Not a nation of outlaws, a nation that depended on people to practice self restrsint and volintarily obey the laws. When 98% of the country was Christian, and very devout compared to today’s standarss, it worked better. As more and more folks ignored the law and their consciences,we’ve needed more and more laws and police and courts because if people won’t control themselves, government has to. And the country becomes less free.
That's not open to debate or discussion. The signers of that document knew that in one sense they were outlaws, and would be hung for treason if caught. Similarly, any of the colonists who supported, endorsed or agreed with the sentiments of the Declaration would have been viewed by their fellow British subjects as "outlaws" as long as they remained British subjects.