The general Principles, on which the Fathers Atchieved Independence, were the only Principles in which that beautiful Assembly of young Gentlemen could Unite,
and these Principles only could be intended by them in their Address, or by me in my Answer.
And what were these general Principles?
I answer, the general Principles of Christianity, in which all those Sects were united: And the general Prin...ciples of English and American Liberty,
in which all those young Men United, and which had United all Parties in America, in Majorities sufficient to assert and maintain her Independence.
Now I will avow, that I then believed, and now believe, that those general Principles of Christianity, are as eternal and immutable, as the Existence and Attributes of God;
and that those Principles of Liberty, are as unalterable as human Nature and our terrestrial, mundane System.
John Adams, Letter to Thomas Jefferson, 28 June 1813
