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The controversy of prayer in governmentally supported institutions grow ever more heated. How did we arrive at this contretemps?

Blame it on Benjamin Franklin - that great printer, politician, diplomat, inventor and patriot.

The Constitutional Convention of 1787 had been in session for a month working out details for a new form of government the delegates described as “republican.”

By that term, the “Founding Fathers” meant a nation whose citizens had equal political power, which they delegated to a few government functions supervised by representatives elected by democratic election.

This was a unique invention that has served well the United States of America — and served as a model for many other nations.

Historically, there had been “democracies” of citizens — Greece and Rome for example. In the early stages of democracy, citizens voted directly on affairs of state.

However, these ultimately failed. Large groups of citizens, seeking personal privilege, could not agree on courses of action.

Consequently, government functions centered in a “king” who ruled by his own whim, backed up by a personal army. Greed and/or lust for greater power by the head of state led to collapse of the governing system.

The task of creating a national government of equally powered citizens that could compromise and rule was daunting. Delegates from 13 new states struggled. Tempers flared.

On June 28, Benjamin Franklin, an aged delegate from Pennsylvania, rose to this feet and requested permission to submit a new proposal. Wearily the presiding chairman, Gen. George Washington, recognized the venerable Franklin.

Franklin’s Proposal

The venerable Franklin spoke in somber tones:

“Mr. President. The small progress we have made after four or five weeks close attendance, continual reasonings with each other, and our different sentiments on almost every question — several of the last producing 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 all about in search of it.

“We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those republicks, which — having been originally 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 hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understanding.

“In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for ‘Divine Protection.’

“Our prayers, Sir, were heard and graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending Providence in our favour.

“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 we no longer need its Assistance?

I have lived, Sir, a long time. 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 fail to the ground without His notice, is it probable than an empire can not rise without his aid?

“We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that: ‘Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this.

“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 a byword down to future ages.

“What is worse, Mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human Wisdom and leave it to Chance, War and Conquest.

“I therefore beg leave to move that: “Henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven — and its blessing on our deliberations — be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the Clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service.”

Action Taken

James Madison, secretary of the convention, records the following statements and action.

“Mr. (Roger) Sherman seconded the motion.

“Mr. Hamilton and several others expressed their apprehensions, that, however proper such a resolution might have been at the beginning of the Convention, it might at this late day, in the first place, bring on it some disagreeable animadversions; and in the second, lead the public to believe that the embarrassments and dissensions within the Convention had suggested this measure.

“It was answered by Dr. Franklin, Mr. Sherman, and others, that the past omission of a duty could not justify a further omission; that the rejection of such a proposition would expose the Convention to more unpleasant animadversions than the adoption of it; and that the alarm out of doors that might be excited for the state of things within would at least be as likely to do good as ill.

“Mr. Williamson observed that the true cause of the omission could not be mistaken. The Convention had no funds.

“Mr. Edmund Jennings Randolph of Virginia proposed, in order to give a favorable aspect to the measure, that a sermon be preached at the request of the Convention on the Fourth of July, the anniversary of Independence; and thence forward prayers etc. to be read in the Convention every morning.

“Dr Franklin seconded this motion.”

“After several unsuccessful attempts for silently postponing this matter by adjourning, the adjournment was at length carried, without any vote on the motion - thereby.

Adjourn For Anniversary

In accordance with Randolph’s proposal, the Convention on Monday, July 2 adjourned until Thursday, July 5,so that “time might be given to such as choose to attend to the celebrations on the anniversary of independence.”

On the Fourth of July, many delegates attended that special service at Calvinist Church. After an oration delivered by a young law student, the Rev. William Rogers concluded with this prayer:

“We fervently recommend to thy fatherly notice our federal convention. Favor them, from day to day, with thy inspiring presence; be their wisdom and strength; enable them to devise such measures as may prove happy instruments in healing all divisions and prove the good of the great whole ..that the United States of America may form one example of a free and virtuous government. May we continue, under the influence of republican virtue to partake of all the blessings of cultivated and Christian society.”

George Washington later that day noted in his diary: “Went to hear an oration on the anniversary of independence.”
Constitution Adopted

Within three more weeks, the Congress agreed of the basic Constitution by inventing a republican government of democratically elected president and representatives having specific terms of office.

