d in all human affairs:--

"In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were
sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine
protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard; and they were
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 his assistance? 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 arise 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; 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 by-word down to future ages. And, 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."

His confidence in the Christian religion, and his regard for purity of
conduct, did not diminish as he drew near the grave. On the other
hand, he bore earnest testimony to the faith of his fathers until the
close of his life, and, ere he died, renewed his vindication of the
Scriptures, in the following circumstances.

A young man called to see him, as he lay upon his death-bed, scarcely
able to articulate. Dr. Franklin welcomed him with a benignant look,
which he was wont to cast upon the young, and imparted some good
advice to him.