The Nature of Absolute Authority
When I seriously consider the structure of the Turkish government, I am struck by the absolute power of the emperor. His authority is without limits set by reason or virtue. His words, even when spoken without care or wisdom, immediately become law. His actions, though often irregular or unjust, are treated as examples to be followed. His judgments in matters of state are frequently influenced by corruption, yet his decrees cannot be resisted.
In such a system, there is no balance of power and little room for fairness. Decisions depend not on justice or wisdom, but on the personal will of one ruler. This creates a government where fear is stronger than law, and obedience is enforced without question.
Reward and Punishment in the Empire
Another striking feature is the lack of proper reward for virtue. Honest service and moral behavior often bring little benefit. At the same time, profitable and successful wrongdoing is rarely punished. Men rise suddenly to the highest offices of the empire, not through noble birth, proven skill, or long service, but through flattery, chance, or the sudden favor of the prince.
Those who are raised so quickly also fall just as fast. Their time in power is usually short. One displeased look from the ruler can lead to their complete ruin. Wealth, honor, and life itself depend entirely on the emperor’s mood.
Wealth as a Trap
For this reason, the people of this empire are extremely eager to become rich. They rush after wealth with great desire, more than almost any other people. Yet their riches often become a trap. The treasure they gather is rarely secure. What they work for so eagerly often serves only their master, not themselves.
They labor like servants for a powerful patron, knowing that their success may lead directly to their destruction. Even faithfulness, virtue, and moral honesty—qualities rarely praised in this system—are often useless in protecting them when the ruler decides against them Sightseeing Tour Sofia.
The Mystery of the Empire’s Survival
When I reflect on these and many other matters of the same kind, which may be discussed more fully later, I cannot help but wonder at the long survival of this great and powerful empire. Despite its internal weaknesses, it has remained stable for many generations. Its territories have grown, and its armies have advanced with steady success.
This endurance seems almost beyond natural explanation. One might be tempted to attribute it not to wise government or sound political principles, but to a higher and unseen cause. It is as if the all-knowing Creator, for reasons beyond human understanding, chose to raise and sustain this powerful people—perhaps for the correction of others, and as a reminder of the faults and divisions among Christian nations.