The _American Mercury_ was another newspaper that rallied to the effort to break down any favorable impressions which Morse’s latest deliverance upon the subject of Illuminism may have made upon the public mind. The respectfully attentive and receptive attitude of this journal during the earlier stages of the agitation has already been noted.[808] The appearance of the fast day sermon converted this into a spirit of violent antagonism. Morse’s latest sermon was pronounced absurd. “His history of the _Lodge of Wisdom_ is equally fabulous with his story of the ship Ocean,”[809] was the judgment of Editor Babcock.[810] A few weeks later the _Mercury_ gave to its readers an article that had first seen the light in the _Farmer’s Weekly Museum_,[811] a New Hampshire publication. How roughly Morse and the documentary proofs which he had recently laid before the public were handled in this article, the following excerpts will suggest: Every person who had an opportunity of perusing the sermons which have been published by Dr. Morse, within the space of two years past, must be sensible how great have been his efforts and exertions, to sound an alarm amongst the people, and to create in the public mind the highest degree of astonishment.... From the assurance with which the Dr. speaks of his discovery and the great utility which must result from it to mankind, one would imagine that his name would be enrolled among the _worthies_ of his day, as the greatest ornament of our country, and the glory of human nature.... He will undoubtedly do more honour to himself and his profession, to return again to his old business, “of writing geography,” and not thus attempt to agitate the public mind, with such alarming discoveries of Illuminatism. For trifles, light as air, are to the suspicious, Strong as proofs of holy writ.[812] Meanwhile the supporters of Morse were not idle, although it must be admitted that as far as the press was concerned the amount of sympathy and support that Morse received from that quarter was by no means commensurate to the weight of criticism with which his opponents sought to crush him. Extracts from his recent fast sermon appeared in such papers as the _Massachusetts Mercury_[813] and the _Salem Gazette_;[814] and with characteristic loyalty to every interest which in any way might be able to serve the cause of Federalism, the _Connecticut Courant_ proclaimed its complete satisfaction with Morse’s production in the following reckless fashion: