I find I need to add a footnote to my post concerning Benjamin Franklin and the quotation, “God helps them that help themselves.” I mentioned that some Christians hold the quote to the epitome of “the American religion” that is opposed to authentic Christianity.
But this blog post demonstrates that the saying isn’t original with Ben Franklin.
…this statement can be taken in an orthodox way and actually comes from the pen of the famous Bible commentator, Matthew Henry. Henry writes,
“God will help those that help themselves. Vigilantibus non dormientibus succurrit lex—The law succours those who watch, not those who sleep.” (Commentary on Joshua 5:13-15).
In another place, Henry writes: “He gives strength and power to his people, and helps them by enabling them to help themselves…He will help the willing, will help those who, in a humble dependence upon him, help themselves, and will do well for those who do their best.” (Commentary on Isaiah 40:27-31).
So the saying may well represent the influence of a Christian heritage on Benjamin Franklin, rather than a deviation from it.