On September 17, 1787, the last day of the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin brought a written speech. James Wilson read it for him. Franklin began with an admission: “I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve.” Then he said: “I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such.”
He explained why. “I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better Constitution.” He asked each delegate who still had objections to “doubt a little of his own infallibility” and sign.
Of his own doubts he said: “The opinions I have had of its errors, I sacrifice to the public good.”