Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, which would later become the city with which he is associated, Franklin began working as a printer and was sent to London by the Governor of the province to secure printing equipment. When the funds to purchase the equipment never arrived, Franklin was forced to take a job as a printer. Here Franklin discovered his passion for writing. He began to write in earnest refuting many popular ideas of the day. He became passionate about religious ideas and refuted many that were being written. Franklin believed that man's service to God should be in man's service to other men. After returning to Philadelphia two years later, he was well on his way to becoming a noted writer. In time, he began The Pennsylvania Gazette . This newspaper allowed Franklin to publish his political philosophies as well as his religious ideas. It allowed the common people to be exposed to political ideas that had not been available to them before the Gazette was in business.
As time passed, Franklin began making major contributions to city life in Philadelphia. He is credited with helping to institute the fire department, paving department, street lights and the police department. He was instrumental in beginning the first circulating library and helped to begin the Academy of Education for Youth which later became The University of Pennsylvania.
At this time Franklin began holding several small political offices. His passion for ideas and change led him to hold many different positions, growing more important with each new office he undertook. As deputy postmaster-general Franklin began to be noticed and was by 1754 a member of the Albany Congress. During his tenure as an assemblyman, Franklin was sent to Europe to help secure more friendly relations with England. Franklin grew to love England and struggled personally with his love of America and his admiration of England.
