John Adams Believed Religion Only Meant Christianity, Says His First Cousin

Unless specifically enumerated, as I have been saying, religion meant only Christianity. I found Adams' first cousin Zabdiel, quoting the exact quote John wrote to him. How classic! He used another man's quote from a letter to himself. Here is John Adams in 1776.

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.

--Letter to Zabdiel Adams (1776-06-21)

Now, here is Zabdiel Adams in 1782 in front of Governor Hancock:

Statesmen may plan and Speculate for liberty, but it is religion' and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can surely stand.

A SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE EXCELLENCY JOHN HANCOCK, Esq; GOVERNOUR
HIS HONOR THOMAS CUSHING, Esq, LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR; THE HONORABLE THE COUNCIL, AND THE HONORABLE THE SENATE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Of THE
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, MAY 29, 1782, p. 43. Being the Day of General Elect:ion By ZABDIEL ADAMS, A. M. PASTOR OF THE CHURCH IN LUNENBURG.