On Christian Rulers

The Irish monk and scholar, Sedulius Scotus, lays out his vision of the moral and political obligations of the the ruler of a Christian nation. He draws his examples from the realm of both the biblical state of Judah, and also more recent issues of pious Roman Emperor in late antiquity. Sedulius lays out that argument that the monarch is obligated to maintained moral laws and guide his subjects towards some form of moral edification. Since he is composing this work in the Carolingian Empire, his subject is clear. This work stands as a plea for the Imperial court to continue to policy of state sanctioned schools and monasteries, and for the betterment of the Frankish people through the guidance of their king.