You probably know him as one of the Fathers of the United States, a
great leader and diplomat. He signed the major documents of the
founding of the U.S. including the Declaration of Independence and
the Constitution. Maybe you know him as an inventor, or as a
scientist who flew kites in lightning storms, or as a writer and
printing press operator.
But did you know that in 1726, at the age of 20, while on an 80-day
ocean voyage from London back to Philadelphia, he developed a "Plan"
for regulating his future conduct? He was partially motivated by
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is
noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--
think about such things." He followed the plan he created "pretty
faithfully" even to the age of 79 (when he wrote about it), and he
was even more determined to stick with it for his remaining days
because of the happiness he had enjoyed so far by following it.
His "Plan" was made up of 13 virtues, each with short descriptions:
1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness and drink not to elevation.
2. Silence: Speak not but what may 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 employed 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 uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation.
11. 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.
12. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common
or unavoidable.
13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
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