It was adopted and submitted to the 13 states for ratification.

After national debate — and the adoption of ten amendments detailing the personal rights of citizens — the Constitution was ratified by the states.

Though Franklin’s unique proposal for prayer before solemn government proceedings was not formally adopted - it was not formally dismissed.

Both houses of Congress now traditionally open each day with prayer while in session.

Lindsey Williams is a Sun columnist who can be contacted at:

LinWms@earthlink.net

LinWms@lindseywilliams.org

Website: http://www.lindseywilliams.org

Tags: America, Americana, Franklin, government, History, prayer, religion, revolution, WashingtonAmerica, Americana, Franklin, government, History, prayer, religion, revolution, Washington

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Calamity Jane was born Martha Jane Canary in 1852, Princeton, Missouri. In 1865, she moved to Montanna with her family, but by 1867 she had become an orphan. During the trip, she became a sharp shooter and good rider.

She worked as a scout with Custer when she was 18, and began the habit of wearing men’s clothing. She also gained a reputation as being a woman who could out-swear and out-spit any man. She also worked as a bullwhacker and a pony express rider.

In 1876, she settled in Deadwood, after travelling there in Charlie Utter’s wagon train. Wild Bill Hickock was also in Utter’s wagon train, and this may have been where the two met. After Wild Bill Hickock was shot, Calamity Jane claimed that the two of them had been married and that the daughter she had given up for adoption was Wild Bill’s. However, this seems unlikely as Wild Bill was recently married.

Despite dressing, swearing and spitting as a man, it seems Calamity Jane did have a tender streak (and also a very brave one). While in Deadwood, she nursed people that had smallpox. She also saved the lives of six passengers aboard a stagecoach while they were being chased by Indians. It is claimed that she got the nickname “Calamity Jane” after rescuing the life of Captain Egan while he was in a fight with Indians.

In 1885, Calamity Jane married Clinton Burke. They had a daughter in 1887. But the marriage did not last and they were formally separated in 1895.

She then became part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and attracted the attention of the public and the media. However, her drinking became a problem and eventually she was fired for drunkenness.

Before Calamity Jane’s death, she asked that she be buried next to Wild Bill Hickock. She died from complications related to pneumonia in 1903 and, as requested, was buried next to Wild Bill in Mount Moriah Cemetary, Deadwood.

Calamity still attracts the attention of the public. She has made an appearance in many books and movies. Calamity Jane, starring Doris Day, is probably one of the most famous (if the least historically accurate) of these. Calamity Jane is also a character in the HBO television show, Deadwood.

Elizabeth Palmer is the owner of History Lass (http://geocities.com/historylass), where you can find history articles, links, book and movie reviews and trivia. You can subscribe to the History Lass newsletter by sending an email to historylass-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Tags: American History, american west, calamity jane, deadwood, historical, History, wild bill hickockAmerican History, american west, calamity jane, deadwood, historical, History, wild bill hickock

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The Ben Franklin fan club will come to order, with apologies for having delayed the 293rd anniversary celebration of his birth January 17.

We gather not to honor his achievements as patriot, statesman, philosopher and scientist — but to relish his irreverent contributions as a columnist. His approach to life was often unconventional, some times scandalous, but always provocative.

Ben’s distinguished career began as a 14-year-old printer’s apprentice to his brother James, indentured by their father until the younger brother would be 21. He likely would have continued all his life as a poor, hard-working printer if it had not been for the first newspaper war in America.

The first newspaper in the colonies was the Boston News Letter. It was started by Postmaster John Campbell because he read the mail, learned the news, had it printed and distributed his papers through the postal system.

A new postmaster in 1718 started his own paper called the Boston Gazette and gave the printing of it to James Franklin. Within a year, there was another postmaster who took the printing away from James.

In anger, James started a third newspaper — The Courant — though there was not enough business for one.

Ben was impressed by the intelligence and wit of the men of letters who submitted articles for the paper. He wished to try his hand at writing but felt his brother would not print anything from his teenage brother.

Ever resourceful, Ben began writing a series of political commentaries using the pen name “Mrs. Silence DoGood, a widow.” He slipped them under the door at night. James printed them because they were perceptive and well received by readers.

