Malcolm Rivera
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, was a Freemason and signatory of the Constitution. He was initiated into the Masonic Lodge in 1730 or 1731 and became a grand master in 1734, publishing the first Masonic book in the Americas that year. Franklin's beliefs and practices as a Freemason have been the subject of much historical debate, with some drawing parallels between Masonic ideas and his contributions to the Constitution. This paragraph will explore the question: Did Benjamin Franklin infuse Masonic beliefs into the Constitution?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Masonic career | Initiated into Masonry in 1730 or 1731 |
| Elected Grand Master in 1734 or 1735 | |
| Published the first Masonic book in the Americas in 1734 | |
| Secretary of St. John's Lodge in Philadelphia from 1735 to 1738 | |
| Witness in a manslaughter trial against two men in a fake Masonic initiation gone wrong in 1738 | |
| Appointed Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on June 24, 1732 | |
| Elected member of "Loge des Neuf Soeurs" of Paris in 1777 | |
| Assisted in Voltaire's initiation into the "Loge des Neuf Soeurs" lodge in 1778 | |
| Became a member of Respectable Lodge de Saint Jean de Jerusalem in 1782 | |
| Elected Venerable d'Honneur of the Respectable Lodge de Saint Jean de Jerusalem in 1783 | |
| Elected an honorary member of Lodge des Bons Amis, Rouen in 1783 | |
| Died on April 17, 1790, at 84 years old | |
| Beliefs | Rejected key Puritan ideas regarding salvation and the divinity of Jesus |
| Classified himself as a deist in his 1771 autobiography while still considering himself a Christian | |
| Believed in a God as the source of morality and goodness, and as a Providential actor in history | |
| Attempted to introduce the practice of daily common prayer during the Constitutional Convention in June 1787 | |
| Expressed a belief in the role of God in the affairs of men, drawing parallels with Masonic ideas |
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What You'll Learn
Benjamin Franklin's Masonic career
Benjamin Franklin was a devoted freemason for over sixty years until his death in 1790. He joined the Masonic Lodge of St. John in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1730 or 1731 and rose to the rank of Grand Master by 1734. Franklin's respect for the institution of Freemasonry is evident in a letter he wrote to his mother, where he expressed his trust in Freemasons and their principles of peace, strong morals, and self-betterment.
In addition to his Masonic career, Franklin was also a renowned author, editor, inventor, scientist, diplomat, and politician. He is recognised as one of the United States' most influential Founding Fathers and was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris, peace with Britain, and the Constitution.
As a Freemason, Franklin published the first Masonic book printed in America, titled "The Constitutions of the Free-Masons" or "The Constitutions of the Freemasons." This book, published in 1734, was a reprint of James Anderson's Constitutions, which was previously published in England. Franklin's publication is cherished by Masonic libraries across the country.
Franklin's Masonic involvement extended beyond America. In 1777, he was elected a member of the "Loge des Neuf Soeurs" in Paris, and a year later, he assisted in initiating Voltaire into the lodge. He became a member of various lodges in Europe and held important positions, such as the Provincial Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England in 1760. Franklin's Masonic work continued until his death on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84.
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Franklin's beliefs and their Masonic influence
Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father of the United States of America and a signatory of the Constitution. He was also a Freemason, initiated into the craft in 1730 or 1731. Franklin was a dedicated and influential Freemason, practising the principles of the order for 60 years. He rose to prominent positions within the fraternity, becoming a grand master in 1734 or 1735. He was also a member of several lodges, including the St. John's Lodge in Philadelphia, the Loge des Neuf Soeurs in Paris, and the Respectable Lodge de Saint Jean de Jerusalem.
Franklin's beliefs were shaped by his Masonic affiliation. He formulated and published a presentation of his beliefs in 1728, in which he rejected key Puritan ideas about salvation and the divinity of Jesus. Instead, he classified himself as a deist, retaining a belief in a God who acted as a Providential force in history, influencing events such as American independence. Franklin's faith in God's governance of human affairs is evident in his statement during the Constitutional Convention: "That God Governs in the Affairs of Men".
Franklin's Masonic influence is also seen in his diplomatic and political endeavours. He laid the foundation of Masonic history in America and played a significant role in shaping the country's ethos. His genius, diplomacy, and political skills contributed to both Masonic and national foundations. Franklin's impact on American society extended beyond his Masonic activities, as he was also an author, editor, inventor, scientist, and politician.
Franklin's dedication to Freemasonry is evident in his publication of "The Constitutions of the Freemasons" in 1734. This was the first Masonic book printed in America, a reprint of Anderson's Constitutions, containing Masonic history, charges, and regulations. Franklin's publication is cherished by Masonic libraries, and his legacy within Freemasonry is remembered and honoured.
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Freemasonry in the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, was a devoted freemason. He was initiated into the local Masonic lodge in 1730 or 1731 and became a grand master in 1734 or 1735, indicating his rapid rise to prominence in Pennsylvania.
