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(page 195 thru 216)
Those who assure us that Illuminism was always harmless,
and has long since been extinct in Europe,
at the same time ridicule the idea of its having ever existed in America,
or had any influence on our civil or religious interests.
From the peculiar secrecy of the sect, these gentlemen came forward
with the greatest advantages for gaining credit;
for they confidently ask, where are these Illuminees?
Point them out to us.
With the same confidence they assert
that we were ignorant of the name of this order
until it was communicated by Robison.
This is true, but if they are impartial,
Why do they not lay open the whole truth?
Why do they not tell us that the strength of the order
lies principally in concealment,
and that it assumes any name or form,
rather than its own proper one?
Why do they not tell us, what they very well know,
that, even in their native soil, Bavaria,
their name and existence were equally unknown,
till their deeds discovered their retreat, and induced an inquiry,
which brought to light their hidden works of darkness?
The inquiry before us does not respect names and appellations.
We are not contending that there are, or have been,
men in America, known as Illuminees.
The important fact is, that men in America,
under the direction and influence of a foreign head,
are, or at least have been,
combined in opposition to our peace, prosperity and welfare.
A rash, unfounded suggestion of this nature would be highly criminal;
it is here made with solemnity, and under a conviction,
that the evidence by which it is supported,
affords just cause of alarm.
Upon the list of illuminated lodges, furnished by Dr. Robison,
several are mentioned as existing in America before 1786. *
* Robison's Proofs, p. 159
The zeal with which Dr. Morse has investigated this matter,
as it respects this country,
though it has loaded him with that kind of obloquy (disgrace)
which is the good man's praise,
has furnished some important documents
with which we shall enrich this part of the subject.
In an Appendix to his Fast Sermon, of May 9, 1798,
he gives us a particular account of the lodge Wisdom,
instituted at Portsmouth in Virginia, as early as 1786,
a branch of the Grand Orient of France,
and numbered the 2660th descendant of that stock. *
* Particular mention is made of this lodge by Barruel, Vol. IV. p. 213.
From an original letter, for the authenticity of which
he pledges himself to the public,
he has furnished us with an official list
of the numbers, names, ages, places of nativity, and professions
of the officers and members of this lodge,
together with their horrid seal,
in which, with some of the usual masonic symbols,
are interwoven emblems of carnage and death.
The members of this lodge, consisting of one hundred,
were chiefly emigrants from France and St. Domingo.
This lodge had a deputy residing with the mother society in France,
to communicate all needful instructions.
Two similar societies had originated from the Portsmouth lodge,
one in Virginia, the other at St. Domingo.
By the same means he had evidence
of the existence of a similar society at New York,
called "The Grand Orient of New York,"
derived, in like manner, from the lodge of the same name in France.
From this New York lodge issued a French lodge,
called the Union,
which was the 14th branch from this secondary stock.
The particular location of the other lodges,
or whether the number here specified,
included the whole which were then in America, were not known.
It is an important item of information,
which the Doctor further communicates on this subject,
that the best informed Free Masons among us, disclaim these societies;
the titles of some of their dignitaries,
their seal and motto they declare are not masonic.
In the close he introduces the following calculation,
which, though obvious, is interesting.
Admitting all these American lodges, individually,
to contain an equal number of members with the lodge Wisdom,
the calculation gives at that time,
no less than 1700 agents of Illuminism in America,
in close connection and correspondence with each other,
and with the Grand Orient at Paris,
from which they received constant illumination;
and we may add, acting under the influence of a society,
which was the active soul and vital spring of those scenes of horror
exhibited in France and other parts of Europe.
A very respectable Mason, formerly Grand Master
of all the lodges in the State in which he resided, informed me,
that a letter, designed for one of the above-mentioned lodges,
fell into his hands while he was Grand Master,
by a very natural mistake, and which
left him no room to doubt the accuracy and authenticity
of what Dr. Morse has stated on this subject.
He could not ascertain particulars,
as the time of his receiving the letter
was previous to the discovery of Illuminism,
and consequently it appeared more enigmatical
than it probably would at present;
and since that time, it has been mislaid,
or taken out of his possession.
The following facts, received from unquestionable authority,
confirm the truth and accuracy of the above representation.
