this was the most remarkable religious episode of ben franklin fleiss. it was stunning. -- ben franklin fleiss. it was stunning. franklin, as i suggested before, was nearly alone among the delegates in wishing to bring prayer to the proceedings. connecticut's, roger sherman, one of the most devout christians seconded his motion. virginia's, edmund randolph proposed they hire a pastor to preach on independence day less than a week later. that minister could open subsequent meetings with prayer. beyond these three men, delegates seem uninterested in arranging for prayers. someone pointed out they had not budgeted funds for a chaplain. alexander hamilton worried calling in a pastor would signal the convention is becoming desperate. he reportedly questioned the propriety of calling in foreign aid. the motion fizzled. franklin was exasperated. he jotted a note at the bottom of his prayer speech, the convention accepted three or four persons thought prayer unnecessary. while frankland and the convention moved on. his prayer speech reminded delegates for the nee