The Constitutional Convention was in a heated deadlock over how both large and small states could be represented equally. Some delegates even left, giving up hope. Then, on this day, June 28, 1787, the 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin spoke, and shortly after the U.S. Constitution became a reality. As recorded by James Madison, Franklin stated: "In the ... Contest with Great Britain ... we had daily prayer in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard and ... graciously answered. ... And have we now forgotten that powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?"