Many of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention were well read in the philosopher Montesquieu who took his ideas for government right from the Scriptures. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.com

What qualified these men to take on such an extraordinary task? Many were trained in the law, most had served in their state legislatures or had served in the Continental Congress. They had also studied the popular thinkers of the day—thinkers like Locke and Montesquieu whose views hearkened back to Christian principles and Scripture. In fact, one study has revealed that of all the writings, speeches and documents left by our Founders, Montesquieu was the second-most frequently quoted source! What do you suppose was the most frequently quoted source? Not surprisingly, the Bible! Montesquieu based his writings on the biblical view of man that suggested that man, left to his own devices, will always resort to selfishness and a thirst for power.

The Scripture reminds us often that though we are deeply loved by God and can be fully redeemed by His grace in Jesus Christ, we are also sinful in our very nature. Can you think of a Bible verse that makes this very clear? Hover here to read.

The Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution were signed in Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA. Photo courtesy of Independence National Historical Park.

The delegates consulted great philosophers and writers like Locke and Montesquieu, and they also listened to the popular theories of their current day as well as looking to ancient civilizations. In fact, the first time anyone tried to have a republican form of government wasn’t in the United States. It was in ancient Rome! As broadly educated citizens who loved their country and had demonstrated their leadership, the delegates knew they had a tall order. Some wanted the states to retain strong authority. Others thought a strong central government would make our country more stable.

The members of the Constitutional Convention also had to consider the many and varied needs of their fellow-citizens—some were merchants, others strictly agriculturally based. Some were slave holders, others were adamant abolitionists. They represented large states and small states and those in between. How could they ever bring together such a diverse and growing country under one document to deal with every possible situation, every possible problem, and every possible exception? Their end result needed to be understandable, practical and sound. If this sounds like a tall order, it was!

Some delegates to the Constitutional Convention thought they would have to accept the idea of monarchy! What would our country be like if there was a King or Queen of the United States? Image courtesy of the University of South Florida.

As the proceedings got underway, various delegates proposed different solutions to the problems the country was currently facing. Nothing seemed quite right. In fact, many people believed that the delegates’ solution would be to invite a new king to rule the United States. Alexander Hamilton wrote to George Washington that he believed the people would soon be ready to accept the idea of monarchy, even though they had just risked life and limb to rid themselves of it! Fortunately, there was too much popular sentiment against monarchy, royalty and aristocracy. The American spirit was already well formed, if not well distributed among all the delegates!

As debate continued, the lines were clearly drawn between the large states and the smaller states. Those from large states wanted their representation to be based on population. Delegates from smaller states disagreed, believing that every state should have an equal number of representatives. As can sometimes happen, the arguments got more and more heated, and people lost their tempers and forgot to watch their words! Some even walked out!

When the delegates to the Constitutional Convention were deadlocked over how to make representation equally fair for small states as for large ones, they were frustrated and testy. Wise Ben Franklin proposed a solution to the problem—prayer! Portrait courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery.

What would you do in this situation? How would you break the impasse? Finally, a respected voice of reason spoke up. Benjamin Franklin rose and took the floor. He reflected on the many dramatic moments that had shaped the country—many of them had taken place right in that room. He was doubtless tired of the conflict, but could see that things were going nowhere.

The wisest man in the room did the wisest thing. He called for prayer. Referencing three different Scripture passages, Franklin said, “In the beginning of the Contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?”

Click HERE to read more of Benjamin Franklin’s inspiring words.

Click HERE to see a page from Ben Franklin’s speech, in his own handwriting!

Like most educated people of his day, Ben Franklin knew the Scriptures well. He makes reference to a sparrow falling to the ground. Do you know where to find that in your Bible? Hover here to read.

What do you think happened when Franklin called for prayer? After Roger Sherman seconded the motion, did everyone drop to their knees and pray? Not Colonials! They were more reserved than that. And there were some unbelievers in their midst. They debated the proposal, back and forth, and some even worried that it would make them look foolish if word got out that they were now deciding to pray after not having done so at first. Wiser voices prevailed, and it was agreed that if Philadelphians learned that the Convention was turning to prayer, it could be a good thing.

Mr. Hugh Williamson raised a very practical point, noting that the Convention had no funds for a chaplain. (Clergy were considered professionals on a similar level with other trained and educated persons, and the gathering would never consider asking a professional to render service without appropriate compensation.) So, the Convention took a break for a few days, following Franklin’s advice, and they calmed down.

Lacking funds, they went to church rather than bringing in a clergyman to pray. But as soon as the actual Constitutional Congress gathered on April 9, 1789, they took Dr. Franklin’s recommendation to heart. They passed a motion for not one but two chaplains—one for the House and one for the Senate, budgeting a salary of $500 each. And that day, and every day since, members of the House and Senate have begun their day with prayer, every day for the last 217 years. Pretty cool, huh?

