"Power always thinks... that it is doing God's service when it is violating all his laws"

In this quote, John Adams is highlighting the hazardous frame of mind of those in positions of power. He suggests that power often ends up being so taken in with its own authority that it believes it is above the laws and morals that govern society. This leads to a distorted understanding of right and wrong, where those in power justify their actions as serving a greater purpose, even if it means disregarding the very laws and concepts they are suggested to support. Adams warns against this unsafe belief, reminding us that real power should always be assisted by the laws and values that safeguard and serve the higher good.