parson, vicar, or curate, upon every Sunday and Holiday, before evening prayer, shall, for half an hour, or more, examine and instruct the youth and ignorant persons of his parish.
Canon 64. Every parson, vicar, or curate, shall declare to the people every Sunday, whether there be any holidays or fasting-days the week following.
Canon 68. No minister shall refuse or delay to christen any child that is brought to the church to him upon Sundays or holidays to be christened, or bury any corps that is brought to the church or church-yard.
(N. B. Inability to pay fees does not alter the case.)