“Didn’t he say these words in Philadelphia while the adoption of The Declaration was being debated?”
I don’t know, but according to AI:
Benjamin Franklin wrote this sentiment in 1755 (likely Philadelphia) on behalf of the Pennsylvania Assembly to the colonial governor. It was not a speech about nationhood, but a phrase in a letter referring to a tax dispute, where “essential liberty” meant the legislature’s right to tax the Penn family for frontier defense.
Also:
Contrary to modern usage, which often implies a defense against government overreach, Franklin was arguing that the legislature should not give up its right to govern (tax) for the “temporary safety” of being in the Penn family’s good graces.
Actually, I was referring to the Samuel Adams quote. I should have been clearer. Though, the note you posted on Franklin is interesting. I did not know that.