To say that subjects in general are not proper judges (of the law) when their governors oppress them and play the tyrant, and when they defend their rights ...is as great a treason as ever a man uttered.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that subjects cannot justly judge the law when oppressed by tyrannical governors, equating such judgment to treason.
Jonathan Mayhew's quote reflects the idea that when authority figures, like governors, act oppressively, the subjects they govern are not in a position to impartially judge the laws that bind them. In effect, it highlights a moral and philosophical dilemma regarding justice, authority, and the condition under which laws are applied, asserting that it is treasonous to expect rational judgment from those who are being wronged.
In practice
In a speech about civil rights, one might invoke this quote to highlight the injustice faced by oppressed groups.
Not to discontinue our allegiance, in this case, would be to join with the sovereign in promoting the slavery and misery of that society, the welfare of which, we ourselves, as well as our sovereign, are indispensably obliged to secure and promote, as far as in us lies.
There would not be a perfect likeness of God in the universe if all things were of one grade of being.
It is impossible to read the daily press without being diverted from reality. You are full of enthusiasm for the eternal verities - life is worth living, and then out of sinful curiosity you open a newspaper. You are disillusioned and wrecked.
Inner resistance to whatever arises in the present moment pulls you back into unconsciousness. Inner resistance is some form of negativity, complaining, fear, aggression, or anger. This is important because whenever you complain about what somebody else does you're already beginning to fall into that trap of unconsciousness.
One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.
Baseball is like church. Many attend few understand.
Children, old crones, peasants, and dogs ramble; cats and philosophers stick to their point.
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