A Quote from Adams

"Let the pulpit resound with the doctrine and sentiments of religious liberty. Let us hear of the dignity of man's nature, and the noble rank he holds among the works of God... Let it be known that British liberties are not the grants of princes and parliaments."

-- John Adams

(Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law, 1765)
Reference: The Most Nearly Perfect Solution, Guinness, 3-26;and John Adams and the Spirit of Liberty, Thompson, 54.

I like this quote as it reveals the Founders' beliefs that man does indeed have a special place in the universe and that there is a God, and their understanding that our liberties come from Him. Because our liberties come from God and not from mere earthly rulers, mere mortal leaders don't have the right to take them away.