32. Whether or no to maintain a desired purity or perfection in the Magistracie, by election of the people, these good men of New-England, are not forced to be too strict in receiving the brethren, and to run a course tending to heathenisme? 33. Whether have not _popular elections_ of chiefe Magistrates beene, and are they not, very dangerous to States and Kingdomes? Are there not some great mysteries of State and government? Is it possible, convenient, or necessary, for all men to attain to the knowledge of those mysteries, or to have the like measure of knowledge, faith, mercifulnesse, wisdome, courage, magnanimity, patience? Whence are Kings denominated, but from their skill and knowledge to rule? whereto they are even born and educated, and by long experience, and faithfull Counsellors enabled, and the grace and blessing of God upon all? Doe not the wise, good, ancient, and renowned Laws of England attribute much, yea, very much trust and confidence to the King, as to the head and supreame Governour, though much be also in the rest of the great body, heart and hands, and feete, to counsell, maintain, and preserve the whole, but especially the Head? 34. Hence what government for an Englishman but an hereditary, successive, King, the son of Nobles, well counselled and assisted? * * * * * I thank God, now I understand by experience, that there is no such government for Englishmen, or any Nation, as a Monarchy; nor for Christians, as by a lawfull Ministrie, under godly Diocesan Bishops.... 86. A Presbyterian Demand for the Franchise, 1646 Hutchinson's _Collection of Original Papers_ (1769), 188-194. Less than half the document is given here. To the worshipful the Governor, the Deputy Governor, and the rest of the Assistants of the Massachusets Bay in New England, together with the Deputyes of the Generall Court now assembled at Boston. The Remonstrance and humble Petition of us whose names are underwritten, in behalfe of ourselves and divers others within this jurisdiction, humbly sheweth. THAT we cannot but with all thankfulness acknowledge your indefategable paines, continuall care, and constant vigilancy, which, by the blessing of the Almighty, hath procured unto this wilderness the much desired fruits of peace and plenty ... And further, that you whom the Lord hath placed at the helm ... are best able to foresee the clouds which hang over our heads ... _Notwithstanding, those who are under decks ... may perceive those leaks which will inevitably sink this weake and ill compacted vessell_, if not by your wisdoms prevented ... Not to trouble you ... with many words, we shall briefly referre them to their heads....