Spiegel

Spiegel guter Obrigkeit. Darinnen aus dem Propheten Esaia und Exempel des fromen Eliakims, einer rechtmäßigen löblichen Oberkeit wahre Eigenschaften repraesentieret und allen rechtliebenden Regenten zum Amts-Muster vorgestellet werden. In einer Predigt gehalten zur Lissa in Groß-Polen beim christlichen Leichbegengnusse und letzten Ehrdienste des weiland hoch und wolgebornen Herrn, Herren Raphaelis, Grafens von und auf Lissa, Wojewoden zu Bels, Hauptmann auf Hrubeschow und Dubin etc.etc.

The mirror of good authority. In which according to the prophet Isaiah and on the example of the divine Eliachim are given the true characteristics of regular and commendable authority, and presented to all law-loving rulers as a model in the performance of their offices. In a sermon given at Leszno in Greater Poland at the funeral and paying of last respects to that departed, noble and esteemed gentleman, Lord Raphael, Count of Leszno and Lord thereof, Voivode of Bels, Hetman of Hrubeschow and Dubin, etc. etc.

Origin of the work:
1636 Leszno

Editions:
  (1636) Leszno (year not given)

(p^LZ^ost-1911) Leszno. Printed in part by W. Bickerich in: Aus Lissas Wergangenheit..., Heft 1

Contents:

This is Comenius` homily from the funeral of Raphael Leszczyński, Lord of Leszno and a great admirer of both the Unitas Fratrum and the of Jan Amos himself.

Comenius provides a eulogy on the capability, good character and noble deeds of the deceased count. He then gives a general depiction of a good holder of authority, his responsibilities and duties, his character and manners, and his obligations towards his subjects – although the subjects also have their obligations towards authority. In the conclusion of his speech, Comenius inquires into what God intended when he provided us with good authority. It is because people often do not appreciate good authority, and because God wishes other good and suitable persons to undertake this role. Every subject should consider which of these cases is appropriate to them, and serve a good authority well.

For further study, see also:

J. V. Novák & J. Hendrich, Jan Amos Komenský, jeho život a spisy. Prague 1932, pp260-261

Jan Kumpera, Jan Amos Komenský, poutník na rozhraní věků. Prague & Ostrava 1992, pp300-301