Rev. Jonathan Mayhew Writings and Biography

Mayhew, Rev. Jonathan; 1720-1776; a leading New England clergyman; served West Church in Boston from 1747 to death; famous, in part, for his 1750 and 1754 Election Sermons espousing American rights--the cause of Liberty and the right and duty to resist tyranny; other famous sermons included "The Snare Broken," 1766. His sermons and writings were a powerful influence in the development of the movement for "Liberty and Independence," exemplifying in exceptional degree the leadership of the New England clergy in this connection.

Biographical data courtesy of The American Ideal of 1776: 12 Basic American Principles.