That the several different congregations of
believers, taken collectively, constitute one Church of Christ,
called emphatically the Church; that a larger part of the Church, or
a representation of it, should govern a smaller, or determine
matters of controversy which arise therein; that, in like manner, a
representation of the whole should govern and determine in regard to
every part, and to all the parts united: that is, that a majority
shall govern; and consequently that appeals may be carried from
lower to higher governing bodies, till they be finally decided by
the collected wisdom and united voice of the whole Church. For these
principles and this procedure, the example of the apostles and the
practice of the primitive Church are considered as authority.
(G-1.0400)