By Stacy Conley, Upper Prep Bible Study, Algebra I, Classical Composition/Literature; Latin I
Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father, inventor, scientist, printer, politician, and diplomat. Franklin contributed in many ways to help form our country including negotiating the 1783 Treaty of Paris which ended the Revolutionary War.
It was during this week of 1776 that Franklin became our first diplomat to France and was pivotal in obtaining help from the French to win the war against England.
Regarding this Revolutionary War, Benjamin Franklin recognized the hand of God in helping to establish this country and wrote the following to a friend:
“I am too well acquainted…not to see that our human means were unequal to our undertaking, and that, if it had not been for the justice of our cause, and the consequent interposition of providence, in which we had faith, we must have been ruined.
He continued, “If I ever before had been an atheist, I should now have been convinced of the being and government of a Deity!
“It is He who abases the proud and favors the humble. May we never forget His goodness to us, and may our future conduct manifest our gratitude.”
After nearly a decade in France, in 1785 Franklin returned from his diplomatic assignment and two years later was elected to represent Pennsylvania at the Constitutional Convention, which drafted and ratified the new U.S. Constitution.
Not only was Franklin an effective diplomat and leader, he also exemplified actio throughout his life as he sought to influence the world for good. Some of his other accomplishments include:
Being known for founding universities and libraries, the post office, shaping the foreign policy of the fledgling United States, helping to draft the Declaration of Independence, publishing newspapers, warming us with the Franklin stove, pioneering advances in science, letting us see with bifocals, and lighting our way with electricity.
He is also well- known for publishing the Poor Richard’s Almanack for 25 consecutive years. It contained the calendar, weather forecasts, astronomical information, the occasional mathematical exercise, and poetry. It is chiefly remembered, however, for Franklin’s witty pearls of wisdom such as “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise,” and, “Lost time is never found again.”
Franklin was never elected president of the United States; however, he played an important role as one of eight Founding Fathers, helping draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
We may not help establish a country or become a famous inventor, but we can remember that each of us is important to God and that each of us has a mission to fulfill. As we seek that pursuit with actio, all is well.
This historical thought was delivered by our upper prep school students at devotional on 10/24/25. Each week one class leads the student body in prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, scripture recitation, a meditation, and an historical thought. Family and friends are welcome, Thursdays 8:30-9:05 am.
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