Jonathan Mayhew
Jonathan Mayhew
Jonathan Mayhewwas a noted American minister at Old West Church, Boston, Massachusetts. He coined the phrase "No taxation without representation."...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionClergyman
Date of Birth8 October 1720
CountryUnited States of America
government law liberty
It is our happiness to live under the government of a PRINCE who is satisfied with ruling according to law; as every other good prince will - We enjoy under his administration all the liberty that is proper and expedient for us
men liberty strikes
There are men who strike at liberty under the term licentiousness
liberty use cloaks
Let us prize our freedom; but not use our liberty for a cloak of maliciousness
people liberty bears
People are not usually deprived of their liberties all at once, but gradually, by one encroachment after another, as it is found they are disposed to bear them.
authority god mischief rulers
Rulers have no authority from God to do mischief
appear government ought passive submissive tame
It does not appear but that mankind, in general, have a disposition to be as submissive and passive and tame under government as they ought to be.
apostle enters higher ordained power powers subject thus unto
The apostle enters upon his subject thus - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers; for there is no power but of God: the powers that be, are ordained of God.
according bad either none principles serve wickedness
According to this way of arguing, there will be no true principles in the world; for there are none but what may be wrested and perverted to serve bad purposes, either through the weakness or wickedness of men.
It becomes us, therefore, to be contented, and dutiful subjects.
act design direct duty far people proves proving public rulers submit
I now add, farther, that the apostle's argument is so far from proving it to be the duty of people to obey, and submit to, such rulers as act in contradiction to the public good, and so to the design of their office, that it proves the direct contrary.
danger dangerous extremes
Extremes are dangerous.
art strong ignorance
Tyranny brings ignorance and brutality with it. It degrades men from their just rank into the class of brutes; it damps their spirits; it suppresses art; it extinguishes every spark of noble ardor and generosity in the breasts of those who are enslaved by it; it makes naturally strong and great minds feeble and little, and triumphs over the ruins of virtue and humanity.
government sacred remember
But let us remember, at the same time, government is sacred, and not to be trifled with.
office people design
I now add, farther, that the apostles argument is so far from proving it to be the duty of people to obey, and submit to, such rulers as act in contradiction to the public good, and so to the design of their office, that it proves the direct contrary.