I have been told that Dr. Franklin on his death bed often returned
thanks to God for having so kindly cast his lot of life in the very
time when of all others he would have chosen to live for the great
purposes of usefulness and pleasure. And so indeed it appears; for
scarcely had he matured, as above, his most useful discoveries in
electricity, before a new door was opened to him for another noble
charity to his country.
Some there are who for a good work begun by themselves will do every
thing; but for the same work begun by others will do nothing; and yet
will call themselves christians. Franklin lived to set the example of
a better christianity. A notable instance of this occurred about this
time, 1754.
A Dr. Thomas Bond, having noticed a number of families so extremely
poor, as to be in imminent danger not only of suffering grievously in
case of sickness, but of actually perishing for want of wholesome food
and medicine, generously undertook, by subscription, to build a
hospital for these sufferers. Meeting with but little encouragement,
and knowing Dr. Franklin's influence and public spirit, he applied to
him for assistance. Perfectly indifferent who got the praise, provided
he but shared the pleasure of founding so god-like an institution,
Franklin entered very heartily into the plan with Dr. Bond, and
inserted in his newspaper, a series of essays, "_on the great duty of
charity to the sick and miserable_," which made such an impression on
the public mind, that the noble sum of twelve thousand dollars was
quickly subscribed. With this the trustees bought a lot, and finished
one wing of their hospital, for immediate use. On the foundation stone
is to be seen the following inscription by Dr. Franklin:
"In the year of Christ MDCCLV, George the Second, _happily
reigning_, (For he sought the HAPPINESS OF HIS PEOPLE,)
Philadelphia _flourishing_, (For its inhabitants were _public
spirited_,) This Building By the bounty of the Government And of
many private persons Was piously founded For the relief of the
_sick_ and _miserable_. MAY THE GOD OF MERCIES BLESS THE
UNDERTAKING!"
Never did benevolence put up an ejaculation more fervent. And never
was one more signally answered. Indeed the blessings of heaven have
been so signally showered on this excellent charity, that it now forms
one of brightest ornaments of the fairest city in America, presenting
to the delighted eye of humanity a noble front, of elevation and
extent far beyond that of Solomon's temple, even a royal range of
buildings, two and three stories high, two hundred and seventy-eight
feet long, and forty wide, containing about one hundred and thirty
spacious well-aired rooms, for the accommodation of the sick, wounded,
and lunatic of every description; affectionately waited on by skilful
physicians and active nurses; comforted by refreshing baths both hot
and cold; and abundantly supplied with the best loaf bread, nice
vegetables, fresh meats, soups, wines and medicines.
And while other parts of the city have been very sickly; and
especially in the summer of 1793, when no fewer than 4000 persons
perished of the yellow fever, not a single case of disease occurred in
this hospital. The destroying angel as he passed along, smelt the
odour of that precious grace (charity) which embalmed the building,
and let fall his avenging sword.
Gentlemen travellers falling sick in Philadelphia, will please be
informed of this famous hospital, that if they wish excellent
physicians, experienced nurses, pleasant chambers, pure air, and sweet
retirement, they may here have all those of the first quality at _half
price_; and _even_ THAT a _donation_ to the _Institution_.