O’Donovan, Oliver and Joan Lockward O’Donovan, Editors. From Irenaeus to Grotius: A Sourcebook in Christian Political Thought. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1999)

In his treatise on Christian Rulers, Sedulius Scottus articulates a divinely instituted kingdom rule where a king is appointed as God’s representative minister to the people. “For what are the rulers of the Christian people unless ministers of the Almighty?...Accordingly, the most upright and glorious princes rejoice more that they are appointed to be ministers and servants of the Most High than lords or kings of men.” 222 Referring to the way David called himself a servant of the king, Sedulius makes a strong connection between the words of Solomon in 1 Kings 8:28 and the emperor Constantine.

Solomon, who says “consider your servant’s prayer and his entreaties, o lord my god; hear the hymn and prayer which your servant utters before you this day, so that your eyes both day and night may watch over this temple about which you said: ‘there will be my name!’’ is not claiming credit for himself upon his victories. Constantine makes similar cries to God when he thanks the Almighty God who had “deigned to make him the useful servant of his will.

Sedulius does not offer sovereignty as befitting kingship however. He says “He who has ascended to the summit of royal dignity by the grace of God should remember that he whom divine will has ordained to rule others should first rule himself.” 223 Instead, Sedulius claims all royal power has been divinely ordained for the benefit of the state. This power should be exercised with wisdom and veneration from God. Religion plays a chief role in the appropriation of such wisdom and veneration for by it is the establishment of good governance and the casting down of the Lord’s enemies. Solomon again is a source for understanding the role of wisdom in prudent counsel. In 1^st Kings Solomon is asked to request anything he desires. Even though just a boy, his response was intended not for himself but for those who fall underneath his protection and care. He requests of the Lord a discerning heart that he might judge the Lord’s people and distinguish between good and evil.

Sedulius argues for eight pillars of governance in royal affairs. Truth, patience, generosity, persuasiveness, correction, friendship, lightness of tribute, and equality of justice between rich and poor. The summit of royal power rests in these pillars. A wise ruler then will recognize the role of the church in the upholding of these pillars and seek out the blessing of the Holy Church in the subordination of his own personal interests. Therefore, a prudent ruler will seek first the “Kingdom of God…and all these things will be added unto him.” Sedulius says, “Hence, a prudent ruler should strive to accomplish those things which are pleasing to God, if he desires that God may bring about those things which are prosperous and glorious to him.”