But let us remember, at the same time, government is sacred, and not to be trifled with.
Jonathan MayhewIt would be stupid tameness, and unaccountable folly, for whole nations to suffer one unreasonable, ambitious and cruel man, to wanton and riot in their misery
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 MayhewTyranny 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.
Jonathan Mayhew