A good reminder from John Calvin during the ‘political season’:
Indeed, all ought…not to inquire about another’s duties, but every man should keep in mind that one duty which is his own. This ought particularly to apply to those who have been put under the power of others. Therefore, if we are cruelly tormented by a savage prince, if we are greedily despoiled by one who is avaricious or wanton, if we are neglected by a slothful one, if finally we are vexed for piety’s sake by one who is impious and sacrilegious, let us first be mindful of our own misdeeds…Let us then also call this thought to mind, that it is not for us to remedy such evils; that only this remains, to implore the Lord’s help, in whose hand are the hearts of kings and the changing of kingdoms…Before his face all kings shall fall and be crushed, and all the judges of the earth, that have not kissed his anointed… (Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 4.20.29).
