This quarter we've been studying early American History, and this week we're learning about the writing of the Constitution. Here is an excerpt from our weekly Tapestry of Grace discussion.
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Benjamin Franklin, an avowed deist, spoke to the assembly, saying "The longer I live, the more I am convinced of the presence of God in the affairs of men. We prayed much for guidance, strength, and deliverance from Britain in the recent war should we not, now, invoke the help of the Almighty in this great endeavor?" He then suggested that the assembly turn to prayer. Although the Convention did not pray as a body, Franklin's words marked a turning point. Very soon after, the delegates reached the "Great Compromise" that made the Constitution possible.
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This was especially remarkable from a deist who believed that although God created the universe, He is no longer active in the affairs of men. The "Great Compromise" was the decision to gratify small states with equal representation in the Senate and to gratify large states with representation based on population in the House of Representatives.
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