Jonathan Mayhew
Jonathan Mayhew (1720-1766) was a prominent minister and theologian from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, whose ideas significantly influenced the religious landscape of colonial America. He graduated from Harvard University in 1744 and later obtained his D.D. degree from the University of Aberdeen in 1749. Mayhew is noted for his progressive, libertarian views that challenged traditional religious doctrines, particularly Calvinism and the Trinity, positioning him as a precursor to Unitarianism, though his church was never officially aligned with that faith.
His literary career began with the publication of "Seven Sermons" in 1749, which questioned the authority of established religious institutions and marked him as a religious dissenter. Another important work, "A Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to the Higher Powers," critiqued the notion of divine right and the practices of Anglicanism. Despite facing backlash and being labeled a heretic, Mayhew's sermons resonated with many and inspired support for the American independence movement, particularly in his spirited opposition to the Stamp Tax. He is remembered as a pivotal figure in the early discussions of liberty and rational religion in America. Mayhew's legacy endures as a symbol of religious and political dissent in the quest for freedom.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Jonathan Mayhew
Clergyman
- Born: October 8, 1720
- Birthplace: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
- Died: July 9, 1766
- Place of death: Boston, Massachusetts
Biography
Jonathan Mayhew was born on October 8, 1720, in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. He attended Harvard University and while there read several books written by contemporary philosophers, theologians, and scientists. These included such people as Robert Boyle, Samuel Clarke, Samuel Parker, John Ray, William Wollaston, and John Woodward. Their influence can be seen in Mayhew’s later work, which consistently carries a libertarian view. Mayhew completed his undergraduate work in 1744, and he then received a grant from the Saltonstall Foundation to obtain his M.A. degree and to pursue a career in the ministry. He attended Harvard for an additional three years and then attended the University of Aberdeen, where he earned his D.D. degree in 1749.
After being rejected by a congregation in Worcester, Massachusetts, Mayhew accepted ordination as a minister at the West Church in Boston. Mayhew’s beliefs virtually made his church the first Unitarian church in New England, even though it was never officially affiliated with that religion. His sermons inspired many to support activities aimed at gaining liberty and independence for the American colonies.
Mayhew is best known for his “new” style of preaching. He violently opposed several of the principles held by many of his peers, including the five points of Calvinism, the doctrine of irresistible grace, and the doctrine of the Trinity. Mayhew favored a more rational from of religion.
Mayhew’s literary career began with the publication of Seven Sermons in 1749. It is a collection of sermons about religion, challenging the authority of the established ministry. The book helped establish his reputation as a religious rebel. He published another collection of sermons, A Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to the Higher Powers, in which he criticized the Anglican practice of observing the day of King Charles I’s death in order to reinforce the idea of the divine right of kings.
Neither of Mayhew’s publications were popular with established religious leaders, but they were popular with some readers. While most people denounced him as a heretic and hubristic, some shared his views and encouraged him to publish his works in Europe. However, Mayhew later became a hero in Boston for his detailed and energetic attack on the Stamp Tax. His thoughts drew support from people throughout the fledgling United States. Mayhew died on July 6, 1766.