Franklin’s composure during the ordeal of Parliamentary investigation, his witty replies, and his brilliant evasions to embarrassing questions greatly enhanced his reputation. His clever satirical essays, published in separate pamphlets, were widely circulated. During this period of activity Franklin lived in Craven Street, London, pursued his scientific studies, was appointed on committees to put lightning-rods on St. Paul’s Cathedral and the government’s powder magazines, attended meetings of various scientific and learned societies and clubs of which he was a member, was entertained by the nobility, and knew everybody of distinction in the political, scientific, artistic, and literary worlds. Returning home, he was made one of the deputies to the Continental Congress, which met in Philadelphia, and was also a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature, and a member of the Committee of Safety to prepare the defenses of the province. His most important work was yet to come. In September, 1776, he was appointed, by vote of Congress, the agent to represent in France the united Colonies, which had just declared their independence of Great Britain. Accordingly, he left Philadelphia and arrived in France in December. In our infancy of diplomatic service the old gentleman of seventy was banker, merchant, judge of admiralty, consul, director of the navy, ambassador to France, and negotiator with England for the exchange of prisoners and for peace. He accomplished his mission with such success that he was the idol of the French nation. Franklin was liked by the French for his social qualities, his scientific accomplishments, his philosophical mind, and his humorous and satirical writings. Moreover, he was worshiped as the personification of _liberty_. His mission in France ended in 1785. The last important work of his life was helping to frame the national document that took the place of the Articles of Confederation; and his plan regarding representation in Congress was the one adopted. The most active period of his life, as he himself has told us, was between his seventieth and his eightieth years. If any statesman ever deserved the name of “grand old man,” it certainly was Benjamin Franklin. PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR. VOL. 6. No. 7. SERIAL No. 155 COPYRIGHT, 1918, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC. [Illustration: FROM THE PAINTING BY BENJAMIN WEST FRANKLIN DRAWING ELECTRICITY FROM THE SKY] _BENJAMIN FRANKLIN_ _As Scientist_ FOUR