It's unsettling to consider, as foreign reports reveal, that votes can be bought, and candidates may resort to violence or deceit to secure support, as if a man could emerge from an animal or rationality could spring from unbridled passions. The uninformed select from those who possess the state’s wisdom, while lawbreakers participate in determining future lawmakers. Villagers and laborers cast their votes, not always for those best suited to maintain order in their communities, but instead for those who they believe can govern the state effectively.
Thanks be to God, this is not the case in our blessed homeland. Autocratic authority, established in accordance with divine arrangements – ‘from the fruit of thy womb I will set on thy throne’ (Psalm 131:11) – is founded on the timeless principle of hereditary succession. In an era of faltering lineage, this authority has been revitalized and reinforced through pure and rational elections, standing firm with dignified calm. Citizens do not seek the right to run for public office, being assured that their leaders are deeply invested in the common good and possess more wisdom than they in recognizing how best to achieve it. The authority, through voluntary trust, bestows the right of public election while maintaining boundaries that ensure it is exercised reasonably for the benefit of society.
Therefore, it seems I am not lost in thought, but rather confronting the truth of the situation when I suggest that the supreme authority conveys to you, honorable individuals: your lineage from venerable families and the legacies of your ancestors have formed a distinguished class within the state, marked by unique privileges. Your estate, much like any other, necessitates order and advancement specific to its needs; it has its own concerns requiring astute and experienced leaders to guide its affairs. Moreover, the well-being of the public and local justice might benefit from your zeal, education, and attention to your own interests, especially as these significantly impact those whose welfare is under your hereditary duty and serve to enhance your own.
By engaging with those around you within your particular circle, you can discern who might meet these requirements. Therefore, choose from amongst yourselves individuals who will uphold the trust placed in them and the dignity of your class, proving that the nobility and superiority conferred by your esteemed titles emanate from a true and vibrant inner light. The success of the election you embark upon is undoubtedly your own aspiration. Yet, akin to an archer who, despite aiming for the target with determination and expertise, may miss it if distracted by unrelated matters, voters too might falter. The aim of a voter must rightly fall upon the moral and ethical worthiness of the candidates. Should a voter allow distractions presented by aspiring candidates to cloud their perception, they risk overlooking the righteous choice, much like an arrow that sails past its intended mark.
To avoid such pitfalls, it is vital to adhere to the principle of wisdom and justice as articulated by the world’s initial legislator: ‘You shall not be ashamed of the face of man, for the judgment of God is there’. I trust none shall dismiss this guidance by claiming it applies solely to judges. In fact, during an election, the voter assumes the role of a judge. A judge assesses the worthiness of the innocent for acquittal and the guilty for condemnation. Likewise, the voter evaluates the integrity of candidates to cast a decisive ballot. Thus, elector, Moses also instructs you: ‘Thou shalt not be ashamed of the face of man, for the judgement of God is’.
The ‘face of man’ appears to the elector, declaring: ‘I am your relative, I am your friend; will you deny me your vote?’ or ‘I seek a position in public service; support my candidacy to secure my well-being’. What do you think, elector? Do you consider it disgraceful to refuse, even when you observe higher moral worth in others? You should not be ashamed of the face of man. The king who entrusts you as an elector, God who sees and accepts your vow to carry out your duties faithfully, requires you to choose not relatives or friends, nor those pursuing personal gain, but rather individuals worthy of honor and service to society. ‘Select from among all the people, able men who fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness’ (Exodus 18:21). The elector’s responsibility is not to please individuals but to uphold the common good, significantly influenced by those entrusted with public office.
Heavenly communities consist of good and perfect members, immune to disorder. In contrast, earthly societies are made up of virtuous individuals, each varying in their goodness, alongside those who are wicked, who also vary in degree. It ultimately matters little to society which group is more dominant; the Word of God likens water to human society, stating in the Revelation: ‘the waters... are men and nations’ (Rev. 17:15). This imagery unveils a profound truth. Though water may contain sediment, it appears clear when settled; however, if disturbed, the clarity is compromised. Similarly, human communities can remain pure and flourishing when the less virtuous elements remain subdued and recognized as insignificant. But when the wicked rise to power and influence, they tarnish the purity of society, leading the righteous into temptation or subjecting them to hardship. The creator of Proverbs notes: ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn’ (Proverbs 29:2). Hence, when the virtuous are justly placed in positions of honor, it brings joy and prosperity to all. Conversely, the rise of the corrupt brings suffering. Thus, ‘honor the righteous’, empower the pious, wise, and honest through your vote: and ‘the people will rejoice’ along with our most benevolent Sovereign. Amen.
THEOSIS