The reasons of the Dissenting Brethren against the third proposition, concerning presbyterial government· Humbly…

It hath been the wisdom of States to keep and preserve the bounds and limits of their Judicatures evident, and distinct, and as free from controversy as may be. If Laws and Ordinances about matters of mum and ovum, and such inferior claims should not be so evident, the authority of these Courts will be in a readiness to relieve wrongs and injuries through ⟨p. 42⟩such mistakings. But Controversies and clashings about these high and public interests are no other in the issue then the dividing of a Kingdom within it self.

It hath been the wisdome of States to keep and preserve the bounds and limits of their Judicatures evident, and distinct, and as free from controversie as may bee. If Laws and Ordinances about matters of m•um and •uum, and such inferiour claimes should not bee so evident, the authority of these Courts will bee in a readinesse to relieve wrongs and injuries through ⟨p. 42⟩such mistakings. But Controversies and clashings about these high and publique interests are no other in the issue then the dividing of a Kingdome within it selfe.

Is man wiser in his Generation then Jesus Christ? He is our Law-giver, the Government is laid upon his shoulders; he is the wonderful Counsellor, the Prince of Peace. And therefore surely though other matters of practice and duty should have obscurity in the rule. Yet it is most probable he hath ordered Authority and Jurisdiction with the Officers and Offices, for the managing of it so evident, as not to put us to search in a dark corner for directions. We cannot be said to be clear in our rule when we are thus enforced out of one word, and but once used, to raise so many Thrones, or Forms of Government, especially it being foreseen by Christ that such is the nature of man as nothing occasions more bitter contention then that lusting which is in us to have Authority and jurisdiction over others.