Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 28.2.5

28.2.5

It signifies an assembly of Gentlemen intent upon a particular business, where if there be a diversity of opinion, that opinion gets the better, and is approved of, that has most Members on its side; whereas if the votes be equal, then as the Governor, in consequence of his superior station and dignity, is counted for two men, his side prevails, just as it did happen in Abdol-rahman's Council. But that method, although extremely advantageous, (since penetration and safety are always to be found where there is consultation,) has nevertheless its inconveniencies. Now it is a condition requisite in all consultations, that the person who is to give his advice, should have deserved to be trusted, and also that the foot of private views and partialities should not find admittance in the assembly; conditions that are not to be found in the English Council, and which probably did not exist in the Arabian one neither. Such assemblies, besides, are to be wished for only on such occasions of extraordinary importance, as embarrass the minds of the uncertain, and stagger the feet of the most discerning; and noways in the details of execution, and still less in every small matter, and every minutiae that may occur. Such a system gives rise to an infinity of disturbances and confusions, and perpetually impedes the wheels of Government; especially where the business requires dispatch and vivacity, or where it is a question to determine differents, or to send necessary orders.