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 _without_ it? I intend this letter itself as a proof of my friendship, and therefore add no professions to it, but subscribe myself simply yours. "B. FRANKLIN." For the following, I owe many thanks to the honourable Mr. Rufus King. After having answered my question on that subject, as before stated, viz. that he considered Dr. Franklin "_very much a christian in practice_," he added with a fine smile, as if happy that he possessed an anecdote so honourable to the religious character of his illustrious friend, and the friend of mankind--"_now, sir, I'll tell you an anecdote of Dr. Franklin_." The CONVENTION of '88, of which Dr. Franklin and myself were members, had been engaged several weeks in framing the present CONSTITUTION, and had done nothing. Dr. Franklin came in one morning, and rising in his place, called the attention of the house.--"We have been here, Mr. Speaker," said he, (George Washington was in the chair,) "a long time, trying to act on this important subject, and have done nothing; and in place of a speedy and successful close of our business, we see nothing but dark clouds of difficulty and embarrassment gathering before us. It in high time for us, Mr. Speaker, to call in the direction of a wisdom above our own.--(The countenance of Washington caught a brightness at these words, as he leaned forward in deepest gaze on Dr. Franklin.) Yes, sir, it is high time for us to call in the direction of a wisdom above our own. Our fathers before us, the wise and good men of ancient times, acted in this way. Aware of the difficulties and perils that attend all human enterprize, they never engaged in any thing of importance without having implored the guidance and blessing of heaven. The scriptures are full of encouragements to such practice. They every where assert a _particular providence_ over all his works. They assure us that the very hairs of our head are all numbered; and that not even a sparrow but is continually under the eye of his parental care. This, Mr. Speaker, is the language of the gospel, which I _most implicitly believe_; and which promises the guidance of divine wisdom to _all who ask it_. We have not asked it; and that may be the reason why we have been so long in the dark. I therefore move, Mr. Speaker, that it be made a rule to open the business of this house, every morning, _with prayer_." The following also will show Dr. Franklin's firm belief in that very precious article of the religion of Christ--A PARTICULAR PROVIDENCE. To WILLIAM STRAHAN, Esq. London _France, August 19th, 1784._ DEAR OLD FRIEND,