Benjamin Franklin to Joshua Babcock, September 1, 1755

Philada. Sept. 1. 1755

Dear Sir

I beg Leave to introduce to you the Revd. Mr. Allison Rector of our Academy; 1 a Person of great Ingenuity and Learning, a catholic Divine, and what is more, an Honest Man; For as Pope says

A Wit’s a Feather, and a Chief’s a Rod;

An honest Man’s the noblest Work of God. 2

By Entertaining then this Gent. with your accustomed Hospitality and Benevolence, you will Entertain one of the Nobility. I mean one of Gods Nobility; for as to the Kings , there are many of them not worthy your Notice.

Do me the Favour to make my Compliments acceptable to your good Lady, 3 Sisters and Children in whose most agreeable Company I passed those Chearful Winter Evenings, which I remember with high Pleasure. I am, with the greatest Esteem and Respect, Dear Sir Your most Obedient and Most humble Servant

B Franklin

Mr. Babcock