John Adams: Religion Ensures Freedom

The Library of Congress has a vast repository of words by our Founding Fathers. They can be instructive. Here is a passage from John Adams that gives insight into some of his beliefs.

Letters of Delegates to Congress: Volume 4 May 16, 1776 - August 15, 1776
John Adams to Zabdiel Adams

"Statesmen my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for Liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand.... The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a greater Measure, than they have it now, They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty. They will only exchange Tyrants and Tyrannies. You cannot therefore be more pleasantly, or usefully employed than in the Way of your Profession, pulling down the Strong Holds of Satan. This is not Cant, but the real sentiment of my Heart..."

LB (MHi). Adams, Family Correspondence (Butterfield), 2:20-21