Creating the United States

{ object_type: 'Exhibit Item',embed_type: 'image',embed_detail: 'http://myloc.gov/_assets/Exhibitions/creatingtheus/Constitution/Ratification/Assets/us0058_1p2_th125.jpg',embed_alt: 'Convention Rejects Franklin’s Proposed Daily Prayer',thumbnail: {url: 'http://myloc.gov/_assets/Exhibitions/creatingtheus/Constitution/Ratification/Assets/us0058_1p2_th125.jpg',alt: 'Convention Rejects Franklin’s Proposed Daily Prayer',height: '66',width: '125'} }

Convention Rejects Franklin’s Proposed Daily Prayer

Convention Rejects Franklin's Proposed Daily Prayer (058.01.02)

See Silverlight version of this item » About this item        

Responding to the divisive tension among the delegates that threatened to jeopardize the purpose of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin proposed that a clergyman lead a daily prayer to provide divine guidance in resolving differences. The delegates declined the proposal, citing the numerous religious sects represented in the Convention and a lack of funds to pay a chaplain.

(Transcription)

“In this Situation of this Assembly . . .”


Responding to the divisive tension among the delegates that threatened to jeopardize the purpose of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin proposed that a clergyman lead a daily prayer to provide divine guidance in resolving differences. The delegates declined the proposal, citing the numerous religious sects represented in the Convention and a lack of funds to pay a chaplain.