The king is as much bound by his oath not to infringe the legal rights of the people, as the people are bound to yield subjection to him. From whence it follows that as soon as the prince sets himself above the law, he loses the king in the tyrant. He does, to all intents and purposes, un-king himself.
Jonathan MayhewFor 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.
Jonathan MayhewPeople 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.
Jonathan MayhewThey are more properly โThe Messengers of Satan to buffet us.โ No rulers are properly Godโs ministers, but such as are โjust, ruling in the fear of God.โ When once magistrates act contrary to their office, and the end of their institution when they rob and ruin the public, instead of being guardians of its peace โฆ they immediately cease to be the ordinance and ministers of God, and no more deserve that glorious character than common pirates and highwaymen.
Jonathan Mayhew