A gentleman of high respectability, who says,
"he belonged to a lodge of the ancient order of Masons,"
and was in a situation to know perfectly
the character and conduct of the Portsmouth lodge,
under date of March 23, 1800, writes thus to Dr. Morse;
"The lodge in Portsmouth, to which you allude, in your appendix,
called the French lodge,
was considered by me as under the modern term of masonry.
Its members, in 1789, were mostly French.
Some men who were respectable, and attached to our government,
Dickson and Cox, particularly, belonged to the lodge at that time.
It is probable about the time Admiral Cambis' fleet
arrived there from St. Domingo,
there might have been many enthusiastic Frenchmen admitted,
which swell the number in your list."
April 11, 1800, the same gentleman writes,
"That you had good grounds to suspect the designs
of the French lodge at Portsmouth in Virginia,
I have no reasons, nor ever had, to doubt;
and, at a time, it is evident to me,
that their work was to effect the plans of France in this country;
and that the bulk of the members who composed the lodge in 1797,
were ready to further any designs
which the French government may have had on this country,
and to give their aid to carry them into effect,
as they were mostly Frenchmen.
The few Americans admitted were to prevent their being suspected,
and they could operate without them;
as I am convinced they never were admitted to the highest degrees."
Add to the above, that this French lodge at Portsmouth,
was not in fellowship with the other lodges
of the ancient order of Masons;
and that one of its members from Germany,
at a period when Americans generally
thought favorably of the French revolution,
declared, (and the declaration can be substantiated)
that he belonged to a lodge in Germany,
in which that revolution was planned.
These facts, and those originally stated,
together with credible information,
received direct from the most respectable men in Portsmouth,
prove incontestibly the correctness of the account
which has been published of this lodge.
Although the above documents
have never been confronted with any evidence,
unless clamor and abuse may be so called,
yet, as this mode of reasoning has its influence with some people,
I must beg leave to introduce another respectable masonic testimony.
It is an extract, furnished by a friend, from a printed oration,
delivered February 3d, A. L. 5801,
before the Grand Royal Arch Chapter
for the state of New York,
by the Rev. John F. Ernst, Grand Chaplin.
The friend who furnishes the extract, writes, that he (the orator)
"is held in high, very high estimation by the Masons in those parts."
The orator, guarding his brethren against the wrong use
which he acknowledges has been made of Masonry,
in many instances, introduces the following sentence.
"The unravelled and deep designs of modern Masons,
called the Illuminati,
who have almost inundated Europe,
and are gaining ground fast in America,
have clearly demonstrated the abuse,
untyled Mason lodges have met with;
and how they, when not presided over,
and guarded by men of knowledge, and genuine masonic principles,
can be overthrown, revolutionized, and moulded according to pleasure."
Are these documents deserving no credit?
Shall we renounce our reason, because some men will not believe
unless they have a sign from heaven?
And if true, do they not afford just cause of alarm?
Admitting this was a full discovery of the extent of Illuminism in America,
at that time, and that since that time, it has received no increase,
which is far from being probable;
is a body of seventeen hundred men,
acting with the force of secret societies,
and under the direction of a foreign power,
compatible with the peace, quiet, and safety of this country?
We need no longer wonder at the confidence
the French Directory expressed
in their diplomatic skill
and influence in America,
or the prevalence of the new philosophy,
and the alarming change which has taken place here,
in the state of religion and morals.
It is no longer surprising,
that every method has been adopted to excite opposition
to the measures of the late administration of our government,
to vilify our best characters,
and to alienate the minds of the citizen from their rulers;
or, that native Americans have been compelled
to yield their seats to foreigners.
This affords an easy explanation,
of what, without this key, must appear mysterious,
that a period, in which we have enjoyed all that men can enjoy
of the blessings of a free and excellent government,
attended with a degree of prosperity,
which has scarce its parallel in the history of mankind,
has been a period of complaint, of tumult and insurrection.
Nor is it unaccountable that we should hear it asserted,
with the highest effrontery,
that our greatest danger arises, not from France,
from Illuminism, or self-created societies,
but, from the tyranny of the clergy,
and from British influence.
These are among the known arts of Illuminism.
