The small progress we have made after four of five weeks close attendance and continual reasonings with each other- our different sentiments on almost every question . . . producing almost as many noes as ayes, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the human understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those republics which, having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution, now no longer exist. And we have viewed modern states all round Europe, but find none of their constitutions suitable to our circumstances.
In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hirtherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings?
[Franklin here reminded the Convention how at the beginning of the war with England, the Continental Congress had had prayers for divine protection - and in this very room.]
Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind of providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten this powerful friend? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing profs I see of this truth - that God governs in the affairs of men.
This resonated with me. It is a beautiful, eloquent speech and one just as relevant today as when it was spoken 220 years ago.
2 comments:
Ben Franklin also said that he thought the turkey should be the national bird because of the extreme intelligence possessed by the bird. That is how the turkey became the official mascot of the Virginia Tech Hokies. Gobble Gobble!!
Is it that they were directly influenced by Franklin or did they independently reach the same conclusion about turkeys? Just curious.
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