I’ve been meditating on the moral code brought forth by Benjamin Franklin and have come to some conclusions. Firstly, let me say my source for observation is the very works that represent the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin conveniently arranged by  The Modern Library, a Random House publication of 1944.

The moral code of Franklin consisted of thirteen virtues:

1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
2. Silence. Speak not but what to benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e. waste nothing.
6.  Industry. Lose no time; be always employ’d in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation. Avoid extremes; forebear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation.
11. Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Franklin was prompted to pen these virtues when following a sermon on Philippians 4 where the evangelist found five points of significance from the text involving virtue:

1. Keeping holy the Sabbath day.
2. being diligent in reading the holy Scriptures.
3. Attending duly the publick worship.
4. Partaking of the Sacrament.
5. Paying a due respect to God’s ministers.

Ben Franklin and every other person of faith have the expectation of morality within the context of worship. But we as Christians should have the expectation of living the morality of Jesus, which is only reasonable. Immorality profanes the name of Christ when it becomes common in worship. Can we as Christians be as vigorous in the pursuit of morality as the Junto was to Franklin’s society? Our righteousness should exceed what is beyond “religion.” The world who seeks after a definition of morality should not find it lacking among God’s people. It is not a moral code whereby we are obligated to fulfill and be judged by as if to nullify grace, but rather the fruit of a confessing spirit whose faith is at work on the basis of the Holy Spirit who resides within.