Question

reverend jonathan mayhew, 1750
“it is blasphemy to call tyrants and oppressors, gods ministers... no rulers are properly gods ministers, but such as are just, ruling in the fear of god. 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 and welfare, they immediately cease to be the ordinance and ministers of god; and no more deserve that glorious character than common pirates and highwaymen... for a nation thus abused to arise unanimously, and to resist their prince, even to the dethroning him, is not criminal; but a reasonable way of vindicating their liberties and just rights.”
matthew joscelyn a.m., d.d. and royster, paul, editor & depositor. “a discourse concerning unlimited submission and non - resistance to the higher powers. with some reflections on the resistance made to king charles i. and on the anniversary of his death in which the mysterious doctrine of that princes saintship and martyrdom is unfolded (1750). an online electronic text edition” (1750). electronic texts in american studies, paper 44.
elimination tool
select one answer
a thomas jefferson, author of the declaration of independence
b thomas paine, author of common sense
c john locke, author of the second treatise on government
d jonathan edwards, author of sinners in the hands of an angry god

Explanation:

The quote is from Reverend Jonathan Mayhew in 1750. Among the options, Thomas Jefferson is known for the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Paine for Common Sense, John Locke for Second Treatise on Government, and Jonathan Edwards for "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God". Since the quote is by Jonathan Mayhew, none of the options directly match the author of this specific text. But if we assume it's asking about who is most related in the context of early - American political and religious thought, and considering the time period and themes, none of these are the exact author of this text. However, if we go by the closest in terms of the era and similar ideological discussions, none of the options are correct as they are not Jonathan Mayhew. But if we must choose based on the options and the nature of the content related to rights and resistance, Thomas Paine is known for his radical ideas on resistance against oppression which has some parallels in the themes presented in the quote.

Answer:

B. Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense