FAITH OF THE FOUNDERS: Benjamin Franklin on the Constitutional Convention
(THIRTY SECOND READ) — “I am not to be understood to infer that our General Convention was divinely inspired when it formed the federal Constitution, yet I must own that I have so much faith in the general government of the world by Providence, that I can hardly conceive a transaction of such importance to the welfare of millions now in existence and to exist in the posterity of a great nation, should be suffered to pass without being in some degree influenced, guided and governed by that omnipotent and beneficent Ruler in whom all inferior spirits live, and move and have their being.” — Benjamin Franklin, in an April 8, 1788, letter to the editor of the Federal Gazette. From pps 303-304, Benjamin Morris
Quotes reprinted in HillFaith’s “The Faith of The Founders” posts are compiled from Benjamin F. Morris’ classic work, “The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States.” Morris, an historian and pastor, published the first edition more than a century ago.
Quotations are also compiled from Mark Strand, author of the Daily Inspirations email he shares on request here and that HillFaith highly recommends to Hill aides.
Mark was for 16 years President of the Congressional Institute, and he is a former fellow of the Harvard Institute of Politics. He was also a 24-year veteran congressional staffer, including four years as Chief of Staff to Sen. James Talent (R-Missouri).