“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

“The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive.”

Thomas Jefferson, to Abigail Smith Adams, February 22, 1787

“Wear none of thine own chains; but keep free, whilst thou art free.”

William Penn, "Some Fruits of Solitude", 1693

“You will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve YOUR freedom. I hope you will make a good use of it.”

John Adams

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

Patrick Henry

“The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive.”

Thomas Jefferson, to Abigail Smith Adams, February 22, 1787

The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for among old parchments or musty records. They are written, as with a sunbeam, in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of the divinity itself, and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power.”

Alexander Hamilton, "The Farmer Refuted", February 5, 1775