Dear Editor,

In Samuel Eliot Morison’s The Oxford History of the American People (Oxford University Press, 1965), pp. 307-308, Dr. Franklin addressed the following to George Washington, the President of the Constitutional Convention:

“The small progress we have made after four or five weeks . . . is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of Human Understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own Want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. …

“In this situation . . . groping as it were in the dark to find political truth . . . how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understanding? …

“I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in 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?”

Given the nature of God, Franklin’s words were heard and constitute the need that forms the very essence of prayer consistent with the religious substance in the Declaration of Independence resulting in the structure of the Constitution–Separation of Powers, Checks & Balances, & Amendments–that secured the “Inalienable Rights.”

This accords with God’s “Paradigm & Crucible of Freedom & Uniqueness.” Frankly, at our nation’s founding “the appeal to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions” in the Declaration of Independence is a prayer. The document is clearly anti-Deist despite Dr. Joseph J. Ellis’ persistent portrayal that it was Deistic.

These two documents combined with Free Enterprise serve as pillars of American Exceptionalism consistent with Jesus Christ’s prophecy in Mt 21:42-43, RSV, “Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures: The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.'”

Franklin’s words recognize God’s authority as the source of needed help consistent with Js 1:5-8:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord.”

Franklin’s earnest humility and faith are profoundly evident, and again, given God’s nature, did not go unnoticed.

Morison relates that Franklin’s speech was a motion that each session be opened with prayer, but lost “… not because the delegates disbelieved in prayer, but because they had no money to pay a chaplain.

The states which elected them provided neither salary nor expense account.” — Ibid

What a silly rationale–“Prayers not offered due to a lack of money”–that is simply not in accord with the reality that defines a relationship with God.-Heb 5:7-9, Lk 22:42-44, 23:34, Mt 27:45-46, Jn 19:30, Lk 23:46, Acts 17:22-31

William M. Yavelak

Belmont