Is Founded in Scripture," argued explicitly for a democratic mode of church governance. His arguments were based on biblical sources, the principle of natural rights, and reason. Defending the status quo of congregational churches, Wise used democracy as a foundation at the time when religion and politics were closely interwoven. He reasoned that, "...when men (being originally in a condition of natural freedom and equality) had thoughts of joining a civil body..." (Dolbeare, p.26). What Wise is trying to state here was that in the Law of Nature we are all free and equal. However, once we join a government we are secured of those rights. He uses Locke's fundamental principles of natural freedom and equality as a state of being, arguing one must partake in a state of democracy in order to have these rights secured. Wise states in his closing argument, "And it is as plain as daylight, there is no species of government like a democracy to attain this end" (Dolbeare, p.31).
             Benjamin Franklin (1706-90), who wrote "Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind, the Peopling of Countries, etc., and The Albany Plan of Union," focused on early colonial union. He played an important role in brining the lessons of the long-established Iroquois Confederacy into mainstream American political discussions. Forming intellectual, literary, and benevolent organizations, Franklin also promoted civic causes such as library, a hospital, and an educational system. As his essay on "Mankind" focuses on the increase of population of people, Franklin articulated reasons for a nation to collapse. He mentions being conquered, loss of territory, loss of trade, loss of food, bad government and insecure property, along with the introduction of slaves. In his essay, "The Albany Plan," he stresses the separation of powers, feder
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