Lessons of 2026
Lesson No. Seventeen

Remembering John and Abigail Adams

Note to readers. On July 4, 2026 we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As part of that celebration I will, from time to time write Lessons about the doctrines, principles, and personalities involved in the founding of our nation.

Honest and wise men and women should be elected as President and to Congress. In order to maintain the Constitution of the United States which the Lord established by the hands of wise men He raised up for that very purpose (see D&C 101:80) the Lord told Joseph Smith that “honest and wise men should be sought for diligently” (D&C 98:10).

It is remarkable that 33 years earlier, on November 2, 1800, John Adams sent a letter to his wife Abigail from the new President's House in Washington, D.C., (now known as the White House) where he has just become the first resident president. John wrote: ”I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof.” It is certain that Abigail agreed with what John wrote.

In a landmark sermon President Ezra Taft Benson further elaborated about the need for honest and wise men and women to represent us in the government established by our Constitution. “Note the qualities that the Lord demands in those who are to represent us. They must be good, wise, and honest. Some leaders may be honest and good but unwise in legislation they choose to support. Others may possess wisdom but be dishonest and unvirtuous. We must be concerted in our desires and efforts to see men and women represent us who possess all three of these qualities” (Ezra Taft Benson, The Constitution – A Heavenly Banner, p. 30).

As required by the Lord, John and Abigail Adams were good, wise, and honest public servants. John was one of the prominent Founders of our nation, and its second President and its first Vice President. Abigail never held public office, but she was John’s equal in every way. She was a moderating influence. John had a falling out with Thomas Jefferson, but Jefferson still admired Abigail. Everything that John accomplished happened because he was married to Abigail. Whatever good said of John applies to Abigail. They were wonderful companions, friends, and partners. They completed each other. Truly, “their hearts [were] knit together in unity and love one towards another" (Mosiah 18:21).

John's marriage to Abigail was the most important decision of his life. John never doubted that he was married to one of the most extraordinary women of his time.

John and Abigail were good and wise parents who loved their children - As parents their children brought them great happiness and some pain. Their son John Quincy Adams became our sixth President. Their son Charles' behavior was often irresponsible. In all cases they loved and cared for their children.

John revered his forefathers and composed an inscription to be carved on the tomb of Henry Adams, who in 1638 was the first Adams to arrive in Massachusetts. On the tomb he wrote of "the piety, humility, simplicity, prudence, frugality, industry and perseverance of his ancestors in hopes of recommending an affirmation of their virtues to their posterity."

John and Abigail trusted in the Lord and loved his work - This is evident in many of the thousands of letters they wrote to each other during John's long absences on government assignments. John wrote the creed for his life in one sentence: "He who loves the Workman and his work, and does what he can to preserve and improve it, shall be accepted of Him."

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson reconciled in their later years, and they wrote many letters to each other. In a letter to Thomas Jefferson shortly after Abigail died John wrote of his belief that he and Abigail would be united in the next life. "I believe in God and in his wisdom and benevolence, and I cannot conceive that such a Being could make such a species as the human merely to live and die on this earth. If I did not believe in a future state, I should believe in no God.” Because of the gospel and the blessings of the temple John and Abigail's marriage is now eternal.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826 which was the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. I believe, as John Quincy Adams wrote, that it was a “visible and palpable manifestation of Divine Favor.”

John and Abigail loved freedom and served their country - John was a Founder and second President. Abigail's contribution was equally important because of the influence she had on him and her family. Her obituary said it well. “Possessing at every period of life, the unlimited confidence, as well as affection of her husband, she was admitted at all times to share largely of his thoughts….she was a friend whom it was his delight to consult in every perplexity of public affairs; and whose counsels never failed to partake of that happy harmony that prevailed in her character; in which intuitive judgment was blended with consummate prudence; the spirit of conciliation, with the spirit of her station, and the refinement of her sex. In the storm, as well as the smooth sea of life, her virtues were ever the object of his trust and veneration.”

Testimony – Captain Moroni wrote on the title of liberty “In memory of our God, our religion and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children” (Alma 46:12). John and Abigail’s lives remind us of these things and set an example of true patriotism. If we love the Lord and the freedom He has given us, then with strong marriages and families our lives can also reflect these values. This is true patriotism.

Released on May 5th. 2026.