2. The bishops or pastors are to reform the church by doctrine, reproof, and just exhortations, and nunciative commands in the name of Christ to rulers and people to do their several duties; and by the actual doing of his own.[350]
3. The king and magistrates under him, only, must reform by the sword, that is, by outward force, and civil laws and corporal penalties: as forcibly to break down images, to cast out idolaters, or the instruments of idolatry from the temples, to put true ministers in possession of the temples, or the legal public maintenance; to destroy, punish, or hurt idolaters, &c. Supposing still the power of parents and masters in their several families.
[350] 1 Cor. xi. 28, 29, 31, 33, 34; 1 Cor. v. 11; Dan. iii.; vi. 1 Cor. v. 3-5; 1 Pet. v. 2, 3; Luke xxii. 24-27.
Quest. CVII. Who is to call synods? princes, pastors, or people?
The question of the power of synods is sufficiently answered before.
Answ. 1. There are several ways of calling synods: 1. By force and civil mandates; 2. By pastoral persuasion and counsel; and, 3. By humble entreaty and petition.
1. Magistrates only (that is, the supreme by his own power, and the inferior by power derived from him) may call synods by laws and mandates, enforced by the sword or corporal penalties, or mulcts.
2. Bishops or pastors in due circumstances may call synods by counsel and persuasive invitation.
3. The people in due circumstances and necessity, may call synods by way of petition and entreaty.
But what are the due circumstances?