The Constitutional Convention was in a deadlock over how large and small states could be represented equally.
Some delegates left.
Then, on JUNE 28, 1787, 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin spoke and shortly after, the U.S. Constitution became a reality.
Franklin stated:
"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...
In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain,
when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for
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...
And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?"
Franklin concluded:
"We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that 'except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it.'...
I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed...no better than the Builders of Babel."
Ben Franklin gave another address at the Constitutional Convention, 1787, titled Dangers of a Salaried Bureaucracy:
"Sir,
there are two passions which have a powerful influence in the affairs
of men...ambition and avarice-the love of power and the love of money...
When united...they have...the most violent effects.
Place
before the eyes of such men a post of honor, that shall, at the same
time, be a place of profit, and they will move heaven and earth to
obtain it...
What kind are the men that will strive for this profitable preeminence,
through all the bustle of cabal, the heat of contention, the infinite
mutual abuse of parties, tearing to pieces the best of characters?
It will not be the wise and moderate, the lovers of peace and good order, the men fittest for the trust.
It will be the bold and the violent, the men of strong passions and indefatigable activity in their selfish pursuits.
These will thrust themselves into your government and be your rulers..."
Franklin explained further:
"There will always be a party for giving more to the rulers, that the rulers may be able, in return, to give more to them.
All
history informs us, there has been...a kind of warfare between the
governing and the governed; the one striving to obtain more for its
support, and the other to pay less...
Generally,
indeed, the ruling power carries...and we see the revenues of princes
constantly increasing, and we see that they are never satisfied, but
always in want of more.
The more the people
are discontented with the oppression of taxes, the greater need the
prince has of money to distribute among his partisans, and pay the
troops that are to suppress all resistance, and enable him to plunder at
pleasure.
There is scarce a king in a
hundred who would not, if he could, follow the example of Pharaoh-get
first all the people's money, then all their lands, and then make them
and their children servants for ever.
It will be
said that we do not propose to establish kings...But there is a natural
inclination in mankind to kingly government...
They
would rather have one tyrant than five hundred. It gives more of the
appearance of equality among citizens; and that they like.
I
am apprehensive, therefore-perhaps too apprehensive-that the government
of the States may, in future times, end in a monarchy...and a king will
the sooner be set over us."
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