[860] Proofs of the Real Existence, and Dangerous Tendency, of Illuminism. Containing an abstract of the most interesting parts of what Dr. Robison and the Abbe Barruel have published on this subject; with collateral proofs and general observations. By Seth Payson, A. M., Charlestown, 1802.
[861] Ibid., pp. iii, 217 et seq., 245 et seq.
[862] Mackey, Lexicon and History of Freemasonry, pp. 183 et seq. One of the most active and influential New England Masons of the period was the Reverend William Bentley. The following references in his Diary throw light upon this phase of the situation: vol. ii, pp. 6–8, 11, 12. Cf. also Myer’s History of Free Masonry and Its Progress in the United States, p. 15.
[863] Cf. for example, a small volume entitled, Eulogium and Vindication of Masonry. Selected (and Improved) from Various Writers, Philadelphia, 1792. The following excerpt is fairly typical: “There are brethren who, careless of their own reputation, disregard the instinctive lessons of our noble science, and by yielding to vice and intemperance, not only disgrace themselves, but reflect dishonor upon Masonry in general. It is this unfortunate circumstance which has given rise to those severe and unjust reflections, which the prejudiced part of mankind have so illiberally bestowed upon us.” (Ibid., p. 11. Cf. ibid., p. 19.) This representation of the case is fully confirmed by The Freemason’s Monitor; or Illustrations of Masonry: in Two Parts. By a Royal Arch Mason … Albany, 1797, pp. 18 et seq.. The following sermon, delivered by a non-Mason, is also suggestive in this connection: A Discourse delivered in the New Presbyterian Church, New York: Before the Grand Lodge of the State of New York … June 24th, 1795. By Samuel Miller, one of the Ministers of the United Presbyterian Churches in the City of New York, 1795. Miller dwelt at length upon the suspicion and prejudice that existed against the Masons, due, as he argued, to (1) the order’s veil of secrecy, (2) the number of men who have been admitted to membership who were known to be the open enemies of religion and morality and a disgrace to human nature itself, and (3) the “scenes of vanity and folly” and “the froth of nonsense” by which too many Masonic gatherings were characterized. Cf. ibid., pp. 25 et seq. Despite the fact that the sermon was full of frankest criticism, Miller’s composition was ordered printed by the Grand Lodge, doubtless for the principal reason that he had been at pains to distinguish between genuine and spurious Masons. Thaddeus Harris, a prominent Massachusetts Mason, in a sermon preached at the consecration at a lodge at Groton, Mass., Aug. 9, 1797, took account of the same criticism of the order. Cf. also, Bentley’s Diary, vol. i, p. 379. Reference to such Masonic compilations as The Vocal Companion and Masonic Register, Boston, 1802, and The Maryland Ahiman Rezon of Free and Accepted Masons … Baltimore, 1797, will not leave the reader in doubt that a good deal of the poetry and music employed in the lodges was excessively hilarious and coarse.
[864] In addition to the sermons of Miller and Harris cited in the foregoing note, cf. A Discourse on the Origin, Progress and Design of Free Masonry. Delivered at the Meeting-House in Charlestown, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the Anniversary of St. John the Baptist, June 24, A. D. 1793. By Josiah Bartlett, M. B., Boston, 1793. p. 17. The Rev. Ashbel Baldwin, chaplain of the grand lodge of Connecticut, in 1797, came to the defence of Masonry against the same charge. Cf. The Records of Free Masonry in the State of Connecticut, etc. By E. G. Storer, Grand Secretary, New Haven, 1859, vol. i, pp. 97 et seq.
[865] Jedediah Morse’s efforts, in his fast sermon at May 9, 1798, to avoid giving mortal offence to the Masons of New England, have already been noted. See supra, [pp. 235] et seq. As Robison had sought to exculpate the Masons of England, so Morse sought to exculpate the Masons of “the Eastern States.” We shall see plenty of evidence, however, that New England Masons were not deceived. From the first they recognized with more or less clearness that Masonry itself was involved. The good name and integrity of their entire institution were at stake.
[866] General Joseph Warren, the Revolutionary patriot and hero, who fell at Bunker Hill, one of the most honored leaders of American Freemasonry.
[867] Cf. Columbian Centinel, June 30, 1798; also Massachusetts Mercury, Aug. 21, 1798, for the address of the Grand Lodge in full, together with the President’s cordial response.
[868] Harris was Past Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge and Chaplain of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Massachusetts.
[869] A Charge delivered before the Morning Star Lodge, in Worcester, Massachusetts, upon the festival of Saint John the Baptist, June 25, A. L. 5798. By the Rev. Brother William Bentley, of Salem, Massachusetts. Worcester, June, A. L. 5798. (The initials A. L. in the foregoing title stand for Anno Lucis, and represent a common Masonic usage). This charge not only found independent publication, but got into the New England newspapers generally, and did much to distinguish its author as a bold defender of the craft.