Meaning: This quote is from a sermon delivered by Jonathan Mayhew, a prominent clergyman and political activist, in 1750. It reflects Mayhew's views on the relationship between the people and their sovereign, particularly in the context of their obligation to promote the welfare of society. The quote highlights the idea that blindly following and supporting a sovereign, even when their actions lead to the oppression and misery of society, is not only detrimental to the well-being of the people but also goes against the fundamental duty of both the people and the sovereign to ensure the welfare of the society they are part of.

Mayhew was a significant figure in the period leading up to the American Revolution, and his sermons played a critical role in shaping the colonists' attitudes towards authority and governance. In this particular quote, Mayhew is addressing the moral and ethical responsibility of individuals to question and, if necessary, oppose the actions of their sovereign when those actions conflict with the well-being of society.

Mayhew's sermon, titled "A Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to the Higher Powers," was delivered in response to the growing tensions between the American colonies and the British government. In the sermon, he argued that blind obedience to a ruler, without regard to the consequences for society, was not a moral obligation. Instead, he asserted that individuals had a duty to resist and oppose oppressive actions by those in authority.

The quote emphasizes the idea that allegiance to a sovereign is not absolute and should not come at the expense of the welfare of society. Mayhew suggests that by continuing to support a sovereign whose actions promote slavery and misery, individuals would be complicit in perpetuating the suffering of their fellow citizens. He asserts that both the people and the sovereign are obligated to secure and promote the welfare of society to the best of their abilities, and that this duty should take precedence over unquestioning loyalty to the ruler.

Mayhew's sermon and the ideas expressed in this quote were influential in shaping the colonists' understanding of their rights and responsibilities in relation to the British government. His arguments laid the groundwork for the principles of resistance and revolution that would ultimately lead to the American Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.

In conclusion, Jonathan Mayhew's quote encapsulates his belief that blind allegiance to a sovereign, especially when their actions harm society, is a betrayal of the fundamental duty to promote the welfare of the community. His ideas were instrumental in shaping the colonists' attitudes towards authority and played a significant role in the lead-up to the American Revolution. The quote continues to resonate as a powerful reminder of the importance of questioning authority and standing up for the well-being of society.