Whoever has carefully observed its progress in Europe,
will easily discern the features of the monster,
under all its concealments.
It is an axiom in Illuminism, upon which its disciples,
both in Europe and America, have formed their practice,
that the most egregrious and absurd falsehoods,
if told with confidence, and confidently repeated,
will at length gain credit and influence.
As has been stated, we have ample proof,
that societies have existed in America,
derived from the Grand Orient in France,
and intimately connected with that directing head
of all the improved, or illuminated lodges in France.
This evidence, coming from different quarters and distinct sources,
is greatly corroberated by that circumstance,
and acquires an additional claim to our belief.
But will it be said,
because illuminated societies, connected with those in France,
once existed in America,
it is not therefore certain
that they were united in design with the parent society,
or wished to extend the empire of Illuminism?
Though Jacobin clubs were suddenly formed
in every part of the United States,
similar to those in France, by means of which,
the Jacobins governed the nation at their pleasure,
yet this, it may with as much truth be said,
is no demonstration that the clubs in America
were formed for the like purpose.
Thus men reason, who are determined not to admit conviction.
But can any person, not blinded by prejudice,
doubt whence arose the opposition made
to the adoption of the federal constitution,
and to every measure, calculated
to establish the independence, prosperity, and respectability of our country?
It is not commonly to be expected,
that we should be able to substantiate, by legal evidence,
the secret machinations of the emissaries of darkness.
Their intentions are not to be discovered
by their professions, and ostensible character;
but often they unwarily expose themselves
to the wakeful eye of wisdom.
Before the systematical arrangements of Illuminism became public,
the active interference of France in America was visible
to every person of discernment, who was not opposed to conviction.
It is well known that the activity of Genet,
by granting commissions to privateers,
procuring the enlistment of soldiers,
forming clubs, extending the influence of France,
and by his attempts to excite opposition to government,
and to alienate the minds of the people from their rulers,
produced a remonstrance on the subject from our watchful President,
which rendered his recal unavoidable.
To exculpate those under whose commission Genet acted,
his conduct in America has been attributed
to his imprudently exceeding his commission.
This is easily said,
as many other things have been, without a coloring of truth.
Genet had his recommendation for the American appointment,
in the proofs he had given of his disorganizing qualities at Geneva,
where he had been the successful agent of the same detestable policy.
But we are not left to conjectures
respecting the grounds of his appointment.
Robespierre, wishing to crush the Brissotine faction,
that he might possess their power and influence,
charges them with their unjust attempts against other governments,
and with respect to America, says expressly,
"Genet, their agent at Philadelphia,
made himself chief of a club there,
and never ceased to make and excite motions
equally injurious and perplexing to the government."
Defeated in this attempt, by the vigilance of Washington,
but not discouraged,
rendered more cautious, but not less malicious,
the agents of France still pursued, though with greater secrecy,
their disorganizing system.
In 1795, Fauchet's intercepted letter
again disclosed their dark designs,
and the real character of "the pretended patriots of America."
The memorable sentence,
relating to the insurgents in the western counties,
will not be soon forgotten.
He informs his government, that the western people,
"Republicans by principle,
independent by character and situation,
they could not but accede with enthusiasm
to the criminations which WE have sketched." *
* Fauchet's Letter, 10th parag.
The grievances of these deluded people,
or their criminations of government,
were not, it appears, suggested by by their own feelings,
but by "French agents, who dictated to them
what were the censurable proceedings
of their constituted authorities.
This is not the first time this officious nation has sketched grievances,
and excited those who were at rest,
to arm themselves against their own governments.
But lest this sketch should not meet the feelings,
and obtain the full approbation of these republicans,
Fauchet administers to his employers,
this further consolation, that
"these complaints were systematizing
by the conversation of influential men,
who retired into those wild countries,
and who, from principle, or by a series of particular heart-burnings,
animated discontents, already too near to effervescence." *
* ibid. 12th par
It must now be left with the reader to determine,
whether or not he will allow Mr. Fauchet,
and his influential coadjustors,
the praise he claims of exciting an insurrection,
which cost the United States more than a million of dollars.
