Meaning: The quote you've provided is from a sermon titled "A Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to the Higher Powers," which was delivered by Jonathan Mayhew, a prominent clergyman in the American colonies, in 1750. In this sermon, Mayhew challenges the idea of absolute obedience to rulers and questions the legitimacy of political authority that goes against the public good and the purpose of their office.

Mayhew's argument is a significant contribution to the discourse on political authority and resistance to unjust rule. In this quote, he is addressing the Apostle Paul's injunction in the New Testament book of Romans, chapter 13, which has been traditionally interpreted to endorse the absolute submission of Christians to governing authorities. Mayhew, however, challenges this interpretation by asserting that the apostle's argument does not support blind obedience to rulers who act against the public good and the purpose of their office.

Mayhew's sermon was delivered during a time of growing discontent with British colonial rule in America, and it had a profound impact on the political thought of the era. His words laid the groundwork for the ideas of resistance and revolution that would eventually culminate in the American Revolutionary War.

The central theme of Mayhew's sermon is the duty of citizens to resist and oppose rulers who abuse their power and act contrary to the common good. He argues that the apostle's teachings in Romans 13 do not justify unconditional submission to unjust rulers, but rather support the idea of resistance to tyranny and the defense of liberty. Mayhew's interpretation of the biblical passage reflects his belief in the fundamental rights of individuals and the accountability of rulers to the people they govern.

Mayhew's sermon was a bold and controversial challenge to the prevailing political and religious orthodoxies of his time. It was an early expression of the principles that would later inspire the American Revolution and the formation of a new nation based on the ideals of liberty, democracy, and the consent of the governed.

In conclusion, Jonathan Mayhew's quote challenges the traditional interpretation of biblical teachings on obedience to rulers and asserts the right and duty of individuals to resist unjust authority. His sermon played a significant role in shaping the political thought of the American colonies and contributed to the intellectual foundations of the American Revolution. Mayhew's ideas continue to resonate in discussions about the nature of political authority, the rights of individuals, and the responsibilities of rulers in modern society.