in natural science often had a favorable influence on freedom of thought.  His studies in economics had a strong tendency in that direction.  His views about religious toleration were founded on his intense faith in civil liberty; and even his demonstration that lightning was an electrical phenomenon brought deliverance for mankind from an ancient terror.  It removed from the domain of the supernatural a manifestation of formidable power that had been supposed to be a weapon of the arbitrary gods; and since it increased man’s power over nature, it increased his freedom.

This faith in freedom was fully developed in Franklin long before the American Revolution and the French Revolution made the fundamental principles of liberty familiar to civilized mankind.  His views concerning civil liberty were even more remarkable for his time than his views concerning religious liberty; but they were not developed in a passionate nature inspired by an enthusiastic idealism.  He was the very embodiment of common sense, moderation, and sober honesty.  His standard of human society is perfectly expressed in the description of New England which he wrote in 1772:  “I thought often of the happiness in New England, where every man is a freeholder, has a vote in public affairs, lives in a tidy, warm house, has plenty of good food and fuel, with whole clothes from head to foot, the manufacture perhaps of his own family.  Long may they continue in this situation!” Such was Franklin’s conception of a free and happy people.  Such was his political philosophy.

The moral philosophy of Franklin consisted almost exclusively in the inculcation of certain very practical and unimaginative virtues, such as temperance, frugality, industry, moderation, cleanliness, and tranquillity.  Sincerity and justice, and resolution—­that indispensable fly-wheel of virtuous habit—­are found in his table of virtues; but all his moral precepts seem to be based on observation and experience of life, and to express his convictions concerning what is profitable, prudent, and on the whole satisfactory in the life that now is.  His philosophy is a guide of life, because it searches out virtues, and so provides the means of expelling vices.  It may reasonably determine conduct.  It did determine Franklin’s conduct to a remarkable degree, and has had a prodigious influence for good on his countrymen and on civilized mankind.  Nevertheless, it omits all consideration of the prime motive power, which must impel to right conduct, as fire supplies the power which actuates the engine.  That motive power is pure, unselfish love—­love to God and love to man.  “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart ... and thy neighbor as thyself.”