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PREFACE
The efforts which have been made
to discredit the existence of Illuminism,
and the torrents of abuse which have been
so liberally poured on such as have attempted,
apparently from the purest motives,
to unveil this mystery of iniquity,
have in part produced the end designed.
Some have mistaken vociferation (outcry) for argument,
and confident assertions for proofs;
while others have been prevented
from publishing their belief and their fears,
not choosing to encounter the shafts of ridicule and defamation;
weapons found to be of great importance in this "age of reason."
A general stupor has hence taken place of that just alarm,
occasioned by the first discovery of this infernal combination.
But has the cause of alarm ceased?
There has been much clamor indeed,
but have any solid, satisfying proofs been exhibited,
either that there has not been, or is not now existing, a conspiracy,
which has for its ultimate object,
the abolition of christianity and government?
Solid proofs alone ought to satisfy us on a subject
so highly interesting to mankind.
Such proofs have not, I confess, come to my knowledge.
Recent events do, on the contrary, confirm my belief,
that a systematical attempt is now in operation
to undermine the foundation
of every religious, moral, and social establishment.
To those who have this belief,
it must appear important that the impending danger
be placed in the most conspicuous point of view;
that the evidence of this fact,
now diffused through expensive, and voluminous tracts,
and arising from a variety of circumstances,
should be collected into one point,
freed from the obscurity in which it has been industriously involved,
and the whole comprised in a volume,
easy to the purchaser, and intelligible to every reader.
The importance of such a publication
at the present critical period,
and which I have expected, and hoped to see
from some abler hand,
is all the apology I have to offer for undertaking the task.
To defend religion, by exposing the plots concerted for its destruction,
is the principal object of this publication:
and if any thing of a political nature is introduced,
it is with a view of detecting, and counteracting that dark policy,
which has connected the subversion of every good government,
with the overthrow of christianity.
I claim no merit for discovering what I could not avoid seeing,
but by shutting my eyes;
and I fear no censure, for I have obeyed the call of duty.
I have no hope of convincing those
who have had access to the evidence here referred to,
but for reasons best known to themselves,
have rejected it;
nor the many who have presumed
to give judgment without examination:
this statement of evidence is for those
who have no medium of vision;
and those, whose optics have been injured by the dust
which sophistry, prejudice, and the powers of darkness have raised.
Could I contribute but a mite, which is my all,
to preserve my country from that vortex of anarchy,
which has ingulphed the liberties, civil and religious,
and the peace, property, and lives of millions,
my labor will not be unrewarded.
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