This painting can be found in the Cox Corridor of the U.S. Capitol Building. It is a depiction for the very first Congress to function under our current Constitution. This Congress did many things, but especially important was their adoption of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights. The two illustrations to the side show Americans practicing the freedoms guaranteed in the First Amendment—Free exercise of religion and freedom of the press. Image courtesy of the Architect of the Capitol.

Eventually, the delegates reached agreement that the Constitution could provide for two houses of legislative authority—one with representation by population numbers (the House of Representatives) and one with the same number of representatives—two—from each state (the Senate). A committee was appointed to begin writing up the plan. They began their work as other delegates took a 10-day break.

When the delegates returned, it was with a spirit of hopeful optimism. But that spirit was challenged over and over as they debated more divisive issues like commerce, taxation, slavery and individual rights. While resolve was worked through—or if not resolve, compromise—one big question was still unanswered. How would they elect their executive? They considered many creative ideas—the state legislatures would elect, the governors would select, the Congress would choose. All were debated. When they finally settled on the Electoral College, it was seen as a brilliant solution, and one that enabled the large and small states to have their concerns addressed.

This painting shows the signers of the Constitution, led by George Washington as they gathered to put their names to the document. Image courtesy of the Architect of the Capitol.

The Constitution was nearly complete. The final draft committee met, and presented their work. On September 15, 1787 the vote resounded, “Aye,” with three holdouts. On September 17, the delegates met for the last time. Wise Ben Franklin wrote a speech for the occasion that was delivered by friend and colleague James Wilson. In his speech he gleefully exulted in the delegates’ success, acknowledging that many of the nation’s enemies and detractors fully expected their efforts to fail, revealing “that our States are on the point of separation, only to meet hereafter for the purpose of cutting one another's throats." George Mason, Elbridge Gerry and Edmund Randolph did not sign the document, choosing to hold out for important changes, some of which eventually came. Of the others, only 39 actually signed that day. The painting above shows how one artist envisions the scene.

Painting courtesy of Cao Yong and constitutionday.com.

As the delegates adjourned to a meal at a nearby tavern and another great American tradition swung into action. Local printers Claypoole and Dunlap immediately went to work printing the great document. Working into the night, they strived to complete the work so it could be loaded and sent to all the states early the next day. For even though the Constitution was written and accepted by the delegates, it still had one very big hurdle to clear. It would need to be ratified by the states. Would there be enough support? Would everyday citizens see the beauty and brilliance of the checks and balances the framers had worked so hard to include?

The answer is yes! It was accepted quickly by all the states and was fully ratified on June 21, 1788.

QUESTION 1

Why do you think there is a day, just to celebrate the Constitution?

1. People don’t know very much about the Constitution, so it’s really good to draw attention to it.
2. The Constitution is a nearly perfect governmental document, and everyone should be familiar with it, since it tells how America is governed and what rights are guaranteed to her citizens.
3. Appreciation for the Constitution could bring Americans together and help people understand the rights and freedoms that are guaranteed them by the Constitution.

QUESTION 2

True or False The men who got together in Philadelphia were all pretty much alike. That’s why they agreed so readily on all the points of the Constitution.

1. True
2. False

QUESTION 3

True or False George Washington seriously considered not attending the Constitutional Convention, even though he was an invitee.

1. True
2. False

QUESTION 4

True or False The delegates to the Constitutional Convention met together because the government was too strong and centralized under the Articles of Confederation.

1. True
2. False

QUESTION 5

Read again the words of hopeful prayer that George Mason wrote to his son: The Eyes of the United States are turned upon this Assembly and their Expectations raised to a very anxious Degree. May God Grant that we may be able to gratify them, by establishing a wise and just Government. Which of the following is true regarding George Mason’s words to his son?

1. The Constitutional Convention was a small and insignificant gathering that no one would really pay attention to.
2. The country may have been interested in the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention, but no one really cared much what happened there.
3. The task facing the delegates to the Constitutional Convention was so huge and its difficulty so great, one could only turn to God and ask for His help for it was clear that His help would be needed.

QUESTION 6

Why did Benjamin Franklin call for prayer during the Constitutional Convention?

1. Things had gotten pretty divisive and he felt they needed God’s help.
2. Franklin remembered all the ways God had helped the framers of the Declaration of Independence, right there in that very room, and he realized that prayer had been part of that success.
3. Ben Franklin had lived a long time and had seen many things in his 81 years. He knew that wise people turn to prayer, no matter what their circumstances.

Wow! It’s been really interesting to learn how our Founding Fathers got together and wrote the Constitution during the summer of 1787. It’s amazing that they crafted such a successful document, when you consider how far apart their ideas were on some of the issues. It’s also wonderful to know that they looked to God to help them, whether it was through formal or informal prayer. Be sure to take a few minutes to learn more about your Constitution this week, and don’t forget to pray! Thank God for the wonderful freedoms you enjoy, and pray for those who don’t enjoy those freedoms.