pon all levies of men or money, war or peace, leagues
or associations to be made by this commonwealth, so far forth as is
conducible to the orderly preparation of the same to be introduced by
them into the Senate; provided, that all such affairs, as otherwise
appertaining to the Council of State, are, for the good of the
commonwealth, to be carried with greater secrecy, be managed by the
Council of War, with power to receive and send forth agents, spies,
emissaries, intelligencers, frigots, and to manage affairs of that
nature, if it be necessary without communication to the Senate, till
such time as it may be had without detriment to the business. But they
shall have no power to engage the commonwealth in a war without the
consent of the Senate and the people. It appertains also to this
council to take charge of the fleet as admiral, and of all storehouses,
armories, arsenals, and magazines appertaining to this commonwealth.
They shall keep a diligent record of the military expeditions from time
to time reported by him that was strategus or general, or one of the
polemarchs in that action; or at least so far as the experience of such
commanders may tend to the improvement of the military discipline, which
they shall digest and introduce into the Senate; and if the Senate shall
thereupon frame any article, they shall see that it be observed, in the
musters or education of the youth. And whereas the Council of War is the
sentinel or scout of this commonwealth, if any person or persons shall
go about to introduce debate into any popular assembly of the same, or
otherwise to alter the present government, or strike at the root of it,
they shall apprehend, or cause to be apprehended, seized, imprisoned,
and examine, arraign, acquit, or condemn, and cause to be executed any
such person or persons, by their proper power and authority and without
appeal.

"The Council of Religion, as the arbiter of this commonwealth in cases of
conscience more peculiarly appertaining to religion, Christian charity,
and a pious life, shall have the care of the national religion, and
the protection of the liberty of conscience with the cognizance of
all causes relating to either of them. And first as to the national
religion: they shall cause all places or preferments of the best revenue
in either of the universities to be conferred upon no other than such of
the most learned and pious men as have dedicated themselves to the
study of theology. Th