John Adams, the 2nd U.S President and Thomas Jefferson, the 3th U.S President
were on opposite sides of several major political issues, and many times engaged
in heated debates. So strong were John Adams feelings against Jefferson
that Adams even left Washington, D.C., to avoid being at Jefferson's Inauguration.
Later in life, though, the two became the best of friends.
Their correspondence reveals,not only their faith, but also their friendship.
In a letter to Thomas Jefferson, December 25, 1813, John Adams wrote:
I have examined all religions, as well as my narrow sphere, my straightened
means,and my busy life, would allow; and the results is that the Bible is the best Book
in the world. It contains more philosophy than all the libraries I have seen.
Once hardened political opponents, John Adams' last words were:
Thank God, Jefferson lives!
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the same day, July 4, 1826,
exactly 50 years after they both had signed the Declaration of Independence.
Reference: America's God & Country Encyclopedia of Quotations, By William J. Federer,Pages 13-15.