Meaning: In this quote, Jonathan Mayhew, a prominent clergyman and political theorist from the 18th century, addresses the issue of obedience to tyrannical rulers. Mayhew was known for his strong advocacy of individual rights and liberties, and his writings significantly influenced the American Revolution. The quote reflects his belief that unjust and oppressive rulers do not have a legitimate claim to obedience from their subjects based on any religious or moral grounds.

Mayhew's statement can be understood in the context of the political and social climate of his time. The 18th century was a period of significant political upheaval, marked by the growing discontent with monarchical rule and the emergence of ideas about individual rights and the role of government. Mayhew's writings, including this quote, played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual foundations of the American Revolution and the subsequent establishment of the United States as a nation founded on principles of liberty and self-governance.

The phrase "Common tyrants, and public oppressors, are not intitled to obedience from their subjects" reflects Mayhew's rejection of the traditional notion of absolute obedience to authority. He asserts that oppressive rulers, or "tyrants," who abuse their power and violate the rights of the people, cannot legitimately claim obedience from their subjects. This challenges the prevailing belief in divine right and absolute authority, which had long been used to justify the rule of monarchs and other authoritarian leaders.

Mayhew's reference to "the inspired apostle" alludes to biblical teachings, suggesting that even religious authority does not grant tyrants the right to demand obedience. This illustrates Mayhew's attempt to reconcile political philosophy with religious principles, emphasizing the moral duty of individuals to resist tyrannical rule. By invoking the authority of the apostle, he appeals to the religious sensibilities of his audience, drawing attention to the moral imperative of opposing unjust governance.

The quote encapsulates Mayhew's broader argument about the nature of legitimate political authority. He contends that rulers derive their authority from the consent and support of the governed, and that obedience is contingent upon the just and equitable exercise of power. This aligns with the principles of natural law and social contract theory, which were influential in shaping Enlightenment-era political thought and the subsequent development of democratic governance.

Mayhew's emphasis on the illegitimacy of obedience to oppressive rulers resonated with the burgeoning spirit of resistance and revolution in colonial America. His writings, including sermons such as "A Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to the Higher Powers," provided intellectual ammunition for challenging British colonial rule and laying the groundwork for the American Revolution. His ideas were later echoed in the Declaration of Independence, which enshrined the right of the people to alter or abolish oppressive governments.

In conclusion, Jonathan Mayhew's quote encapsulates his principled stance against the blind obedience to tyrannical rulers and his belief in the moral duty to resist oppression. His ideas contributed to the intellectual ferment that ultimately led to the birth of the United States as a nation founded on the principles of liberty, individual rights, and accountable governance. Mayhew's legacy endures as a testament to the enduring significance of his advocacy for freedom and justice.