the Commission to the work) and then some few of those to go on one side, and many on the other side, if the fewer should have the casting voice, then the lesser weight should carry the scales against the greater, which is irrationall. Again, upon this ground, the part should not only over-rule, but destroy the whole, which is absurd. Whence then it is plain, that the greater part hath the power in their hand, to passe sentence in way of decision, as when it is past, to put it into execution.
But what if the most have the worst cause, and erre in their judge∣ment and practice?
The answer is, While the fewer do protest against their pro∣ceedings, they quit their hands of sin, and that is all they can do: but the sentence must take place: only, if there be a way of an ap∣peal left, they may take the benefit thereof in their opportunity.
These premised, which cannot be denied, I thus reason.
That course of government, which nullifies the power of the El∣ders and people of the Congregation, and their proceedings in a righ∣teous way, that is not a power of Christ.
But this doth so: as instance,
The greater part of the Classis may sentence a member of a per∣ticular Church to be excommunicated, when the Elders and all the people judge and that truly, not to be worthy of that censure: here the power of the Elders and people which act in a way of Christ is wholly hindered.
To this M.R. answereth, That,
De jure, the power of the greater Presbytery in this case ought to be swallowed up of the two voices of the Elders of the Congre∣gation.
1. But this we have heard is crosse to all the orderly proceed∣ings of Christ, and rules of reason, that the weaker should over∣bear the stronger, the part, the whole.
2. This layes open a gap to endlesse dissention; for upon this ground, some few will say, we have the truth on our side, and therefore your votes, and expressions, though the apprehensions of so many, should give way and are to be swallowed up by our ar∣gument, and must therefore never appear in sight more.
Lastly, Who must judge, which party hath the better end of the staffe, whether the fewer or the greater number be in the right? either the greater party must judge, or else there must no judge∣ment passe at all, and so it will be in the power of a few to