C97J an Mt of Parliament, 25 ofHen. VIII. cap. 19. enaóing, " That fuch Ca- nons or Conílitutions, not contrary " to the Laws, Statutes and Cuftoms " of the Realm, or to the Damage or " Hurt of the King's Prerogative Roy- " al, as were then received and ufed, 111a11 í1i11 continue to be fo." It is not fo difficult as Mr. N. imagines, to determine, what Canons are contrary to the Laws of the Land, or the King's Prerogative ; but if this be an Objedi- on, 'tis much ftronger againft the Elder- fhip, that no Body knows what Laws or Canons they judge by. Here we fee fome Certainty in the Church. The publick Regi/ters will thew upon what Canons there have been f roceJfes. It may be determined what Canons were in Ufe, and what repugnant to the Laws or the Prerogative ; but where are the fixt and immoveable Canons or Confti- tution of Ruling Elders ? Upon what known Laws, what .fixt and hated Rules is the Charmer and Reputa- tion of Mankind, when trufted in fuch Hands, to depend ? 'Tis the very No- tion' of Arbitrary Power not to govern by certain, fixt and known Rules, but to ad and determine at Pleafure ; fuch Power was vetted in and exercifed by the Geneva Elderfhip. In the Con- glory
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