As Mr. Fauchet has not told us
what arguments his influential agents would use
to promote the insurrection,
the defect may be supplied by the following communication,
made by a gentleman of accurate information,
and of the first respectability in Pennsylvania;
who warrants us to assure the public, that
"the plunder of the city of Philadelphia
was promised to the Insurgents in 1794, by their leaders."
The societies of United Irishmen
next mark the progress of Illuminism in America.
In May, 1798, the declaration and constitution
of the American Society of United Irishmen
were discovered, and published in Philadelphia.
This society was evidently founded on the principles
of the illuminated lodges in Europe;
and we are not left in the dark as to thier object;
for no one, who will attentively read their constitution,
can hesitate to say, it was to enlist and organize
the discontented and factious, and particularly foreigners,
in the different parts of the United States,
in order to diffuse the spirit,
and promote the infernal designs, of Illuminism in this country.
Their constitution is drawn up with considerable ingenuity.
The ostensible object of their association,
was to act in concert with their United brethren in Ireland.
"Equality and Liberty to ALL men,"
was, at the same time, held forth in their declaration;
and in their test, each member pledged himself,
that he would direct all his efforts
to the attainment of liberty and equality to MANKIND,
in whatever country he may reside."
The section which immediately follows the test,
exhibits a strong evidence,
that the ostensible object of the society,
was not the real one;
and, that under the semblance of humanity,
was concealed a project
far from the emancipation of mankind.
The section is this:
"That the test of this society,
and the intention of this institution,
(in all other respects than as a social body, attached to freedom)
be considered as secret and inviolable,
in all cases, but between members, and in the body of the society."
The existence of this society,
the intended secrecy of its designs,
and the evident tendency of its labors,
exhibit further, and strong proof,
that the baneful influence of Illuminism
is diffusing itself through this country.
Although our ears were daily wounded
with the disgusting extravagancies of France,
and our property subjected to the most wanton spoilations,
still, from some secret cause,
her influence was prevailing in America;
when the directory, misled by the shameful pliancy of our ambassador, *
* Mr. Munroe
entirely miscalculated their influence,
and the remaining energy of the American character.
Sure of their prey, they too soon threw off the mask
which concealed their designs.
Their conduct towards the American Envoys,
who were sent to demand a redress of grievances,
was so repugnant to every sentiment
of justice, good faith and propriety,
as to admit of no apology.
The mist, which had been gathering around the minds of Americans,
and through which France appeared great and magnanimous,
was dissolved in a moment.
In vain was recourse had to the deceptive arts
which hertofore had been so successful.
Her detestable policy silenced her advocates,
and united all who regarded righteousness,
or felt for the interest, or dignity of their country.
A barrier was now formed,
which appeared to be a lasting defence
against the intriguing spirit of France.
We forgot our losses and sufferings
in the pleasing prospect that our countrymen
would forever escape her deceptive snares.
But, alas, these hopes have vanished.
Subsequent events, which have lulled the fears,
and impaired the energies of our countrymen,
have furnished unhappy opportunities to the friends of France,
to propagate her principles, and extend her influence, in America;
and at no period, perhaps, has their success been greater,
than for the last three or four years.
What is to be the result, cannot be foreseen.
The influence of Washington, more extensive, perhaps,
than ever one man acquired over a nation, proved,
during his administration, a great mean, under Providence,
of security against the insiduous attempts of our enemies,
and the progress of self-created societies,
of the tendency of which he was aware,
and gave faithful warning to his country.
At a later period, the full tide of wealth,
which has poured in upon almost all classes of citizens
has operated as an antidote
against the libels of the enemies of our government.
But, if these peculiar advantages have scarcely preserved us
from the mortal embraces of France;
if a steady opposition has been made to a government
whose measures have been uniformly successful,
and murmurs, complaints and insurrections have marked a period,
attended with every soothing circumstance of prosperity,
what may we not fear from those pressing difficulties which may arise,
and which, probably, will be the result
of those luxurious habits we are now forming,
when the means of gratification, as they must be, are contracted?
What indeed can we expect in any circumstances,
should the spirit of Illuminism continue its progress;
should our renewed intercourse with France,
extend the influence of those principles
which have already been too successfully disseminated in America?
Although the observations in this chapter have a political aspect,
they have not been introduced with a political design,
but in evidence of the progress of the genius of Illuminism,
the constant attendant of French influence.
