convinced of the being and government of a Deity! It is HE who "abases the proud, and exalts the humble." May we never forget his goodness to us, and may our future conduct manifest our gratitude! B. FRANKLIN. Now, can any honest man, after this, entertain a doubt that Dr. Franklin was indeed, "_in practice very much a christian_." I am aware that some, good men have been offended, and I may add, grieved too, that Dr. Franklin should ever have spoken slightingly of _faith_, &c. But these gentlemen may rest assured, that Dr. Franklin did this only to keep people from laying such stress on _faith_, &c. as to neglect what is infinitely more important, even LOVE and GOOD WORKS. And in this grand view, do not the holy apostles, and even Christ himself treat these things in the same way? Every where speaking of "_faith_ and _baptism_ and _long prayers_," when attempted to be put in place of love and good works, as mere "_beggarly elements_," and even "_damning hypocrisies_." However, let honest men read the following letter on the subject, by Dr. Franklin himself. While it serves to remove their doubts and prejudices, it may go to prove that if he had errors in religion, they were not the errors of the heart, nor likely to do any harm in the world; but contrariwise, to make us all much better christians, and happier men, than we are. The letter is in answer to one from an illustrious foreigner; who, on a trip to Philadelphia, made Dr. Franklin a visit. The doctor, for some malady, advised him to try electricity; and actually gave him several shocks. He had not long been gone, before he wrote Dr. Franklin a most flattering account of the effects of his electricity--begged him to be assured he should never forget such KINDNESS--and concluded with praying that they might both have grace to live a life of FAITH, that if they were never to meet again in this world, they might at last meet in heaven. DR. FRANKLIN'S ANSWER. _Philadelphia, June 6, 1753._ SIR, I received your kind letter of the 2d instant, and am glad that you increase in strength; I hope you will continue mending till you recover your former health. As to the _kindness_ you mention, the only thanks I desire is, that you would always be equally ready to serve any other person that may need your assistance, and so let good offices go round, _for_ MANKIND ARE _all of a family_.