Note A — WELCOME TO THE RANSOMED;
Reading edition
When St. Cyprian defended himself before the Roman Pro-Consul, he said, “We pray to God not only for ourselves but for all mankind, and particularly for the Emperors.”
Tertullian in his Apology is more particular: “We pray for all the Emperors, that God may grant them long life, a secure government, a prosperous family, vigorous troops, a faithful senate, an obedient people; that the whole world may be in peace; and that God may grant both to Cæsar; and to every man, the accomplishment of their just desires.”
So Origen: “We pray for kings and rulers, that with their royal authority they may be found possessing a wise and prudent mind.”
See Dr. A. Clarke on the text.