I now add, farther, that the apostle's argument is so far from proving it to be the duty of people to obey, and submit to, such rulers as act in contradiction to the public good, and so to the design of their office, that it proves the direct contrary.

In the quote, "I now add, farther, that the apostle's argument is so far from proving it to be the duty of people to obey, and submit to, such rulers as act in contradiction to the public good, and so to the design of their office, that it proves the direct contrary," Jonathan Mayhew, a colonial clergyman and political thinker, is commenting on the moral and ethical duty of citizens to challenge unjust rulers. He is referring to a biblical argument (likely from Romans 13), which has often been used to justify submission to government authorities. Mayhew argues that this argument does not support blind obedience, especially when rulers act against the public good.

Mayhew’s point is that rulers are appointed to serve the public good and fulfill the design of their office, which involves upholding justice, peace, and well-being. When rulers act in a way that contradicts these aims, they betray the very purpose of their authority. Therefore, Mayhew contends, the apostle's argument does not demand submission to corrupt or unjust rulers, but rather, it suggests that people are justified in resisting or even rejecting rulers who fail to fulfill their duties.

The moral and political implications of Mayhew’s statement were significant during his time. As a leading figure in the intellectual movement that contributed to the American Revolution, he was challenging the prevailing view of absolute obedience to monarchs or any form of tyranny. He is asserting that authority must be aligned with the common good, and if rulers fail in this regard, it is not only the right but the duty of the people to resist them.

Mayhew's quote reflects his belief in moral authority and the idea that legitimate power is derived from serving the public interest. It played a role in the growing sentiment of individual rights and revolutionary thought that would culminate in the American Revolution. The quote reinforces the notion that governments must be held accountable and that the people have the right to challenge authority when it acts in violation of their well-being.