Meaning: The quote "For which reason I would exhort you to pay all due Regard to the government over us; to the KING and all in authority; and to lead a quiet and peaceable life" comes from a sermon by Jonathan Mayhew, a prominent clergyman and political thinker from colonial America. Mayhew was known for his advocacy of religious and political freedom, and his ideas played a significant role in shaping the American Revolution and the formation of the United States.

In this quote, Mayhew is emphasizing the importance of respecting and obeying the government and authority figures. He encourages his audience to lead a peaceful and orderly life, highlighting the value of social harmony and stability. The quote reflects Mayhew's belief in the need for a well-ordered society and the obligation of citizens to recognize and submit to legitimate authority.

Jonathan Mayhew was a leading figure in the religious and political landscape of colonial America. Born in 1720, he served as the pastor of the West Church in Boston and became known for his outspoken sermons on political and religious matters. Mayhew was a proponent of the "Old Whig" ideology, which emphasized the principles of liberty, resistance to tyranny, and the rights of English subjects.

Mayhew's sermon, from which the quote is taken, was titled "Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to the Higher Powers." In this sermon, delivered in 1750, Mayhew addressed the issue of the proper relationship between the government and its subjects. He argued that while obedience to authority is important, it is not absolute and should be based on the principles of justice and the common good.

The quote reflects Mayhew's nuanced approach to the concept of obedience to authority. While he advocates for respect and regard for the government and those in authority, he does not endorse blind submission or absolute power. Instead, he calls for a balanced and principled approach to governance, one that recognizes the rights and responsibilities of both rulers and subjects.

Mayhew's ideas had a significant impact on the political thought of the time, particularly in the lead-up to the American Revolution. His writings and sermons, including the one from which the quote is taken, were widely circulated and influenced the thinking of many colonists. Mayhew's emphasis on the principles of liberty, justice, and the proper limits of authority resonated with those who sought to challenge British rule and establish a new form of government based on democratic ideals.

In conclusion, the quote by Jonathan Mayhew reflects his emphasis on the importance of respecting and obeying the government and authority figures while also advocating for a principled and balanced approach to governance. Mayhew's ideas played a significant role in shaping the political thought of colonial America and contributed to the intellectual foundations of the American Revolution. His call for leading a quiet and peaceable life within the context of acknowledging legitimate authority reflects his belief in the importance of social order and the rights and responsibilities of both rulers and subjects.