218. From all this it can he established what kind of governors there are, namely, that they are such as are pre-eminent in love and wisdom, and so, from love, desire the good of all, and, from wisdom, know how to provide for its being done. Such governors do not domineer or dictate, but minister and serve, for to do good to others from the love of good is to serve, and to provide for its being done is to minister. Nor do they make themselves greater than others, but less. For they put the good of society and of the neighbour in the first place, and their own good last, and whatever is put in the first place is held to be greater, and what is put last, to be less. Nevertheless, the rulers have honour and glory. They dwell in the midst of the society, in a higher position than the rest and also in magnificent palaces. This glory and honour they indeed accept though not for the sake of themselves, but for the sake of obedience. For all there know that they have that honour and glory from the Lord and on that account they are to be obeyed. This is what is meant by the Lord's words to His disciples:
Whosoever would become great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever would be first among you, let him be your servant, as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. Matt. xx. 26-28.
He that is greatest among you, let him be as the least, and he that is chief as he that doth serve. Luke xxxi. 26.