Government in Christian preaching often reflects God's ordained order for society, emphasizing justice, authority, and the prevention of chaos (Romans 13:1-4). Illustrations typically use imagery of rulers, societal roles, and the tension between oppressive control and righteous governance to convey its spiritual and practical implications.
Oppressive government suppresses the strong to control the whole society.
Tarquin the Proud, being asked what was the best mode of governing a conquered city, replied by beating down with his staff all the tallest poppies in his garden. Livy.
Satirical roles show various societal figures' self-serving functions under rulers.
One having reconciled the emperor and the pope, and placed them on majestic thrones, brought the several states and conditions of the world before them. First came a counsellor of state, with the motto, "I advise you two;" then a courtier, with, "I flatter you three;" then a husbandman, "I feed you four;" then a merchant, "I cozen you five;" then a lawyer, "I rob you six;" then a soldier, "I fight for you seven;" then a physician, "I kill you eight;" lastly a priest, "I absolve you nine."
Preventing sedition requires removing its causes before unrest can ignite.
Seditions in. The surest way to prevent seditions, if the times do bear it, is to take away the matter of them; for, if there be fuel prepared, it is hard to tell whence the spark shall come that shall set it on fire. Lord Bacon.
Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.
Donate