During the 17th century, different types of government existed in Europe. In France particularly, Louis X1V established and absolutists state where as in England, Elizabeth 1 established a parliamentary form of government. Louis X1V ruled by the divine right of Kings and had absolute control over his kingdom during his reign. Louis believed that he was not subject to earthly authority and that he derived his right to rule directly from God. Similarly, Elizabeth 1 believed that God had entrusted her with a kingdom to defend, a church that she had to lead in a true way and a people that she had to protect from both foreign enemies and themselves. Elizabeth 1 parliamentary government allowed her to rule the people of England at the same time satisfy …show more content…
Bossuet argued that God was the source of power accorded to kings and kingdoms were absolutely divine. Jacques Benigne Bossuet believed that all power came from God and that all rulers/kings were expected to do well in serving their people. Any wrong doings or evil would lead to direct punishment from God. The belief was that Kings acted as lieutenant and ministers of God on earth and through the kings, God exercised his powers on earth. The throne belonged to God who had an absolute and ultimate power. The kings are chosen by God himself just like “Solomon was chosen by God”(273). He further argues that God governs his people and gives them their rulers. The popular belief was that Louis X1V was chosen by God and had been given powers by Him to rule the people of France. Elizabeth 1, on the other hand, believed that God had chosen her to lead the people of England and she believed that he was the most high. She believed that God was the source of her powers and authority over the people of England and she always sought His guidance through prayer. For example, in her prayer at Bristol, Elizabeth I is shown as a person that was religious and believed in God. She acknowledges that God was the most high and that she depended on Him to offer guidance on how she was going to rule the kingdom and offer protection against their enemies. She stated that “…As I acknowledge that I have received the government of this church and kingdom at thy hand”. This prayer goes on to show that Elizabeth 1 believed that her powers to rule over the Kingdom had come directly from God and that she was an appointee of God to rule over her people. She knew that her kingdom was God’s kingdom and prayed for guidance in ruling wisely and to follow all His commandments. She also prayed to God so that she could be able to know Him, love Him and trust him. In her Golden speech, Elizabeth 1