Note 865 — Chapter IV · (continued 2)

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.