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Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Part 12 summary

Part 12 of 23 · 13 min to read the part

In Defense of the Province, Franklin organizes a voluntary military association, helps finance and arm a battery, and keeps his Assembly post despite fears of Quaker opposition. He examines the conflict between religious principles and practical defense, praises openness to changing beliefs, and explains his refusal to patent a useful stove.

What happens

  1. Franklin postpones an academy proposal after Mr. Peters declines to lead it, then establishes a Philosophical Society.
  2. His pamphlet prompts a voluntary defense association with over ten thousand people; those who join equip themselves and practice military skills.
  3. Franklin declines command, promotes a lottery for a battery, and helps obtain eighteen cannon from Governor Clinton.
  4. He retains his Assembly position, while a fire company vote and Mr. Logan’s support reveal Quaker backing for defense.
  5. He describes ways Quakers reconcile military spending with their principles and contrasts their fixed declarations with Dunker openness.
  6. Franklin describes his fuel-saving stove, refuses a patent, and accepts that others profit from his inventions.

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In this part

FranklinJosiah Franklin

What to notice

Welfare explains why the Dunkers resist fixing their beliefs in print. Franklin contrasts this openness with the difficulties caused by the Quakers’ declared opposition to every war.

Quick check

Why does Franklin decline the offered patent for his stove?

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