The form of government he caused to prevail was a strict theocracy.

The clergy of the city met in a body known as the Congregation, a "venerable company" that discussed and prepared legislation for the consideration of the Consistory.

In this larger body, besides the clergy, the laity were represented by twelve elders chosen by the council, not by the people at large.

The state and church were thus completely identified in a highly aristocratic polity.
"The office of the Consistory is to keep watch on the life of every one." Thus briefly was expressed the delegation of as complete powers over the private lives of citizens as ever have been granted to a committee.

The object of the Ecclesiastical Ordinances was to create a society of saints.