France is the region of Illuminism,
and her policy and principles are dictated by its spirit.
The leading characters in her revolution have publicly avowed
the sentiments so industriously propagated by Voltaire,
and systematically taught in the school of Weishaupt.
In a discourse, composed by Anacharsis Cloots,
and printed and circulated by order of the National Convention,
we find the following sentiments.
"Man, when free, wants no other divinity than himself.
Reason dethrones both the kings of the earth and the king of heaven.
No monarchy above, if we wish to preserve our republic below.
"Volumes have been written,
to determine whether a republic of Atheists could exist:
I maintain, that every other republic is a chimera.
If you admit the existence of a heavenly sovereign,
you introduce the wooden horse within your walls;
what you adore by day, will be your destruction at night." *
* Residence in France
By virtually abolishing the christian sabbath,
enthroning Reason in the temples of the Deity,
and by affixing to their burying-grounds the inscription,
"Death is an everlasting sleep."
a sentiment expressive of the essence of atheism,
the Convention gave the most explicit sanction
to the above principles.
This is French liberty; the liberty they wish to propagate.
The state of their finances required
that they should be more immediately active
in promoting revolutions in governments,
than in propagating atheism,
as every revolution afforded a pretext for plunder,
and for demanding contributions;
but in the mean time, they have not been inactive
in their attempts to abolish, what they style,
"the tyranny of heaven."
Their Anti-Christian writings, which have been rapidly circulated,
even in these distant regions,
and their Propaganda,
afford ample proofs of their zeal.
Girtanner, in his memoirs on the French revolution,
estimates
"the acting members of the club of Propagandists,
at fifty thousand,
and their general fund, in 1791, at thirty millions of livres;
that they are extended over the world;
having for their object the promotion of revolutions,
and the doctrines of atheism.
It is a maxim in their code,
that it is better to defer their attempts for fifty years,
than to fail in them through too much precipitation." *
* Barruel's Memoirs, Vol. II. p. 245
That the principles of infideliy
have attended the progress of French influence in America,
does not admit of a doubt.
The truth of this remark is evident from inspection.
Who can avoid seeing,
and who that believes the importance of religion to mankind,
can avoid lamenting,
the alarming revolution which has taken place here,
in the essential doctrines of natural and revealed religion?
The sentiment has not yet been openly avowed,
but I have satisfying evidence,
that it has been more than once asserted, to this effect, that
we never should be free until the christian church was abolished.
The two following articles of information were communicated
by a gentleman of the first respectability in Pennsylvania,
to his correspondent in New England,
who has favored me with his letter. *
* The original is with the author.
He writes,
"On the occasion of the election of citizen M'Kean,
an altar was erected on the commons,
on which the statues of liberty and peace were placed.
Large libations were poured on the altar by the priests of liberty,
who were clothed in white, with red caps ,
stuck round with sprigs of laurel.
After which an ox was sacrificed before the altar,
and its flesh divided among a thousand citizens,
while many republican toasts were drank by the company.
The ox was likewise adorned with garlands,
according to the Pagan ritual."
The other article is as follows:
"It was lately proposed in Ricket's Circus, (at Philadelphia)
to exhibit a view of Hell,
for the diversion of the good company,
and such exhibition would have taken place,
had not the combustibles, prepared for the occasion,
taken fire too soon, and consumed the house."
The first account, the writer says,
"is taken from a democratic paper, printed at York" (Pennsylvania)
and with respect to both, he adds,
"You may rely on the accuracy of the information."
The following statement is taken from a printed abstract of the society,
for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts,
for the year, ending the 21st February, 1800,
and annexed to Dr. Courtenay's anniversary sermon.
"A sect, called New Lights,
but composed of the most enthusiastic and extravagant
of the different denominations in Nova Scotia,
have lately appeared in that province,
whose political, are said to be equally dangerous
with their religious principles.
It is believed that the conductors of these people
are engaged in the general plan of a total revolution
in religion and civil government;
and it is a certain fact, that the Age of Reason,
Volney on the Ruin of Empires,
and a false representation of the French Revolution,
have been secretly handed about by professed New Lights."
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