The characteristic of a true sovereign is, to acknowledge that, in the administration of his kingdom, he is a minister of God. He who does not make his reign subservient to the divine glory, acts the part not of a king, but a robber. He, moreover, deceives himself who anticipates long prosperity to any kingdom which is not ruled by the scepter of God, that is, by his divine word. For the heavenly Oracle is infallible which has declared, that “where there is no vision the people perish” Proverbs 29:18.
– Prefatory Address by John Calvin to Francis I, king of France 1536