Main Heading Goes Here

In the autumn of 1727 the Junto began its Friday evening meetings. Franklin’s “Standing Queries” illustrate the young tradesman’s interest both is getting ahead and in doing good, as well as his interest in life-long learning. Franklin’s own words hereafter will appear in italics.

Previous question, to be answered at every meeting:

Have you read over these queries this morning in order to consider what you might have to offer the Junto [touching] anyone of them?

	Have you met with any thing in the author you last read, remarkable, or suitable to be communicated to the Junto? Particularly in history, morality, poetry, physic, travels, mechanic arts, or other parts of knowledge.
	What new story have you lately heard agreeable for telling in conversation?
	Hath any citizen in your knowledge failed in his business lately, and what have you heard of the cause?
	Have you heard of any citizen’s thriving well, and by what means?
	Have you lately heard how any present rich man, here or elsewhere, get his estate?
	Do you know of any fellow citizen, who has lately done a worthy action, deserving praise and imitation? Or who has committed an error proper for us to be warned against and avoid?
	What unhappy effects of intemperance have you lately observed or heard? of imprudence? of passion? or of any vice or folly?
	What happy effects of temperance? of prudence? of moderation? or of any other virtue?
	Have you or any of your acquaintances been lately sick or wounded? If so, what remedies were used, and what were their effects?
	Whom do you know that are shortly going voyages or journeys, if one should have occasion to send by them?
	Do you think of anything at present, in which the Junto maybe serviceable to mankind? to their country, to their friend, or to themselves?
	Hath any deserving stranger arrived in town since last meeting, that you heard of? and what have you heard or observed of his character or merits? And whether think you, it lies in the power of the Junto to oblige him, or encourage him as he deserves?
	Do you know of any deserving young beginner lately set up, whom it lies in the power of the Junto any way to encourage?
	Have you lately observes any defect in the laws of your country, [of] which it would be proper to move the legislature for an amendment? Or do you know of any beneficial law that is wanting?
	Have you of lately observed any encroachment on the just liberties of the people?
	Hath any body attacked you reputation lately? And what can the Junto do towards securing it?
	Is there any man whose friendship you want? And which the Junto or any of them can procure for you?
	Have you lately heard any member’s character attacked, and how you defended it?
	Hath any man injured you, from whom it is the power of the Junto to procure redress?
	In what manner can the Junto, or any of them, assist you in any of your honorable designs?
	Have you any weighty affairs in hand, in which you think the advice of the Junto may be of service?
	What benefits have you received from any that are not present?
	Is there any difficulty in matter of opinion, of justice, and injustice, which you would gladly have discussed at this time?
	Do you see any thing amiss in the present customs or proceedings of the Junto, which might be amended?

Any person to be qualified, to stand up, and lay his hand on his breast, and be asked these questions:

	Have you any particular disrespect to any present members? Answer. I have none.
	Do you sincerely declare, that you love mankind in general; of what profession or religion soever? Answer. I do.
	Do you think any person ought to be harmed in his body, name or goods, for mere speculative opinions, or his external way of worship? Answer. No.
	Do you love truth for truth sake, and will you endeavor impartially to find and receive it yourself, and communicate it to others? Answer. Yes.