"Common tyrants, and public oppressors, are not intitled to obedience from their subjects, by virtue of any thing here laid down by the inspired apostle"

Jonathan Mayhew's quote challenges the concept that rulers who oppress or act as tyrants are owed obedience by their subjects based upon scriptural mentors or spiritual teaching. Mayhew, a minister and political thinker in the 18th century, was an ardent supporter for civil liberties and frequently preached about the restrictions of authority, particularly in the context of unjust rule.

In this quote, Mayhew asserts that dictatorial leaders and oppressors are not justified in requiring obedience through any spiritual required. When he refers to "the inspired apostle", he is most likely referencing the Apostle Paul, especially his works in the New Testament that talk about obedience to governing authorities, such as in Romans 13:1 -2. These verses often mention that Christians must send to governmental power because it is ordained by God. Nevertheless, Mayhew interprets these scriptures differently, suggesting that such deference is not appropriate when the authority in question is unjustified or tyrannical.

Mayhew's point of view must be understood within the historic context of pre-revolutionary America. His preachings and works added to the ideological structure that would ultimately support the American Revolution. By arguing that overbearing rulers are not divinely sanctioned, Mayhew offered a theological justification for withstanding tyranny. He thought that real Christian mentor does not support blind obedience to authority but rather requires discernment-- differentiating simply rulers from unfair ones.

Mayhew's interpretation stresses the obligation of people to oppose unjust governance. This reflects an enlightenment-inspired shift towards valuing specific judgment and moral firm over subservience to authority exclusively based upon custom or spiritual command. His views assisted form the innovative discourse by combining spiritual argumentation with the growing perfects of liberty and justice, reinforcing the notion that divine authority supports the just, not the overbearing.