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cases, prudently choose a partial death. A mangled, painful limb, which cannot be restored, we willingly cut off. He who plucks out a tooth, parts with it freely, since the pain goes with it, and he who quits the whole body, parts at once with all pains and possibilities of pains and diseases, which it was liable to, or capable of making him suffer. Our friend and we were invited abroad on a party of pleasure, which is to last forever. His chair was ready first, and he is gone before us. We could not all conveniently start together; and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and know where to find him."-Letters, p. 39.

From several sentences which I have quoted, you perceive that Dr. Franklin firmly believed in future rewards and punishments.

Dr. Franklin entertained scriptural views on the subject of practical religion. To prove the truth of this assertion, I shall bring together several extracts on a variety of topics. He wished to have children educated in the belief and practice of the gospel. He drew up a plan for an English school in Philadelphia; and in this is contained the following recommendation of a religious book for the fourth class.

"Dr. Johnson's Ethica, or first principles of morality may now be read by the scholars, and explained by the master, to lay a solid foundation of virtue and piety in their minds."—Works, Vol. V. p. 171. English edition.

Now the book here recommended was published by the Rev. Samuel Johnson, President of King's College, New York; and it is designed to explain and defend natural and revealed religion. Would an unbeliever, especially would any of our modern unbelievers, introduce such a work among children and youth. One extract will confirm my statement.

"Having thus given a short sketch of the first principles of moral philosophy, or what is called the religion of nature, I shall now conclude by giving a very short summary of revealed religion, and show the connection between them and Christianity, or the religion of the Mediator, which is to be considered the great infallible means of our instruction and reformation, for begetting, improving, and perfecting in us all the virtues of an honest heart, and a good life, and for ascertaining to us the favour of God, and a blessed immortality, to which it is so admirably subservient, that it should seem the greatest inconsistency imaginable for a man to be a real friend to what is called natural religion or morality, and at the same time not to adhere firmly to the Christian system."-Ethica, p. 91.

The firm belief of Dr. Franklin, that nothing but true religion can give us permanent happiness, is expressed in the following quotation.

"The passions, by being too much conversant with earthly objects, can never fix in us a proper composure and acquiescence of mind. Nothing but an indifference to the things of this world, an entire submission to the will of Providence here, and a well grounded expectation of happiness hereafter, can give us a true, satisfactory enjoyment of ourselves. Virtue is the best guard against the many unavoidable evils incident to us; nothing better alleviates the weight of the afflictions, or gives a truer relish of the blessings, of human life. Happiness springs immediately from the mind; wealth is but to be considered a candidate or circumstance, without which this happiness cannot be considered pure and unabated. There is no happiness then but in a virtuous and self-approving conduct. Unless our actions will bear the test of our sober judgments and reflections upon them, they are not the actions, and consequently not the happiness of, a rational being."-Works, Vol. V. pp. 94, 95. English edition.

"I thank God there are not in the whole world any who are my enemies as a man; for by his grace, through a long life, I have been enabled so to conduct myself, that there does not exist a human being who can justly say, Ben Franklin has wronged me. This, my friend, is in old age a comfortable reflection."-Works, Vol. VI. p. 122.

"One's true happiness depends more upon one's own judg ment of one's self, or a consciousness of rectitude in action and intention, and the approbation of those few who judge impartially, than upon the applause of the unthinking, undiscerning multitude, who are apt to cry hosanna to-day, and to-morrow, crucify him."-Letters, p. 99.

"In fine, nothing can contribute to true happiness, that is inconsistent with duty; nor can a course of action, conformable to it, be finally without an ample reward. For God governs, and he is good."-Letters, p. 116.

He is encouraging people in England to emigrate to this country; and he gives the following as one reason why this country would be a desirable residence.

"Serious religion, under its various denominations, is not only tolerated, but respected and practised. Atheism is unknown; infidelity rare and secret; so that persons may live to a great age in this country, without having their piety shocked by meeting with either an atheist or an infidel. And the Divine Being seems to have manifested his approbation of the mutual forbearance and kindness with which the different sects treat each

other, by the remarkable prosperity with which he has been pleased to favour the whole country."-Works, Vol. V. p. 421.

Such was the reverence of Dr. Franklin for the Christian. Thomas Paine requested Dr. Franklin to examine the manuscript of his Age of Reason, and make criticisms upon the production. In answer the Doctor returned the following very important letter, which all unbelievers would do well to consider.

