As such, the " General Court," under the " Body of Laws of Connecticut, concluded and established in May, 1(350," ruled supreme in church and state on the east end of Long Island. What that rule so " established " was, is best stated in the very words of " The Laws of Connecticut Colony." " It is ordered by the Authority of this Court; That no persons within this Colony shall in any wise imbody themselves into Church Estate without consent of the General Court, and the approbation of Neighbour Churches.

"It is also ordered by this Court; That there shall be no Ministry or Church Administration entertained or attended by the Inhabitants of any Plantation in this Colony distinct and separate from and in opposition to that which is openly and publicly observed and dispensed by the approved Minister of the place, except it be by approbation of this Court and Neighbour Churches, upon penalty of the forfeiture of Five pounds for every breach of this order

"This Court having seriously considered the great Divisions that arise amongst us about matters of Church Government, for the Honour of God, welfare of the Churches, and preservation of the publick peace 80 greatly hazarded.

" Do Declare ; That whereas the Congregational Churches in these parts for the general ' of their Profession and practice have hitherto been approved ; We can do no less than approve and countenance the same to be without disturbance until better light in an orderly way doth appear.