[703] A Sermon, Preached at Charlestown, November 29, 1798, on the Anniversary Thanksgiving in Massachusetts. With an Appendix, designed to illustrate some parts of the Discourse; exhibiting proofs of the early existence, progress, and deleterious effects of French intrigue and influence in the United States. By Jedediah Morse, D. D., pastor of the church in Charlestown…. Boston, December, 1798. Two reprints of the sermon were issued early in the next year.
[704] Morse, op. cit., p. 9.
[705] Ibid., pp. 10–14.
[706] Morse, op. cit., p. 15.
[707] Ibid.
[708] Ibid.
[709] Ibid., p. 16.
[710] Ibid., p. 18.
[711] The sermon was preached in two parts, morning and afternoon, and concerning Morse’s discussion of the Christian religion this explanatory mote appears in the printed report: “The last article, respecting the Christian Religion, which constituted the whole of the forenoon sermon, being a common, though always interesting subject, has been considerably abridged.” (Ibid., p. 4.) This is only one of many marks of the great care Morse took to get the printed report of the sermon before the public in the most impressive form possible. He was fully conscious of the fact that he had an allegation to defend as well as a demurrer to oppose.
[712] Morse, op. cit., pp. 20–22.