Faith Of Our Signers P9

Last week I ended on the story about Benjamin Franklin asking Rev. Ezra Stiles, then the President of Yale College, if Jesus was Divine. Here are excerpts from both letters.

On January 28, 1790, Stiles wrote Franklin, asking: You know, sir, that I am a Christian, and would to Heaven all others were such as I am, except my imperfections and deficiencies of moral character.

As much as I know of Dr. Franklin, I have not an idea of his religious sentiments. I wish to know the opinion of my venerable friend concerning Jesus of Nazareth. He will not impute this question to impertinence or improper curiosity, in one who, for so many years, has continued to love, estimate and reverence his (Franklin’s) abilities and literary character, with an ardor and affection bordering on adoration.

If I have said too much, let the request be blotted out and be no more; and yet I shall never cease to wish you that happy immortality which I believe Jesus alone has purchased for the virtuous and truly good of every religious denomination in Christendom, and for those of every age, nation and mythology, who reverence the Deity, are filled with integrity, righteousness, and benevolence. Wishing you every blessing, I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant, Ezra Stiles. 

More on this next week for another American Moment.

Sourced from The American Story: The Beginnings by David Barton and Tim Barton.