Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1845-05-09

RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS OF FRANKLIN. On
a day Of great anxiety, perplexity, and di.
vision Of sentiment, in the convention that
framed the Consultation Of the In ted
States, the venerable Dr.. Franklin rose and
made the following speech; VIII ch, as indi-
eating the true source Of political wisdom,
ought to be in the memoryand heart Of ev-
| cry American citizen.--1eiegrGph
"MR. PRESIDENT The small progress we
have made, after four Or five weeks close
attendance and continued reasonngs with
each other Our different sentiments on al
most every question, several Of the last pro-
duCing as many noes as cyPS-is, mpthinks,
a melancholy proof Of the imperiectoHo Of
the human understanding. We indeed
seem to feel our want Of political wisdom,
since wehavc been running ahout in search
Of it, We have gone back to ancient his
tory for models Of government, and exam
ned the different forms Of those republics
which, having been originally formed with
the seedsCf their own dissolution, now no
longer exist, and we have viewed modern
States alIrouud Europe, hut find none of
their constitutions suitable to our circum-
stances. In the 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 hap
brS ed, sir, that we have not hitherto once
thought Of humbly applying to the Father
Of Lights to illuminate ourunderstandings!
In the beginning of the contest with Brit
ain, when we were sensible Of danger, we
had daily prayers in this room for the di-
vine protection. Our prayers, sir were
heGid--and they were grRciousy answer
ed. All Of us who were engaged in the
struggle, must have observed frequent in
stances of a experimenting Providence in
our favor. To that kind Providence we
owe this happy opportunity Of consulting
in peace, on the means Of establishf & gonl
future national felicity. And have we now
forgotten that powerful Friend! Or DO we
imagine we no longer need his assistance!
have lived, sir, a long lime; and the lon
ger live, the more convincing proofs see
Of this truth--that Con g0Uerns in the qE
faUsQ Qfmen. And if a sparrow cannot fat
to the ground without his notice, is It pro-
boble that an empire can rise without hi;
aid! We have been assured, sir, in the sa'
cred writings, that except the Lord budC
the house, they labor in vain that build it..
firmly believe this; and also believe, tina
without concuring aid, we shall succeed
in this political building no better than the
builders of Babel: swe shall be divided by
pur little, partial, local interests; our pro
ects will be conlounded; and we ourselves
shall! becomea reproaCh and by-worC
down to future ages. And what is worse
= mankind may hereafter, from this unfortu
= nate instance, despair of establishing gov
ernment by human wisdom, and leave
! 70 chance, war, and conquest.
= 81 therefore beg leave to move, that hence
;, forth prayers, imploring the assistance (
e Heaven, and its blessings on our deliber'
4 ,tions be held in this assembly every morr
ingouetore waproceed to business; and tht
0 one or more of the clergy Of this city be r,
s quested to oflieGte in that service"