When Ben was 16, James was arrested for “contempt of authorities” and jailed for a month. Ben carried on the newspaper, flooding its pages with Silence DoGood articles. With free run of the columns, Mrs. DoGood began to sound less like a refined widow and more like a brash apprentice.

* * *

Ben fell completely out of character when relating an evening walk of Mrs. DoGood: “I soon came up with a company of females who, by throwing their heads to the right and left at everyone who passed by, I concluded they came out with no other designs than to revive the spirit of love in disappointed bachelors, and expose themselves to sale by the first bidder.

“On the whole, I conclude that our night-walkers contribute very much to the health and satisfaction of those who have been fatigued with business or study and occasionally observe their pretty gestures and impertinencies.

“Shoemakers and other dealers in leather are doubly obliged to them — inasmuch as they exceedingly promote consumption of their ware. I have heard of a shoemaker who, upon being asked by a noted rambler whether he could tell how long her shoes would last, very prettily answered that he knew how many days she might wear them but not how many nights — because they were then put to a more violent and irregular service than when she employed herself in the common affairs of the house.”

* * *

For such ribald columns, the commonwealth council forbade James to publish the Courant or any other paper of like nature. James overcame this obstacle by canceling Ben’s indenture and naming him the publisher.

The Courant prospered under a less political policy, increased its circulation and raised its price. However, Ben, now 17, became vain and opinionated — lovable traits typical of columnists.

The two brothers took to quarreling, and James cuffed his younger brother around. Ben fled to New York, which then was just a village with one printer. Unable to find work there, he went on to Philadelphia.

Ben found immediate employment. He roomed at the home of John Read and courted his daughter Deborah.

Ben’s industry, love of books and engaging personality brought him to the attention of Governor William Keith who encouraged him to go to London to get a printing press and type.

Ben hustled off to England but with intention of earning enough money in the printing shops to set up a business there. He wrote Deborah that he was not coming back to her. Whereupon she married a potter.

High living in London — including goodly sums to women of easy virtue and imprudent loans to a friend — kept Ben from advancing his project.

After two years, he had accumulated barely enough money for passage back to the colonies. Nonetheless, he resolved to return and try his fortune again in Philadelphia. His London experience humbled Ben and led him to adopt a deferential attitude — other lovable traits typical of columnists. Borrowing the equivalent of $5,000, he set up a printing shop.

Deborah’s husband had deserted her soon after their marriage and fled to the Bahamas to avoid debtors’ prison. Mutual friends brought Ben and Deborah back together.

The old love was rekindled, but two complications kept them from marriage. Deborah’s husband might come back; and Ben was presented with an illegitimate son, the mother of whom he never revealed.

Quietly, Ben and Deborah set up a household without marriage — complete with Ben’s little son. The arrangement was accepted calmly by the couple’s family and friends. Very soon Deborah bore a daughter, Sarah.

In his printing shop, Franklin started a newspaper, The Gazette; published his Poor Richard’s Almanac; and managed a large volume of printing for the colony.

* * *

As Poor Richard, Ben coined hundreds of epigrams:

* “He that lieth down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.”

* “A lie stands on one leg, truth on two.”

* “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.

* “Lost time is never found again.”

* “God helps them that help themselves.”

* “Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”

* “If you’d know the value of money, go borrow some.”

* “Clean your finger before you point at my spots.”

* * *

He wrote provocative songs — such as the ode to beer busts — and sang them to friends:

The antediluvians were all very sober,

For they had no wine, and they brewed no October;

All wicked, bad livers, on mischief still thinking,

For there can’t be good living where there’s not good drinking.

Derry down.

‘Twas honest old Noah first planted the vine,

And mended his morals by drinking its wine;

And thenceforth, justly, the drinking of water decried;

For he knew that all mankind, by drinking it, died.

Derry down.”

* * *

In one of his columns, Ben wrote a spoof about the “Speech of Polly Baker.” This lady pleaded so ably for mercy upon her fifth trial for bastardy the presiding judge married her the next day — by whom she had fifteen children:

“May it please the honorable bench to indulge me in a few words. I am a poor, unhappy woman who have not money to fee lawyers to plead for me, being hard put to it to get a living.