Franklin was a prolific writer, and in 1734, he published America's first book on freemasonry, a reprint of James Anderson's Constitutions of the Free-Masons. This book, titled "The Constitutions of the Freemasons", contained Masonic history, charges, regulations, and more. It is said that Franklin's Masonic beliefs influenced his actions and diplomacy, and it is believed that he left an indelible mark on the history of Freemasonry in America.
During the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Franklin's faith and beliefs were evident in his words and actions. He attempted to introduce the practice of daily common prayer, appealing to the Divine Protection that had been granted during the struggle for independence from Britain. In his words, "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, it is probable that an empire can rise without His aid?".
While there is no concrete evidence that Franklin incorporated Masonic beliefs into the Constitution, his faith and Freemasonry undoubtedly influenced his life and actions. As one of the Founding Fathers, Franklin's contributions to the Constitution and the formation of the United States were significant. However, the extent to which his Masonic beliefs shaped the nation's founding documents remains a subject of historical debate and interpretation.
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Franklin's religious beliefs
Benjamin Franklin's religious beliefs have been described as "complicated". He was raised in a Puritan family in Boston, and his parents considered sending him to Harvard for training as a pastor. However, his extensive reading habits made him sceptical of his parents' Calvinist convictions, and he ultimately rejected core Puritan ideas about salvation and the divinity of Jesus.
Franklin himself wrote that he was a deist. Deism typically entailed a critical view of traditional Christianity, and deists held a wide range of views on basic religious questions. Some deists believed in the Bible but opposed the power of the church, while others doubted the reliability of Scripture altogether. Some espoused the "'watchmaker' view of God"—that God had wound up the world and left it to its own devices—while others, including Franklin, believed that God intervened in history and responded to prayer. In Franklin's view, being a deist meant doubting tenets such as Jesus's divinity.
Franklin's belief in God as the source of morality and goodness in humankind was enduring. He wrote in a letter to Ezra Stiles, president of Yale College:
> I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. That he governs it by his Providence. That he ought to be worshipped. That the most acceptable Service we render to him is doing good to his other Children. That the soul of Man is immortal, and will be treated with Justice in another Life respecting its Conduct in this. These I take to be the fundamental Principles of all sound Religion, and I regard them as you do in whatever Sect I meet with them.
Franklin's actions and words often seemed more Christian than deist. He was in regular contact with his evangelical Christian sister, Jane Mecom, and had a close friendship with the evangelist George Whitefield. He frequently quoted the Bible, and at a critical point during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he attempted to introduce the practice of daily common prayer.
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Franklin's legacy
Benjamin Franklin is remembered as one of the United States of America's Founding Fathers and a signatory of the Constitution. He was also a prolific inventor, author, editor, publisher, scientist, diplomat, and politician. Franklin's legacy is that of a complex and gifted man, with a strong faith in God and a belief in the power of prayer. He was also a devoted Freemason, rising to the rank of Grand Master and publishing the first Masonic book in the Americas.
Franklin's dedication to Freemasonry is evident in his rapid rise through the ranks and his lasting impact on the craft. Initiated into the Masonic Lodge in 1730 or 1731, he became a Grand Master in 1734 or 1735, indicating his prominence in Pennsylvania. He actively participated in Masonic activities, visiting lodges across the globe and attending important meetings and ceremonies. He was also an influential ambassador for the United States, often affiliating himself with Masonic Lodges during his diplomatic missions.
In addition to his Masonic contributions, Franklin left a lasting impact on American society through his inventions, discoveries, and accomplishments. He was a strong advocate for colonial unity and played a pivotal role in the War of Independence. His ideas and beliefs influenced the formation of American society, and he is considered foundational in defining the American ethos. Franklin's more than 30,000 letters and documents provide valuable insights into his life and contributions, ensuring his legacy is remembered and honoured.
Benjamin Franklin's death in 1790 at the age of 84 was mourned by many, with approximately 20,000 people attending his funeral. His legacy continues to be celebrated, with his face on the $100 bill, warships, towns, counties, and educational institutions bearing his name, and numerous cultural references honouring his memory.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Benjamin Franklin was a Freemason. He was initiated into the local Masonic lodge in 1730 or 1731 and became a grand master in 1734 or 1735.
Yes, in 1734, Franklin published the first Masonic book in the Americas, a reprint of James Anderson's Constitutions of the Free-Masons.
There is no concrete evidence that Benjamin Franklin included Masonic beliefs in the US Constitution. However, during the Constitutional Convention, he made a speech with references to God's involvement in human affairs, which some may interpret as Masonic ideas.
Benjamin Franklin classified himself as a deist in his 1771 autobiography, although he still considered himself a Christian. He retained a strong belief in God as a source of morality and a Providential actor in history, responsible for American independence.
