Didaskalia De nobili dicto Davidis

counsels and strength, I would confess that they are overwhelmed and subject to the tyranny of Adversity. For when they look only to themselves, they must say with Jeremiah: "I know, O Jehovah, that it is not in man to direct his own way, nor is it in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Chapter 10:23). For just as each man's own character is like a labyrinth whenever he does not follow the Holy Spirit as his guide, so many things occur daily that are inextricable to human wit and superior to all human strength and resources.

But political governors are not alone; rather, they serve as God's assistants and co-workers, following His counsel. As Paul says of the Royal Psalmist: "David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep" (Acts 13:36). And, relying only on God, they sit at the helm of the Republic and steer it. As Aristotle wisely admonished Alexander the Great, they acknowledge that they have received the authority to command others πρὸς εὐεργεσίαν, ἀλλ' οὐ πρὸς ὕβριν for the sake of doing good, and not for the sake of arrogance, that is, for declaring beneficence, not for inflicting insults upon others. They also experience that God defends pious governors who do their duty with His strong right hand, and He suppresses seditious and turbulent spirits, and grants the leisure necessary for Republics, Churches, and Academies, restoring peace and tranquility.