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Benjamin Franklin
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” — Benjamin Franklin
“The worship of God is a duty... Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature... I never doubted the existence of the Deity, that he made the world, and governed it by His Providence...The pleasures of this world are rather from God’s goodness than our own merit... Whoever shall introduce into the public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will change the face of the world... Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.” — Benjamin Franklin
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” — Benjamin Franklin
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” — Benjamin Franklin
In this situation of this assembly, groping, as it were, in the dark to find political truth... How has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the Divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard; they were graciously answered... Have we now forgotten that powerful Friend?
I have lived, sir, a long time; and 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 fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that ’except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and 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 to future ages. — Benjamin Franklin
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