On this day in American history:

On January 17, 1706, Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts.

He was one of seventeen children to a poor candle maker, and his formal education ended at age ten. While an apprentice printer to his brother, James, Franklin read voluminously and taught himself how to write compellingly. He wrote fourteen popular "Silence Dogood" essays that his brother published in his newspaper without knowing Franklin was the author.

At age seventeen he ran away and started a new life in Philadelphia. By 1728, Franklin had his own printing business and, amongst other things, he printed his newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette and his Poor Richard's Almanack. His writings became known for their wisdom and satirical wit. He also organized the Junto club, which was involved in many social services projects, such as the creation of a public library and a volunteer fire company.

In 1748, he was wealthy enough to retire, and he immersed himself in scientific endeavors. He became famous for his experiments with electricity and his inventions (e.g. Franklin stove, lightning rod, and bifocal eyeglasses).

He then served his city and country as a Philadelphia alderman, Pennsylvania Assemblyman, deputy postmaster general, author of the Plan of Union proposed in the Albany Congress, colonial agent, diplomat to England, delegate to the 2nd Continental Congress, co-writer and signatory of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Minister to France (where he secured French support for the American cause), negotiator for the Treaty of Paris (which officially ended the Revolutionary War), delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and abolitionist. In short, Franklin was the living embodiment of the American dream: against overwhelming odds, he had become wealthy and influential through his talents and hard work.

Though Franklin called himself a deist as a teenager, he moved toward more Christian beliefs as he grew older. In his third pamphlet in defense of Samuel Hemphill's preaching, he wrote "I believe in Christ, and exert my best Endeavours to understand his Will aright, and strictly to follow it." His writings and speeches often contained Bible references, and he emphasized his faith being reflected in his good works. He believed in religious freedom and tolerance and helped build a large hall in Philadelphia in which any preacher was allowed to speak, including his friend, the evangelist George Whitefield. At the Constitutional Convention, Franklin gave a powerful speech requesting daily prayer for God's guidance. He declared: "The longer I live, the more convincing Proofs I see of this Truth--That God governs in the affairs of men.... We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that 'except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it [Psalm 127:1].' 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".

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