“I take the liberty to say that I think this law, by which I am punished, is both unreasonable in itself, and particularly severe with regard to me who have always lived an inoffensive life in the neighborhood where I was born. “I can not conceive — may it please your honors — what the nature of my offense is. I have brought five, fine children into the world at the risk of my life. I have maintained them well by my own industry, without burdening the township. I would have done it better if it had not been for the heavy charges and fines I have paid.

“Can it be a crime — in the nature of things, I mean — to add to the king’s subjects, in a new country that really wants people?

“You are pleased to allow I don’t want for sense; but I must be stupefied to the last degree not to prefer the honorable state of wedlock to the condition I have to live in. I defy anyone to say I ever refused an offer.

“On the contrary, I readily consented to the only proposal of marriage that ever was made to me, which was when I was a virgin. But too easily confiding in the person’s sincerity that made it, I unhappily lost my honor by trusting to his — for he got me with child and then forsook me.

“That very person, you all know, is now become a magistrate of this country. I had hopes he would appear this day on the bench and endeavor to moderate the court in my favor.

“You have already excluded me from the comforts of your church communion. Is not that sufficient? How can it be believed that heaven is angry at my having children? “With the little done by me, God has been pleased to add his divine skill and admirable workmanship in the formation of their bodies. And He crowned the whole by furnishing them with rational and immortal souls.

“What must poor young women do, when customs and nature forbid them to solicit the men; and who cannot force themselves upon husbands. Yet, the laws take no care to provide them any, and severely punish them if they do their duty without them.

“The duty of the first and great command of nature and God is increase and multiply — a duty from the steady performance of which nothing has been able to deter me.”

* * *

The most famous of Ben’s earthy essays is his advice to a nephew on the choice of a mistress:

“My Dear Friend.

“I know of no medicine fit to diminish the violent, natural inclinations you mention. And, if I did, I think I should not communicate it to you. Marriage is the proper remedy.

“But, if you will not take this counsel, and persist in thinking a commerce with sex inevitable, then I repeat my former advice — that in all your amours you should prefer old women to young ones. “You will call this a paradox and demand my reasons. They are these:

1. “Because they have more knowledge of the world. Their minds are better stored with observations, their conversation is more improving and more lastingly agreeable.

2. “Because when women cease to be handsome they study to be good. To maintain their influence over men, they supply the diminution of beauty by an augmentation of utility. They learn to do a thousand services small and great, and are the most tender and useful of friends when you are sick. Thus, they continue amiable. There is hardly such a thing to be found as an old woman who is not a good woman.

3. “Because there is no hazard of children, which irregularly produced may be attended with much inconvenience.

4. “Because through experience they are more prudent and discrete in conducting an intrigue to prevent suspicion. Commerce with them is therefore safer with regard to your reputation. And with regard to theirs, if the affair should happen to be known, considerate people might be rather inclined to excuse an old woman who would kindly take care of a young man, form his manners by her good counsels, and prevent his ruining his health and fortune among mercenary prostitutes.

5. “Because in every animal that walks upright, the deficiency of the fluids that fill the muscles appears first in the highest part. The face first grows lank and wrinkled; then the neck; then the breast and arms. The lower parts continue to the last as plump as ever; so that covering all above with a basket, and regarding only what is below the girdle, it is impossible, of two women, to tell an old one from a young one. As in the dark all cats are gray, the pleasure of corporal enjoyment with an old woman is at least equal, and frequently superior — every knack being, by practice, capable of improvement.

6. “Because the sin is less. The debauching of a virgin may be her ruin, and make her unhappy for life.

7. “Because the compunction is less. The having made a young girl miserable may give you frequent, bitter reflection; none of which can attend the making an old woman happy.

8. “8th, and lastly — Because they are so grateful!”

* * *

Now, let ’s hear it for columnists, past and present.

Derry down!

Lindsey Williams is a Sun columnist who can be contacted at:

LinWms@earthlink.net

LinWms@lindseywilliams.org

Website: http://www.lindseywilliams.org

Tags: America, Americana, columnist, Franklin, History, Journalism, mistress, QuotationsAmerica, Americana, columnist, Franklin, History, Journalism, mistress, Quotations

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