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During the drafting debates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, an apparent impasse was reached when the deliberations of men could not seem to agree on the direction of some language. Benjamin Franklin rose to his feet and called upon the chair to take a time out from the human discourse to seek God's wisdom. It is appropriate to look back at this event as we look forward to chart the course and destination of our great nation. We hope that you are inspired by his words, as we are.
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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 hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights, to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the divine protection. 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 Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance? I have lived, sir, a longtime' and, the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, - that God governs the affairs of men. And, if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings that "except the Lord build the house they labor in vain that built it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel. We shall be divided by our little partial local interests, our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and byword to future ages. And, what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance despair of establishing governments by human wisdom, and leave it to chance, war and conquest.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin
Constitutional Convention
June, 1787
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