Glenn Beck tweeted a link to this online book that offers the opinion of the colonial pastors: They Preached Liberty.
All men are naturally in a state of freedom, and have an equal claim to liberty. No one by nature, nor by any special grant from the great Lord of all. has any authority over another. All right, therefore, in any to rule over others, must originate from those they rule over, and be granted by them.
John Tucker / Newbury, MA / 1771
If you would like the book in print, here are some options.
