Meaning: The quote "All civil rulers, as such, are the ordinance and ministers of God; and they are all, by the nature of their office, and in their respective spheres and stations, bound to consult the public welfare" is a statement made by Jonathan Mayhew, a prominent clergyman and political writer. Mayhew was a significant figure in American history, known for his influential sermons and writings that helped shape the beliefs and values of the American colonies during the 18th century.

The quote reflects Mayhew's views on the role of civil rulers and their responsibilities to the public. In this statement, Mayhew asserts that civil rulers are appointed by God and therefore have a duty to govern in a manner that prioritizes the well-being of the people they govern. This perspective aligns with the concept of divine right, which was a prevalent belief in the 18th century that asserted the authority of rulers as being derived from a higher power.

Mayhew's assertion that civil rulers are "the ordinance and ministers of God" suggests that he believed in the divine sanction of political authority. This idea was deeply rooted in religious and political thought of the time, and it provided a framework for understanding the relationship between rulers and their subjects. According to this viewpoint, rulers were seen as acting on behalf of God and were expected to govern justly and in accordance with divine principles.

Furthermore, Mayhew emphasizes that civil rulers are obligated to "consult the public welfare" in the exercise of their power. This notion reflects the concept of the social contract, which posits that the legitimacy of governmental authority is contingent upon its commitment to promoting the common good and safeguarding the interests of the people. Mayhew's emphasis on the public welfare underscores the idea that rulers are accountable to the well-being of their subjects and are duty-bound to govern in a manner that serves the broader interests of society.

It is important to consider the historical context in which Mayhew articulated these views. The 18th century was a period of significant political and social upheaval, particularly in the American colonies, as tensions with Great Britain grew and the seeds of revolution were sown. Mayhew's writings and sermons played a crucial role in shaping the ideological foundations of the American Revolution, and his ideas about the relationship between rulers and the governed had a profound impact on the thinking of the colonists.

In addition to his theological and political influence, Mayhew's words also resonate with broader debates about the nature of political authority and the responsibilities of government. The idea that rulers are accountable to a higher moral standard and are obligated to prioritize the welfare of their subjects has been a recurring theme in political theory and philosophy throughout history.

Overall, Jonathan Mayhew's quote reflects his belief in the divine foundation of political authority and the ethical imperative for rulers to govern in the service of the public good. His ideas contributed to the intellectual and ideological currents that ultimately fueled the American Revolutionary movement and shaped the development of political thought in the United States.