"I have read your manuscript with some attention. By the argument it contains against a particular Providence, though you allow a general Providence, you strike at the foundations of all religion. For without the belief of a Providence that takes cognizance of, guards and guides, and may favour particular persons, there is no motive to worship a Deity, to fear its displeasure, or to pray for its protection. I will not enter into any discussion of your principles though you seem to desire it. At present I shall only give you my opinion, that though your reasonings are subtle, and may prevail with some readers, you will not succeed so as to change the general sentiments of mankind on that subject, and the consequence of printing this piece will be, a great deal of odium drawn upon yourself, mischief to you, and no benefit to others. He that spits against the wind, spits in his own face. But were you to succeed, do you imagine any good would be done by it? You yourself may find it easy to live a virtuous life without the assistance afforded by religion; you having a clear perception of the advantages of virtue, and the disadvantages of vice, and possessing a strength of resolution sufficient to enable you to resist common temptations. But think how great a portion of mankind consists of weak and ignorant men and women, and of inexperienced, inconsiderate youth of both sexes, who have need of the motives of religion to restrain them from vice, to support their virtue, and retain them in the practice of it till it becomes habitual, which is the great point for its security. And perhaps you are indebted to her originally, that is to your religious education, for the habits of virtue upon which you now justly value yourself. You might easily display your excellent talents of reasoning upon a less hazardous subject, and thereby obtain a rank with our most distinguished authors. For amongst us it is not necessary as among the Hottentots, that a youth, to be raised into the company of men, should prove his manhood by beating his mother. I would advise you, therefore, not to attempt unchaining the tiger, but to burn this piece before it is seen by any other person, whereby you will save yourself a great deal of mortification from the enemies it may raise against you, and perhaps a good deal of regret and repentance. If men are so wicked with religion,

what would they be if without it? I intend this letter itself as a proof of my friendship, and therefore add no professions to it; but subscribe simply yours."-Works, Vol. VI. pp. 243, 244.

Dr. Franklin had no fear of death. His last days were serene and cheerful. One or two extracts will confirm these statements.

"My health and spirits continue, thanks to God, as when you saw me. But the course of nature must soon put a period to my present mode of existence. This I shall submit to with less regret, as, having seen during a long life a good deal of this world, I feel a growing curiosity to be acquainted with some other; and can cheerfully, with filial confidence, resign my spirit to the conduct of that great and good Parent of mankind who created it, and who has so graciously protected and prospered me from my birth to the present hour."-Works, Vol. VI. p. 183.

The following passages were written by the intimate friends and companions of Dr. Franklin. The first is the composition of a lady.

"I was the faithful witness of the closing scene, which he sustained with that calm fortitude which characterized him through life. No repining, no peevish expressions ever escaped him, during a confinement of two years, in which I believe, if every moment of ease could be added together, the sum would not amount to two whole months. When the pain was not too violent to be amused, he employed himself with his books, his pen, or in conversation with his friends; and upon every occasion, displayed the clearness of his intellects and the cheerfulness of his temper. Even when the intervals from pain were so short that his words were frequently interrupted, I have known him hold a discourse in a sublime strain of piety. It is natural for us to wish that an attention to some ceremonies had accompanied that religion of the heart which I am convinced Dr. Franklin always possessed; but let us who feel the benefit of them continue to practise them, without thinking lightly of that piety which could support pain without a murmur, and meet death without terror."-Monthly Repository, Vol. XVII. p. 4.

Read also the following extract.

Yes, we have lost that valued, that venerable, kind friend, whose knowledge enlightened our minds, and whose philanthropy warmed our hearts; but we have the consolation to think, that if a life well spent in acts of universal benevolence to mankind, a grateful acknowledgment of Divine favour, a patient submission under severe chastisement, and an humble trust in Almighty mercy, can insure the happiness of a future state, our present loss is his gain."

The next extract is from a letter of Nicholas Collin to the grandson of Dr. Franklin.

"As I often had the satisfaction of conversing with that immortal sage, your grandsire, in his last illness, the following anecdotes may be of some use, as an additional testimony of facts to mankind. The Doctor had sublime and affecting sentiments of religion. He believed, that by the invariable laws of God in the moral world, all crimes are punished either here or hereafter; and that consequently an evil deed can never be profitable in any case whatever; he was equally persuaded that every good act has its reward. Under a painful disease he expressed a firm confidence, that all the sufferings of this life are but as the momentary pricking of a pin, in comparison to the total happiness of our existence. He rejoiced in a speedy approach to the regions of bliss and life eternal. He dwelt with rapture on the felicity of beholding the glorious Father of Spirits, whose essence is incomprehensible to the wisest mortals; of contemplating his works in the higher worlds; and of conversing there with good fellow-creatues from every part of the universe."-Life, p. 416. Letter from Dr. Rush to Dr. Price.

"DEAR SIR,

The papers will inform you of the death of our late illustrious friend, Dr. Franklin. The evening of his life was marked by the same activity of his moral and intellectual powers which distinguished its meridian.

"His conversation with his family upon the subject of his dissolution was free and cheerful. A few days before he died, he rose from his bed, and begged that it might be made up for him, so that he might die in a decent manner. His daughter told him that she hoped he would recover, and live many years longer. He calmly replied he hoped not.

"I had like to have forgotten to mention that he desired in his will that the elegant epitaph, suggested by his original occupation, which he composed for himself some years ago, should be inscribed on his tombstone. By this request he has declared his belief in the Christian doctrine of a resurrection.”—Life of Price.

There is an article on Franklin's writings in one number of the Edinburgh Review. The writer, who is of Orthodox opinions, makes the following remarks on the religion of Franklin.

"If the example of this eminent person may well teach respect for philanthropic sentiments to one set of scoffers, it may equally impress upon the minds of another class the important lesson,

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