search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of
government, and examined the different forms of those Republics
which, having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution,
now no longer exist. And we have viewed modern States all around
Europe, but find none of their constitutions suitable to our
circumstances.

"In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark
to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when
presented to us, how has it happened, sir, that we have not hitherto
once thought of humbly applying to the Father of Lights to
illuminate our understandings?... And have we now forgotten that
powerful Friend or do we imagine that we no longer need His
assistance? 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? We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that
'except the Lord build the House they labour in vain that build it.'
I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His
concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better
than the builders of Babel. We shall be divided by our little
partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we
ourselves shall become a reproach and byword down to future ages.
And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate
instance, despair of establishing governments by human wisdom and
leave it to chance, war, and conquest.

"I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers imploring the
assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be