"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." | by: | John Adams (1735-1826) Founding Father, 2nd US President |
Source: | letter to Zabdiel Adams, 21 June 1776, (Reference: Our Sacred Honor, Bennett (371)) |
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